Dear Nina,

> N: I think this refers to enlightenment, not necessarily to
> arahatship. As to pada paramo, I think he is wise also, he is well

on

> the way, although he does not attain enlightenment in that life. I

am

> inclined to give pada a wider meaning, not just the letter.
> I agree that for the translation we have to find another word for
> sappa~n~naa. Not easy since there are many degrees of pa~n~naa. It
> can be intellectual understanding of the teachings, and also direct
> understanding acquired through insight. We could choose discernment,
> insight, sagacity (I am looking at the Book of Analysis, para 525
> which gives many synonyms).

J: I prefer "the wise" for "sappa~n~naa" and "the learned" for
"vi~n~nuu". Notice also "vi~n~nuuhi" in its context in verse 13. After
some more checking, I now think the two terms are synonymous along
with "dhiirehi" at the beginning of the verses. At Abh 227-9 you will
find 25 synonyms for "a wise person" including our three in the verses
plus -viyattassa in verse 6. Also, there is the term
"pariyattaabhiyuttaviduu" further on in the Saddaniiti and "-viduu" is
yet another synonym for a wise or learned person.

I like your comments on the padaparamo and have to agree that that one
is possessed of wisdom too.

Jim