Re: Sv-n.t I 1-2 (introductory verses 7-8)

Dear Jim,

>  Is "That with respect to which..." your translation of "taṃ nissāya (8a) yo
> (7a)?
>

No. My "with respect" renders the loc. in °saasane. ta.m nissaya is as you had it.

> The meaning will depend on who is doing the action. I can't see the king doing the explaining
> as I understand that the commentator had a special relationship to the king
> as his rājaguru (from Bode, if ī remember correctly).
>

It is the commentator who explains the text, and who expresses his wish that the king might be a support for him (the commentator) while he (the commentator) is explaining the saasana, perhaps similar to the image of the previous verse that the king  is zealous to purify the saasana (which also is some kind of support).

Regarding jotana, it is used as a loc. at the end of compounds in several cases. It, furthermore, is used in one line with virocane and pakaasane (Pa.tis-a II 390), both used to express that someone illuminates a specific sense. And it is also in that sense in the Sadd (I 103,15: li.ngavisesajotane, "for explaining the distinction of gender").  See also Ud-a 23 upayogatthajotanattham " with the aim of illuminating this sense of the accusative"; in this sense it is also used in the Sv-ant itself  (see I 174 explanation to tadatthajotanattham). Many examples could be added.

Thus, I understand vss. 8-9 as:
Relying on him (i.e. on the king), (and) thinking that he (i.e. the king) hopefully might be a support also for me (not only for those who purify the saasana) in explaining the Teacher's
Sāsana (i.e. when I, the commentator explain the Saasana), I will begin the commentary; ...

Best,
Petra
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