Although the Buddha provided the “hearers,” “private Buddhas,” and Bodhisattvas with three different ways, the essence of the three identities is Bodhisattvahood. Those who don’t realize this fact and hold on to their particular beliefs that they are either arhats (perfect ones) or “private Buddhas” (self-enlightened), are neither true arhats nor true “private Buddhas.” When he is teaching them, the Buddha regards them as being Bodhisattvas. They must be Bodhisattvas at heart even if they are “hearers” or “private Buddhas” in appearance. This is why the sutra says, “The Buddhas teach only Bodhisattvas.”