Four discriminations (Buddhism)

The four kinds of understanding as knowledge - knowledge about meaning, knowledge about law, knowledge about language, knowledge about kinds of knowledge or perspicuity, grouped together as the four discriminations or analyses can be subdivided in several ways: - two planes or spheres: as of probationers or trainers; as of non-probationers or trainers.

- five aspects: attainment or achievement of arahantship; study or mastery of the scriptures, the word of Buddha; hearing and learning the dhamma through careful attention; questioning through discussion difficult passages and their interpretation in texts and commentaries; previous application or effort, so that there is constant devotion to the subject of meditation even while walking on the alms round.

- another division goes: previous application; knowledge of a science or art; knowledge of language; study of scripture; questioning (even if only one verse); achievement of arahantship or entering the stream; living close to learned teachers; friendship with such teachers.

On the Path of Purification of Hinayana Buddhism; panna (understanding) is considered as of one kind (monad), of two kinds (dyads), of three kinds (triads) or of four kinds (tetrads). There are five dyads, four triads and two tetrads. All have the characteristic of penetrating the individual essences or true nature of states (monad). The four kinds of understanding in the second tetrad are together referred to as the four discriminations or analyses.