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dhammavicayasambojjhaṅgaṁ

dhammavicayasambojjhaṅga

masculine accusative singular of a bahuvrīhi compound

1. investigation of phenomena as an awakening-factor
2. the enlightenment factor of discerning doctrine

Built from

• dhamma — root · phenomenon, teaching
  From √dhṛ "to hold, bear", cognate with Latin firmus. In Buddhist usage, denotes phenomena as held or manifested by the mind.
• vicaya — stem · investigation, analysis
  From √ci "to discern", cognate with Latin cernere. Denotes sharp discernment of particulars.
• sam — prefix · together, completely
  Brings things into one; here, complete awakening. Works like Latin con-.
• bojjhaṅga — stem · awakening-factor, enlightenment-limb
  √bhuj "to bend, share" + aṅga "limb"; one of the seven factors supporting awakening. The limb metaphor emphasizes components working as an organic whole.
• ṁ — ending · accusative singular
  Marks the object of an implied verb; here the factor one cultivates or realizes.

Analysis. dhamma (phenomenon, teaching) + vicaya (investigation, analysis) + sambojjhaṅga (awakening-factor); one of the seven factors of awakening (bojjhaṅga) in which mindfulness discerns phenomena directly. Vicaya here renders the intellectual clarity of wisdom working with phenomena presented by mindfulness.

Etymology. sambojjhaṅga: saṁ- (together, completely) + √bhuj (to bend, share, enjoy; cognate with Greek phagein, Latin -fic-) + aṅga (limb, component), lit. "awakening-limb"; dhamma: from √dhṛ "to hold, bear" (cognate with Latin firmus "firm"); vicaya: from √ci "to discern, observe" (cognate with Latin cernere). The compound expresses the function of wisdom within the path of awakening.

Meanings from the Digital Pāḷi Dictionary; morphology and etymology by Claude.

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