<blockquote>
<p>truth beyond forms...
yet ... a profound knowledge of words</p>
</blockquote>
<p>is a feature of the enlightened mind: to have such a complete and perfect understanding of the principles by which the concepts and categories are delineated as to be free from them and see reality underlying said concepts and yet at the same time to be able to use them to construct precise verbal and conceptual models.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-12-04T01:54:44.467Z
Thank you for your assistance.
Newton
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-12-03T04:47:45.877Z
2022-12-03T04:47:45.877Z
Andriy Volkov
<p>niruttipadakovida
adj. skilled in language; (comm) accomplished in the grammar and the verse [nirutti + pada + kovida] ●</p>
<p>the first part of Dhp 352 is a coded way of saying they are an arahant, fully englightened.
The second part is saying they are also expert in language and communication skills, able to teach others and lead them to awakening.</p>
<p>This echoes other suttas in the canon where the Buddha praises those who are fully enlightened who also possess excellent teaching skills as the best and most praiseworthy of his disciples.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-12-03T19:18:34.863Z
Thank you frankk. I don't see how you get to the words "communication" or "teach" from the text. I only see "master" and "knowledge", and get from that, possibly, deep understanding. Isn't it true that an arahant can't necessarily "teach" his wisdom?
Newton
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-12-03T22:46:16.540Z
I see the phrase "astute in expression" in one translation. Seems to fit nicely with your answer.
Newton
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-12-04T15:16:12.957Z
An arahant who is thoroughly familiar with the suttas, memorized the core teachings accurately, and can transmit accurate reproduction of the Buddha's words, is a lot more valuable to spreading Dharma widely than an arahant who is illiterate, has poor communication skills and has memorized very little of the Buddha's words.
frankk
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-12-03T11:00:51.757Z
2022-12-03T11:00:51.757Z
frankk
<p>dhp 352<br />
<em>A master is one who has let go<br />
of all craving and clinging to the world;<br />
who has seen<br />
the truth beyond forms,<br />
yet is possessed of<br />
<strong>a profound knowledge of words</strong>.<br />
Such a great being can be said<br />
to have finished the task.</em></p>
<p>Sujato Translation, with pāḷi:
Rid of craving, free of grasping,
Vītataṇho anādāno,
expert in the interpretation of terms,
<em><strong>Niruttipadakovido;</strong></em>
knowing the correct
Akkharānaṁ sannipātaṁ,
structure and sequence of syllables,
Jaññā pubbāparāni ca;
they are said to be one who bears their final body,
Sa ve “antimasārīro,
one of great wisdom, a great person.
Mahāpañño mahāpuriso”ti vuccati.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-12-03T09:58:40.990Z
The word in question is, [niruttipatisambhida](https://www.google.com/search?q=niruttipatisambhida).
ChrisW
<theravada><pali-canon>
What is meant by "a profound knowledge of words" in dhp 352?
# What is meant by "a profound knowledge of words" in dhp 352?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2022-12-02)

dhp 352  
*A master is one who has let go  
of all craving and clinging to the world;  
who has seen  
the truth beyond forms,  
yet is possessed of  
**a profound knowledge of words**.  
Such a great being can be said  
to have finished the task.*

Sujato Translation, with pāḷi:
Rid of craving, free of grasping,
Vītataṇho anādāno,
expert in the interpretation of terms,
***Niruttipadakovido;***
knowing the correct
Akkharānaṁ sannipātaṁ,
structure and sequence of syllables,
Jaññā pubbāparāni ca;
they are said to be one who bears their final body,
Sa ve “antimasārīro,
one of great wisdom, a great person.
Mahāpañño mahāpuriso”ti vuccati.

**Tags:** theravada, pali-canon

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: The word in question is, [niruttipatisambhida](https://www.google.com/search?q=niruttipatisambhida).  

---

## 2 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2022-12-03. Score: 3

> truth beyond forms...
> yet ... a profound knowledge of words

is a feature of the enlightened mind: to have such a complete and perfect understanding of the principles by which the concepts and categories are delineated as to be free from them and see reality underlying said concepts and yet at the same time to be able to use them to construct precise verbal and conceptual models.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Thank you for your assistance.  

---

### Answer by username_3 on 2022-12-03. Score: 2

niruttipadakovida
adj. skilled in language; (comm) accomplished in the grammar and the verse [nirutti + pada + kovida] ●

the first part of Dhp 352 is a coded way of saying they are an arahant, fully englightened.
The second part is saying they are also expert in language and communication skills, able to teach others and lead them to awakening.

This echoes other suttas in the canon where the Buddha praises those who are fully enlightened who also possess excellent teaching skills as the best and most praiseworthy of his disciples.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Thank you username_3. I don't see how you get to the words "communication" or "teach" from the text. I only see "master" and "knowledge", and get from that, possibly, deep understanding. Isn't it true that an arahant can't necessarily "teach" his wisdom?  
> **username_0**: I see the phrase "astute in expression" in one translation. Seems to fit nicely with your answer.  
> **username_3**: An arahant who is thoroughly familiar with the suttas, memorized the core teachings accurately, and can transmit accurate reproduction of the Buddha's words, is a lot more valuable to spreading Dharma widely than an arahant who is illiterate, has poor communication skills and has memorized very little of the Buddha's words.  

---

