Grammatical Analysis
Paramatthajotikā: [f.] The Illuminator of Ultimate Meaning. Formed by paramattha (ultimate reality/meaning) + jotikā (illuminating, shedding light).
Orthodox Definition
The Paramatthajotikā is the title given to two specific commentaries within the Khuddaka Nikāya, generally attributed to Buddhaghosa (though some modern scholars dispute this due to stylistic differences).
- Paramatthajotikā I: The commentary on the Khuddakapāṭha. It is famous for its staggeringly detailed analysis of the word “Buddha” and the mechanics of taking refuge, elevating the simplest novice chants into profound Abhidhammic treatises.
- Paramatthajotikā II: The commentary on the Suttanipāta. Because the Suttanipāta contains some of the most archaic, poetic, and linguistically difficult Pali in the Canon, this commentary is absolutely essential for untangling the ancient metaphors of the solitary sage and explaining the background stories of the ascetic wanderers interacting with the Buddha.
Textual References
- Subject Matter: Khuddakapāṭha and Suttanipāta.