Fundamental to the discussion in this chapter is a distinction between two terms crucial to Theravada philosophical exposition, „mundane“ (lokiya) and „supramundane“ (lokuttara). The term „mundane“ applies to all phenomena comprised in the world (loka) - to subtle states of consciousness as well as matter, to virtue as well as evil, to meditative attainments as well as sensual engrossments. The term „supramundane,“ in contrast, applies exclusively to that which transcends the world, that is, the nine supramundane states: Nibbāna, the four noble paths (magga) leading to Nibbāna, and their corresponding fruits (phala) which experience the bliss of Nibbāna.

Fundamental to the discussion in this chapter is a distinction between two terms crucial to Theravada philosophical exposition, „mundane“ (lokiya) and „supramundane“ (lokuttara). The term „mundane“ applies to all phenomena comprised in the world (loka) - to subtle states of consciousness as well as matter, to virtue as well as evil, to meditative attainments as well as sensual engrossments. The term „supramundane,“ in contrast, applies exclusively to that which transcends the world, that is, the nine supramundane states: Nibbāna, the four noble paths (magga) leading to Nibbāna, and their corresponding fruits (phala) which experience the bliss of Nibbāna.