sapta, seven.The seven parables of the Lotus Sutra.The seven classes of disciples:(1)比丘 bhiku,monk;(2) bhiku a female observer of all commandments; (3) 式叉摩那ikama, a novice, or observer of the six commandments; (4) 沙弥 rmaera, and (5) 沙弥尼 rmaerika, male and female observers of the minor commandments; (6) 优婆塞 upsaka, male observers of the five commandments; and (7) 优婆夷upsik, female ditto. The first five have left home, the last two remain at home. Tiantai makes nine groups by dividing the last two into four, two remaining at home, two leaving home and keeping the eight commandments. Others make four groups, i.e. (1), (2), (6), and (7) of the above. Tiantai also has a four-group.
