Yogi: I understand from a teacher that some of us are born with 2 roots which are sati and samadhi and some with the complete 3 roots – sati, samadhi and panna. Those with 2 roots cannot gain any insight or realization in this life because of the absence of panna.

Sayadaw: The roots are lobha, dosa and moha and alobha, adosa and amoha. Those who are considered 2 roots don’t have the amoha or panna root.

Even yogis with 2 roots can develop nana in this life, only that they cannot be enlightened.

I know of a lady yogi who was a little mentally challenged; she was inspired to practice when she met me, and she practiced a lot and became more peaceful. She could understand that the Dhamma is valuable and that is a kind of panna.

Yogi: It is really reassuring because when I heard it, it got me concerned that perhaps I only have 2 roots.

Sayadaw: No, no. It’s cruel to say that somebody couldn’t develop even some basic understanding in this life.