Sv-n.t I 1-2 (introductory verses 3-6)

Dear List-members,

Here are verses 3 to 6 with a tentative translation and a few notes:

Saṅgītittayamāruḷhā, dīghāgamavarassa yā;
Saṃvaṇṇanā yā ca tassā, vaṇṇanā sādhuvaṇṇitā. 3.

Whatever is that subcommentary, praised by the wise, on the commentary
Mounted on the three (great) recitals of the excellent Digha Collection,

[Notes:
     1) I take ihe correlative of the first yā to be tassā in pāda 3c, and
the correlative of the second yā to be sā in pāda 5a.]
     2) The genitive relation of dīghāgamavarassa could just as well go with
saṃvaṇṇanā.
     3) The subcommentary is Sv-pṭ.
     4) The commentary referred to is that of Buddhaghosa, not the earlier
porāṇaṭṭhakathā recited at the three recitals.]

Ācariyadhammapāla- ttherenevābhisaṅkhatā;
Sammā nipuṇagambhīra-duddasatthappakāsanā. 4.

Composed solely by the Acariya Dhammapala Thera,
Properly the explanattion of the precise, profound,
     and hard-to-see meanings,

Kāmañca sā tathābhūtā, paramparābhatā pana;
Pāṭhato atthato cāpi, bahuppamādalekhanā. 5.

And that admittedly has been so, but handed down in succession,
Its writing has become badly-neglected for the readings,
     and for the meanings too,

[Note:
     1) "Kāmañca sā tathābhūtā" still doesn't make a lot of sense and has
been the most troublesome phrase to translate so far.]

Saṅkhepattā ca sotūhi, sammā ñātuṃ sudukkarā;
Tasmā sabrahmacārīnaṃ, yācanaṃ samanussaraṃ. 6.

And because of its condensed state, it is very difficult for learners
     to understand properly,
Therefore, reflecting on the request of conscientious brahma-farers;

[To be continued, comments and questions welcome]

Best wishes,
Jim Anderson
5 June 2011