Hi Ole, I am again trying to grasp the etymology of LOKA.
I did not found the definition of the word given in Sanskrit, but I tried to
grasp any way the possible etymology and range of the word that I write
bellow.
May be in Páli follows the same etymology
Etymologically the root LOK is connected with the root RUC to enlighten,
illuminate, make bright etc. By enlightening or illuminating comes an
appearance or resemblance as other meaning for RUC. From illuminating
comes the appearance of something. There is no appearance without someone
perceiving it, the seeing or the perception of what is being enlightened,
the appearance. So we have for LOK meaning to see, perceive,
recognize, know, behold etc. What is being enlighten(RUC) and
perceived (LOK) is a radiant, bright, brilliant or luminous(RUCA) domain,
field or sphere of perception (LOKA). From this we could have the notion of
whatever domain being perceived, recognized or seen as a LOKA. This
semantic field implies a internal viewer or perceiver that perceives (LOK)
a external, objective domain or sphere LOKA.
From being bright, radiant, brilliant and luminous comes the extension of
Loka to sun, solar etc. In this semantic domain the word would imply a
external, material, objective perception.
From that comes the usual meaning of the word indicating a kind of domain or
world as in Tri-loka (three worlds) or sapta-loka(seven worlds).
In this external, objective and material worlds everything is based on
causes and conditions, therefore, transitory.
By the notion that what is transitory, impermanent(Anitya) is ordinary and
that which is free from transitorieness, permanent (Nitya) is divine, sacred
comes out the opposites LOKA/VEDA which give us the adjectives Laukika and
Vaidika, or as commonly translated as worldly/sacred. In this semantic field
the world Loka gives the notion of a sphere of a universe regarding ordinary
and common things.
Please, as this is just a guess I would like to be pointed which not fits,
and the incorrect notions of what I have wrote.
One of my questions is: Thus the word LOKA not just implies a external,
material, objective sphere but also the subjective, internal and minded
universe that is not separated from the external?
Thus the range of the word includes both subjective and objective domains?
Thanks for any help.
Gabriel
From:
Pali@yahoogroups.com [mailto:
Pali@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ole
Holten Pind
Sent: 06 June 2007 20:17
To:
Pali@yahoogroups.com
Subject: SV: [Pali] LOKA
loka means open space (with light). Etymologically it is related to the root
roc to shine. There are cognates in other Indo-European languages such as
Latin e.g. lux. The pali etymology is of course a pseudo-etymology. It is
related to the root roj to destroy. In Middle-Indic like pali c/j, l/r
alternates in some cases. This explains the pali lujjati - loko etymology.
Hope this helps a bit.
Regards,
Ole Holten Pind
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Emne: RE: [Pali] LOKA
Thanks Ole Holten Pind!
>>The Tibetan interpretation is based upon canonical passages in which loka
is
>>interpreted as that which is being destroyed: lujjati kho loko vuccati, it
>>is called world as it is being destroyed. It is, of course, a pseudo
>>etymology.
If the Tibetan interpretation is a pseudo etymology, what would be a
non-pseudo definition of LOKA according to pali language and canon?
Trying to grasp the nature e extension of the word...
With regards,
Gabriel
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