法苑珠林 5.48

5.48

If we speak of it in terms of the four directions, then in northern Uttarakuru there is neither noble nor base; there is no distinction of servants there, and therefore neither noble nor base. In the remaining three directions there are noble and base, because there is the distinction of ruler, minister, and common people, and the difference of masters and servants; therefore there are distinct classes of noble and base. Summing up the noble and base, there are six grades in all: first, the noblest among the noble, namely cakravartins and the like; second, the intermediate among the noble, namely millet-scattering kings and the like; third, the lowest among the noble, such as the hundred officials and the like; fourth, the basest among the base, namely sluggish and inferior youths and the like; fifth, the intermediate among the base, namely servants, slaves, and the like; sixth, the lowest among the base, namely concubines, maidservants, and the like. Roughly summed up they are like this; fine divisions can hardly be exhausted.