tavattavan

Tavattavan, also known as Tavattavan Sutta, is a Buddhist text that is part of the Pali Canon, specifically the Khuddaka Nikaya. The term "tavattavan" translates to "the four kinds of people" or "the four kinds of beings." The sutta is a discourse delivered by the Buddha to his disciples, providing a classification of beings based on their understanding and perception of the world.

The text identifies four types of people:

1. The first kind of person is one who sees the world as it truly is, understanding the Four Noble Truths and the path to enlightenment. This person is described as a "wise person" or "one who has seen."

2. The second kind is one who sees the world as it is not, perceiving the world through the lens of craving and attachment. This person is described as a "foolish person" or "one who has not seen."

3. The third kind is one who sees the world as it is not, but is aware of their ignorance and seeks to understand the truth. This person is described as a "person who is seeking" or "one who is striving."

4. The fourth kind is one who sees the world as it truly is, but is not yet free from ignorance and craving. This person is described as a "person who is awakened" or "one who has reached the path."

The Tavattavan Sutta emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of reality and the path to liberation from suffering. It serves as a guide for practitioners to discern their own understanding and to strive towards enlightenment. The sutta is often cited in Buddhist literature and teachings to illustrate the diversity of human experience and the universal path to enlightenment.