The Common Mortal

“What do we mean by 'those garbed in illusions'? Such people uphold the prohibitions, observe [moral] deportment, and uphold the Wonderful Dharma. They agree with what the Buddha says, understand what is said and expound it to others, and say: ‘Coveting little is the Way; desiring much is not the Way’, and expound the ‘eight awakened minds of a great man' (this is called the Noble Eightfold Path). To one who transgresses, the Way is shown, so that he confesses and repents. These people make away with sins and know the expedients and secrets of the teachings of the Bodhisattvas. Such a person [of the first category] is a common mortal, not the eighth-person [someone who has reached at the stage of attainment called ‘eighth-person stage’]. The eighth-person is not a common mortal. It is called 'Bodhisattva', but not Buddha.”

Read More on the Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 8 - On the Four Dependables.