Re: Eng translation of Kacc 1:1

Eisel,

Re: your translation of the second verse of the proem:

> For their own betterment, [many would] follow the ethic of the
> all-conquering [Buddha], but the proper understanding of that ethic is
> known [only] by means of the meanings of words, and the latter by
> means of syllables, [whereof we can] not be ignorant.  Thus, those
> seeking their own betterment must learn the manifold syllables and
> words [of the Pali language].

My understanding of the Pali verse differs from yours in several ways.
Instead of pointing out exactly what these differences are by going through
your translation, I will just provide the Pali text, my own tentative
translation for comparison along with a few comments.

(kha)
  seyya.m jineritanayena budhaa labhanti,
  ta~ncaapi tassa vacanatthasubodhanena;
  attha~nca akkharapadesu amohabhaavaa,
  seyyatthiko padamato vividha.m su.neyya.

The wise ones obtain excellence by means of the Method explained
       by the Conqueror,
And that too, by understanding well the meaning of His Words,
And the meaning, by non-confusion about the letters and words,
Therefore, one desirous of excellence should listen to the manifold words.

Comments:
1) "excellence" (seyya) refers to the nine supramundane dhammas
      (related to pa.tivedha or penetration).
2) "the Method" (naya) refers to the noble eightfold path or the training
      triad (related to pa.tipatti -- practice or praxis).
3) the words of the Buddha, understanding well the meaning of them, and
     non-confusion about the letters and words are all included in the
     pariyatti-saasana, I think.

Best wishes,
Jim

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com