Dear Yong Peng,
op 25-04-2003 03:26 schreef Ong Yong Peng op ypong001@...:

> We have seen the words "clung to" each time at the beginning of the
> five paragraphs. Can I say that "clung to" actually is a "short form"
> of saying "whatever we clung to as self". Otherwise, I find "clung
> to" grammatically meaningless.

N: We can also say: that is clung to.
and as to: "whatever we clung to as self", there is more to it, not just as
self with wrong view.
The Buddha said to Rahula:"Ta.m 'n-eta.m mama, n-eso-ham-asmi, na m-eso
attaa'ti -
Thus "this is not mine, this I am not, this is not myself"
These words often occur in the suttas. I compared before with one of the
commentaries where these words were explained, and also with the second Book
of the Abhidhamma, the Vibhanga (Ch 17, Small Items, § 974), and there the
following meanings were given:
this is mine, clinging with conceit,
this I am, clinging (without conceit, and without wrong view)
this is myself, clinging with wrong view, di.t.thi.

There can be conceit when we attach to the importance of self or compare
ourselves with others. There cannot be wrong view at the same time. There
can also be just lobha, attachment, without conceit and without wrong view.
Or lobha with wrong view, such as personality belief.
Therefore, I am inclined to translated: that is clung to, grasped at,
unspecified.
Co and subco elaborate more: paraama.ttha: (paraamasati), grasped,
corrupted... thus I tr: misapprehended, an undertone of corruption. The sub
co: mentions:< ta.nhaadi.t.thii aadinna.m
tenaaha "gahita.m paraama.t.tha"nti.>

I am glad you brought this up, otherwise I would thoughtlessly read on. It
is great the way this is hammered in five times, how much we cling.

A question: I probably will second half of May be silent for two weeks, a
vacation. But I promised to help with the Mahaaraahulovaadasutta. Now I can
still manage another part, what do you think? Shall I take<Pa.thaviisama'm
Raahula... > Or more? Though not so skilled in trilineair, I can try, having
your example.
I sympathize with your heavy load of exams, what is the study?
Wishing you success,
Nina.