pali sasana and sAsana

[Guest guest]

in the spirit of the hermeneutics of suspicion we have been trying

to determine if there is any relationship between the two pali words

pali sasana and sAsana. some feel they are related; others claim

they stem from different roots. standard pali and sanskrit

dictionaries are of limited aid. i consulted a hindi dictionary.

this proved quite helpful. it shows that the two pali words under

scrutiny are probably best examined via their sanskrit etymologies.

the hindi forms seems to give clearer indications. sasana and sAsana

are both derived from sk; zastra and zAstra respectively, and are

essentially the same in hindi. hindi zastra refers to an implement

for striking or 'cutting'; weaponry. zAstra most generally relates

to writing, knowledge, etc; but zAsani is an instructress, woman

preacher. however zAsan means not only instructing and commanding,

but rule (as of government, king), or over the emotions; discipline;

command, edict. taking this a step further, zAsit refers to the

governed, controlled, and the punished. and remember, pali sasana

means not only to cut, but to _slaughter_.

 

might anyone offer a view on the matter?

 

best regards,

sritantra

troyoga