Dear Rene,

To be more exact, I suggest we translate it as "not extend over" which is
means the cloth covers over the whole area rather than just to "not extend"
or "not extend to".

Sukhi.

P.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Rene Salm" <rsalm@...>
To: <Pali@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, 01 April, 2003 10:18 AM
Subject: [Pali] 4 jhanas


> Frank Kuan writes:
> So these first 3 similes are really cool, but then we
> get to the 4th jhana: ... just as if a man were
> sitting wrapped from head to foot with a white cloth
> so that there would be no part of his body to which
> the white cloth did not extend.
>
> Rene:
> I agree with Ven. Thanissaro's translation here, where he writes "not
> extend" rather than "untouched" (Walshe) or "not in contact with" (RD).
> (DN 2, par. 82.) The root of the word in question (apphuta.m) seems to
> be pharati (spread, suffuse) rather than phusati (touch).
>
> I can't help you much on the appropriateness of the similes for these
> jhanas. But the fact that pharati means both suffuse and extend gives
> one an idea of the completeness of the "filling up" with each stage that
>
> is necessary before progressing on to the next.
>
> A schema of the jhanas would be as follows (my rendering):
>
> (1) a state born of detachment,
> accompanied by deliberation + reasoned reflection,
> delight + contentment.
>
> (2) (suppression of deliberation + reasoned reflection)
> continuing delight + contentment
> His mind becomes concentrated.
>
> (3) (suppression of delight / and its opposite, disgust)
> continuing contentment
> He abides mindful and attentive.
>
> (4) (suppression of contentment / and its opposite, dissatisfaction)
> None of the original elements continues.
> He abides in perfect mindfulness and equanimity,
> free from happiness and sadness.
>
> As usual, your comments are appreciated.-- Rene
>
>
>
> Paaliga.na - a community for Pali students
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> Yahoo! Groups members can set their delivery options to daily digest or
web only.
> [Homepage] http://www.tipitaka.net
> [Send Message] pali@yahoogroups.com
> [Mailing List] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pali
> [Discussion] http://tipitaka.suddenlaunch.com
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>