Jain Metaphysics and Science: 3.1.2.4 Six Types

Generally, largeness is equated with grossness (sthaulya) and smallness is equated with subtlety (sauksmya). However, size is not the criterion in this classification. Gross is that which prevents other substances to pass and which can be stopped by others, or which cannot occupy space which is already occupied by others or which cannot pass through others and which does not allow others to occupy the space occupied by it.

Conversely, subtle is that which does not hinder others and cannot be hindered by others (or which can occupy the space which is already occupied by others or can pass through others). A mustered - seed is smaller in size than a drop of water but whereas water can pass through a cloth, the mustered seed cannot. Therefore water is subtle, mustered is gross.

From the point of view of penetrability pudgala is divided into six classes.

1. Gross-gross (badara-badara), i.e., very gross. This kind consists of very large solid aggregates of matter such as mountains, rocks, wood, etc. which do not unite by themselves when broken or divided, and also such bodies which can be physically transported without containers.
2. Gross (badara). This kind consists of large aggregates of matter in fluid form such as water, oil, milk, juice, air etc. that become united again by themselves when broken or divided, and which have to be carried in containers.
3. Gross-subtle (badara-suksma). This kind consists of aggregates which can neither be cut nor broken, nor can be physically transported, but are visible, e.g., light, shadow, image, etc.
4. Subtle-gross (suksma-badara). This kind consists of aggregates, which are not visible, but can be perceived by other four senses, e.g., aggregates of sound, taste, smell and touch.
5. Subtle (suksma). These aggregates are not perceivable by any sense organ. However, they interact with soul and are transformed by it in the form of thought, speech, karma, etc. (that is mano-vargana, bhasha - vargana, karman- varagana etc.)
6. Subtle-subtle or extra - subtle (suksma-suksma). This kind consists of aggregates, which are so subtle that they do not interact with soul. They include the aggregate, which are composed of less than infinite number of paramanus.

The varganas form another classification of pudgala and they are described in chapter 5.