"Bhikkhus, there are these three types of persons existing in the world. What three? The person with a mind like a sore, the person with a mind like lightning, and the person with a mind like diamond.

And what, bhikkhus, is the person with a mind like a sore? Here, bhikkhus, a certain person is irritable, very afflicted; even when lightly criticized, they become upset, angry, resentful, and show hatred and displeasure. Just as, bhikkhus, an open sore, when struck by wood or struck by a stone, discharges even more, so too, bhikkhus, here a certain person is irritable, very afflicted; even when lightly criticized, they become upset, angry, resentful, and show hatred and displeasure. This is called the person with a mind like sore.

And what, bhikkhus, is the person with a mind like lightning? Here, bhikkhus, a certain person understands as it really is: ‘This is suffering’; ‘This is the origin of suffering’; ‘This is the cessation of suffering’; ‘This is the path leading to the cessation of suffering.’ Just as, bhikkhus, a person with sight in the dark of the night sees forms by a flash of lightning, so too, bhikkhus, here a certain person understands as it really is: ‘This is suffering’; ‘This is the origin of suffering’; ‘This is the cessation of suffering’; ‘This is the path leading to the cessation of suffering.’ This is called the person with a mind like lightning.

And what, bhikkhus, is the person with a mind like diamond? Here, bhikkhus, a certain person, through the wearing away of the defilements, realizes with direct knowledge and attains in this very life the taintless liberation of mind and liberation by wisdom, and dwells in it. Just as, bhikkhus, there is nothing that can break a diamond, whether it be a gem or a rock, so too, bhikkhus, here a certain person, through the wearing away of the defilements, realizes with direct knowledge and attains in this very life the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, and dwells in it. This is called the person with a mind like diamond.

These, bhikkhus, are the three types of persons existing in the world."

Related Teachings:

Who to not associate with (AN 3.27) - The Buddha shares guideline on choosing one’s associations and company. For it is through associations that one can decline, avoid decline or grow in qualities.

Ethics, confidence, diligence precede the eightfold path (SN 46.50 - 54) - As the dawn precedes the sun, ethics, enthusiasm, confidence, right view, and diligence precede the eightfold path.

A handful of leaves 🍃 - Essential Teachings of the Buddha to Understanding The Four Noble Truths - A collection of teachings on understanding the four noble truths.