分別功德論 1.7

1.7

The verse says: "assembled the four classes"—this is an abbreviation. In principle there should be four classes, but outwardly there are further eight classes. Among humans and devas: kṣatriyas, brāhmaṇas, gṛhapatis, and śramaṇas; the Four Heavenly Kings, the Thirty-Three Devas, the Māra King, and the Brahmā King: these make eight classes. In all there are twelve classes; stating "four classes" merely broadly indicates the essential ones.