Grammatical Analysis
Sammasanañāṇa: [nt.] Knowledge of comprehension; knowledge of exploring. Formed by sammasana (handling, exploring, grasping thoroughly) + ñāṇa (knowledge).
Orthodox Definition
Sammasanañāṇa is the third insight knowledge. It marks the formal beginning of proper insight (vipassanā). Having defined mind and matter and their causes, the meditator now actively “handles” or “groups” these phenomena in terms of the Three Characteristics (Tilakkhaṇa): impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anattā).
At this stage, the meditator applies these marks generally to all past, future, present, internal, and external formations. It is an inductive, comprehensive investigation. However, because the practitioner does not yet see the rapid, microscopic arising and passing away of individual mind-moments, this knowledge is considered “tender” or preparatory insight (taruṇa-vipassanā).
Textual References
- Canonical: Paṭisambhidāmagga – Describing the inductive methodology of exploring the aggregates.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter XX) – Located within the “Purification by Knowledge and Vision of What is and What is Not the Path”, detailing the methodological application of the three characteristics.