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piṭṭhiṭṭhikaṁ

piṭṭhiṭṭhikā

accusative singular feminine of piṭṭhiṭṭhikā (feminine noun); adjective or noun form attested in AN 5.48

1. clinging to the back
2. unwillingness to advance
3. backward clinging or resistance

Built from

• piṭṭhi — root · back, rear
  The concrete back of the body becomes the rear or backward direction; used figuratively for looking back or clinging to the past.
• iṭṭhika — ending · inclined to, preferring
  Adjectival suffix built on iṭṭha (desired, liked), here modifying the sense of unwillingness to move forward or clinging to what is behind.

Analysis. piṭṭhi (back, rear) + iṭṭhika (from iṭṭha, desired, liked, forming an adjective meaning inclined to); the compound expresses clinging to or preference for what lies behind—literal or figurative resistance to progress.

Etymology. piṭṭhi is the back or rear; the suffix -iṭṭhika (from iṭṭha, past participle of icchati to wish) creates an adjective meaning inclined toward or preferring. Used in monastic contexts for spiritual backsliding.

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

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