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maggaṅgo

maggaṅga

masc nom sg of maggaṅga (adj)

1. part of the path; path factor

Built from

• magga — root · path
  The established path to enlightenment, or the way one travels; from a root meaning 'to go, proceed'. In Pali texts, magga denotes the course or means of practice.
• aṅga — root · factor, limb
  A component or member that makes up a whole, literally a 'limb' of the body. Related to Sanskrit aṅga and Indo-European *h₂enǵ- (English 'angle'). Applies to the eight limbs of the Eightfold Path and the five spiritual faculties.

Analysis. magga (path) + aṅga (factor, limb, component). A constituent element of the Noble Eightfold Path (ariyamagga) or a stage in the path to liberation.

Etymology. magga from √march- (to go, proceed); aṅga from Indo-European *h₂enǵ- 'to narrow, constrain' (English 'angle', Sanskrit aṅga 'limb, member'). The compound treats aṅga as 'constituent part' — a limb of the path's body.

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

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