Re: Bhumibalobhikkhu Foundation

Dear Amara,

> > This is also what the PTS's PED entry has as well. So your
dictionary
> > took it right from there.
> >
>
> I think they mentioned this.  This is probably why the dictionary
was
> so much more expensive than the rest of their publications, because
> they are probably paying for the use of PTS material.  For their own
> Thai translations there was probably no cost whatever, like for the
> rest of the books, 'just the cost of the paper' as the octagenarian
> gentleman told me.  And to think they donate their books to
> educational institutions, who probably just leave them on the
shelves.
>  I think the ones they are donating to the WFB library will be put
to
> good use, though.

I think the Foundation is doing some really good work and one I
wouldn't mind donating some money to. You're probably already aware of
this -- the PED is available online at the following url:
http://dsal.uchicago.edu/dictionaries/pali/ Instead of typing out the
entire entry from your dictionary as you seem to have done, you could
save yourself time by copying and pasting it from the website as I
have done here:

Visesa (p. 641) [fr. vi+sis, cp. Epic Sk. visesa] 1. (mark of)
distinction, characteristic, discrimination A I.267; S IV.210; J II.9;
Miln 29; VvA 58, 131; PvA 50, 60. -- 2. elegance, splendour,
excellence J V.151; DhA I.399. -- 3. distinction, peculiar merit or
advantage, eminence, excellence, extraordinary state D I.233 (so for
vivesa all through?); A III.349 (opp. hana); J I.435; VvA 157
(punna°); PvA 71 (id.), 147 (sukha°). -- 4. difference, variety SnA
477, 504; VvA 2; PvA 37, 81, 135 (pl.= items). abl. visesato,
distinctively, altogether PvA 1, 259. -- 5. specific idea (in
meditation), attainment J VI.69: see & cp. Brethren 24, n. 1; 110. --
Cp. pati°.
nn--adhigama specific attainment A IV.22; M II.96; Nett 92; Miln 412;
DhA I.100. [Cp. BSk. visesadhigama Divy 174]. --gamin reaching
distinction, gaining merit A II.185; III.349 sq.; S V.108. --gu
reaching a higher state or attainment J VI.573. --paccaya ground for
distinction VvA 20. --bhagiya participating in, or leading to
distinction or progress (spiritually) D III.272 sq., 277, 282; Nett
77; Vism 11, 88 (abstr. °bhagiyata).

> > > Together with Saddha wouldn't it mean something like 'detailed
> > > analysis of words'?  [Although as a book title, 'The Wonder of
> > Words'
> > > sounds more magically appealing to me.]
> >
> > Interesting but not sure about 'analysis', though 'detail' could
be a
> > translation of 'visesa' (differentia).
>
>
> Just a minor point, but practically wouldn't you have to analyse
> something in order to differentiate them, Jim?

Yes, I think that's probably true. Dhammapaala uses the term
'padavibaaga' (analysis of words) and interestingly enough he starts
out explaining the term as the differentiation or distinction of words
(padavibhaago ti padaana.m viseso -- Sv-p.t I 43). There's that
'visesa' word again!

> I'll try to have them send it off with the rest, and try to remember
> to note a few things for you.  Unless you would prefer to wait a
> little longer and discover them for yourself!

> > What is this ANAOABASATU? It doesn't look like a proper Pali
spelling.
> > Could you check?
> >
>
> It's ANAPANASATI, sorry about that.  [I am a slow typist especially
> with all the Paali, which must be my excuse, plus the constant phone
> calls while I was typing.]

Thanks for the correction, it's all clear now. I believe this book
contains just the Anapanassatikatha from the Pa.tis text along with
its corresponding commentary from Pa.tis-a.

> I've told the lady to hold everything and wait for your letter,
which
> you can also email me to fax to her, if you wish.  Or send it to her
> by surface mail, of course,

We will get this all sorted out offlist. Thanks for telling us about
the Bimalobhikkhu Foundation and their wonderful treasure-trove of
Pali texts. The list of their books and the contact address that you
have provided will come in handy. When I make up a booklist of Pali
grammatical texts, I'll be sure to include them. It's great that you
have established a good connection with the Foundation.

Much appreciated,
Jim