Expressions of realization (rtogs brjod) are a form of biographical literature that can take as its subject Buddhas, lamas, or even sometimes laypeople, such as government ministers or politicians. This genre is less strictly concerned with religion than the hagiography (rnam thar) genre. In general, ordinary people do not have biographies (rnam thar or rtogs brjod) written about them. There are, however, non-religious biographies of people of importance, such as figures in high government positions, which are often styled as expressions of realization (rtogs brjod). Such an account of someone's life can include all types of events, not just strictly religious activities.