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Grammatical Analysis
Paṭivedha: [m.] Penetration; direct realization; breakthrough. Formed by prefix paṭi (against, thoroughly) + root vidh (to pierce, strike, penetrate).
Orthodox Definition
Paṭivedha is the ultimate culmination of the Buddhist path, the third and final pillar of the True Dhamma. It is the experiential, supramundane penetration of the Four Noble Truths.
While Pariyatti maps the path, and Paṭipatti walks the path, Paṭivedha is the moment of arrival. Psychologically, it refers strictly to the instantaneous flash of Path Knowledge (maggañāṇa) that pierces through the mass of ignorance (avijjā), takes Nibbāna as its object, and permanently eradicates the fetters.
The commentaries liken paṭivedha to an arrow piercing a target or a lightning bolt splitting a rock—it is an irreversible, profound paradigm shift where theoretical understanding transforms into absolute, unshakeable, experiential truth.
Quote
Saddhammaṭṭhitiyāti tividho saddhammo – pariyattisaddhammo, paṭipattisaddhammo, adhigamasaddhammoti.
For the stability of the good Dhamma: The good Dhamma is of three kinds: the good Dhamma of the scriptures, the good Dhamma of the practice, and the good Dhamma of the attainment.Tattha piṭakattayasaṅgahitaṃ sabbampi buddhavacanaṃ ‘‘pariyattisaddhammo’’ nāma.
Therein, all the words of the Buddha comprised in the three Piṭakas are called “the good Dhamma of the scriptures.”— Samantapāsādikā (Pārājikakaṇḍa-aṭṭhakathā) (pa)
Quote
Tīṇi hi antaradhānāni nāma pariyattiantaradhānaṃ, paṭivedhaantaradhānaṃ, paṭipattiantaradhānanti.
The three disappearances are the disappearance of the Pariyatti, the disappearance of the Paṭivedha, and the disappearance of the Paṭipatti.Tattha pariyattīti tīṇi piṭakāni.
Among these, Pariyatti means the three Piṭakas.Paṭivedhoti saccapaṭivedho.
Paṭivedha means the penetration of the Truths.Paṭipattīti paṭipadā.
Paṭipatti means the practice.— Papañcasūdanī (Uparipaṇṇāsa-aṭṭhakathā)
Textual References
- Sutta: Saccasaṃyutta (SN 56) – Emphasizing the necessity of penetrating the four truths exactly as they are.
- Canonical: Paṭisambhidāmagga – The analytical text detailing the exact cognitive mechanics of penetrating the unconditioned.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter XXII) – Describing the exact mind-moment where penetration occurs.