Re: Introductory verse and commentary

Hi Rett,

I'm just following up on your post from Jan. 27:

Jim wrote:
> >There is an informative explanation of this kind
> >of etymology in Lily de Silva's introduction (p. lxviii) to the
Tika
> >on the Digha Nikaya (PTS) which I will quote on another occasion.

Rett wrote:
> Thanks! I just returned that book to the library without having read
> the introduction! (lazy me). I'll try to remember to look at it next
> time I'm there.

The occasion has come up for me to quote the passage from Dr. Lily de
Silva's introduction. This is part of the section on "Methods of
exegesis" -- an explanation of the six methods: sambandhato, padato,
padavibhaagato, atthato, anuyogato, & parihaarato. I'm quoting in full
the atthato (according to the meaning) part which I don't entirely
agree with by the way. She says "they have nothing to do with
philology or etymology" leaving me a little confused.

"Atthato. Correct interpretation of words and ideas is by far the most
important task of the commentaries, and several devices have been
evolved to handle this effectively. There is the method of giving
popular etymologies whereby words are infused with definite semantic
values, so that they only connote a qualified standard meaning when
used in Buddhist philosophy. Though Mrs. Rhys Davids calls them
fanciful etymologies they have nothing to do with philology or
etymology. They are a practical guide to the comprehension of the
exact meaning of words. With their help the listener can immediately
associate words with traditional interpretations and understand their
true import almost effortlessly. This device has also, to a certain
extent, helped the preservation of early interpretations against
inevitable semasiological changes during the course of time. Again,
words can have more than one meaning and the particular shade of
meaning required can only be judged by the context. Often in
elucidating the meaning of a word, several quotations are cited from
different parts of Canonical and non-Canonical literature which
illustrate its varying shades of meaning. Out of them is selected
whatever meaning is relevant to the passage in question. Similes and
metaphors comprise another resourceful device for explaining difficult
and abstract concepts. They are abundantly used in all strata of Pali
literature. Their novelty and originality often lend a refreshing
charm in addition to illustrating the intended meanings. Fables and
anecdotes form a popular medium for communicating abstruse
philosophicak concepts, specially to the uneducated masses. The
Dhammapada.t.thakathaa abounds in such anecdotes and is a good example
of this method of exegesis." -- Sv-p.t I lxviii.

The study of the methods of interpretation used in the commentaries is
quite an interesting one. I think there is a lot of good material like
this in the Netti and its commantaries. The last chapter of the
Saddaniiti is also helpful and there are similarly helpful passages
scattered throughout the various commentaries.

> A work on this subject which could be of interest is Eivind Kahrs'
> _Indian Semantic Analysis_ 1998, which treats these sorts of
niruktis
> and discusses broader philosophical questions and rhetorical
> strategies. It's not a work on Pali, but might still be interesting
> to people on this list.

I have ordered the book. I was thrilled when I saw _The "Nirvacana"
Tradition_ in the subtitle and knew right away that is a book for me
to study. Thanks again for the recommendation!

Best wishes,
Jim