The Paali word 'mettaa' is originated from the root mid - to love and suffix taa. The sub-commentaries defined the word in this way: "mejjati siniyhatiiti mitto"; (Mahavagga .tiikaa etc.) It implies to the dhamma that loves but not the person. If with it's literal meaning 'love' is translated the original concept doesn't bear at all. 'Loving-kindness' is better translation. [For further reading: The Expositor (Atthasaaliini) translated by Pe Maung Tin, London: PTS, 1976, Pp 258 f. is suggested.]
with metta,
Dipankaro



----- Original Message ----
From: henntsp <henntsp@...>
To: Pali@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, December 24, 2007 1:23:06 AM
Subject: [Pali] Literal meaning of Metta?

Metta is commonly translated as love,loving kindness etc.

Does anyone know it's literal translation into English?

Do you know the root meaning of Metta? e.g. is it two words? met and
ta? Does it have a compareable word in Sanskrit?

If anyone is aware of this I would greatly appreciate your help.




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