In the Lotus Sutra the chapter on Simile of Herbs points out that while it is true that there are various kinds of plants, each with its own unique characteristics, the cloud of rain provides nourishment to them all in the necessary quantities even though some need more and others need less.

The beauty of the teachings of the Buddha is regardless of what our unique capability is, what our unique gifts may be, or even what our handicaps are, we all can equally benefit from the teachings of the Buddha. Buddhism and enlightenment are not dependent upon our cleverness, our economic status, or our gender – none of the differences we may use to label and separate each other. Those labels do not apply when it comes to benefiting from the teaching and practice of Buddhism.