오근 (五根)에는 두 가지가 있다. 첫째는 번뇌의 뿌리 또는 근원인 안이비설신 (眼耳鼻舌身)의 다섯 가지 감각기관. 감각이 들락날락한다고 하여 오입 (五入)이라고도 말함. 다른 하나는 삼십칠도품 (三十七道品)의 하나로, 신근 (信根), 정진근 (精進勤), 염근 (念根), 정근 (定根), 혜근 (慧根). 이들은 번뇌를 누르고 올바른 깨달음의 도 (道)에 나가게 하는데 대해 뛰어난 작용이 있기에 근 (根)이라 함

There are two types of five roots or mental faculties. One is the five sense organs or roots of defilement and passion: The eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and body or touch. It is also called o-ip, five entrances or doors, through which the five sense faculties function.
Another type is five spiritual faculties. They are called "faculties" by analogy, as they are considered as capacities to be developed: The spiritual faculties for faith, effort, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. These are included in the thirty-seven aids to enlightenment.