2.4. Abhijānasutta Directly Knowing (SN 22:24; III 26–27)

Question 1

abhijānaṃ

Answer 1

“directly knowing”; a present participle of abhijānāti, in the masculine singular nominative, with the subject “one” inherent in the participle. The present participles that follow are likewise all masculine singular nominatives. In the suttas abhijānāti (and its derivatives) signifies a more elementary level of knowledge than parijānāti. The former already occurs at the stage of the trainee (sekha) while the latter marks the attainment of arahantship.

Question 2

parijānaṃ

Answer 2

“fully understanding”; a present participle of parijānāti.

Question 3

virājayaṃ

Answer 3

“removing passion”; a present participle of virājeti, a causative of virajjati, “to become dispassionate.” While the indicative verb suggests a process that occurs naturally, the causative implies deliberate effort; hence I use “removing passion” to convey this nuance.

Question 4

pajahaṃ

Answer 4

“abandoning”; a present participle of pajahati.

Question 5

bhabbo

Answer 5

“capable”; a masculine singular nominative describing the subject “one.” It is an idiomatic use of the future passive participle of bhavati (bhav + ya > bhavya > bhabba), with a dative designating what one is capable (or incapable) of.

Question 6

dukkhakkhayāya

Answer 6

“for the destruction of suffering”; a tappurisa compound in the dative case.