Jain Metaphysics and Science: 3.1.2.1 Two types

The pudgala can be classified in two types as

1. Paramanu or freely existing ultimate existence.
2. Skandha or composite aggregate composed of two to infinite number of paramanus.

Composite aggregates are again of two types (a) 4-touch (catuhsparsi) and 8-touch (astasparsi). The four- touch bodies have only four primaries touch viz, hot, cold, smooth and rough. The eight touch bodies; on the other hand, have in addition the secondary touch properties viz., heavy, light, hard and soft. The four touch bodies are agurulaghu and mass less.

Pudgala can be classified in two types in another way.

1. Suksma (Subtle) - These are sense imperceptible. This does not mean that suksma pudgala is devoid of sense data. They become perceptible to persons having power of extra sensory perception. Paramanus and all aggregates composed of two, five, and ten up to innumerable paramanus are subtle. In fact, all four touch aggregates are subtle and sense imperceptible.
2. Badara (gross) - Those aggregates, which are perceivable by sense organs, are badara or gross. Aggregates composed of infinite paramanu and which have eight- touch are gross as well subtle. Only some eight touch aggregates are sense perceivable and therefore gross.

There is yet another way of classifying pudgala in two ways.

1. Associable or capable of interaction with soul. The associated pudgala is supposed to be of conscious character.
2. Non-associable or not capable of interaction with soul. All paramanus in Free State are non-associable. Amongst the composite bodies some can interact, while some cannot.