Epithets of an Arhat in the Divyavadana
By Edward J. Thomas
Summary
The *Epithets of an Arhat in the Divyavadana* examines a list of epithets describing an arhat (enlightened being) in the *Divyavadana* and *Avadanaitaka*, occurring nine times across these texts. The most debated epithet is *traidbatuka-vitaraga* (180, 282, 551, 97), meaning "free from passion for the three worlds," though scribes and editors inconsistently spelled it as *vasi-candana-kalpo* or *vasi-*. Speyer’s emendations and index entries further complicate interpretations, with unresolved debates over readings like *avidya-* (19) and *vidyabhijnab*. The term *andakosa* ("egg-shell") is ambiguously linked to ignorance or doctrinal concepts like broken ignorance, paralleling Pali similes of liberation. The *vidyabbija* group remains uncertain, with *abbijijapratisamvit-prapto* being the clearer, attested epithet describing an arhat’s attainment of higher and analytical knowledges. The figurative language suggests poetic or stotra influences, though meanings remain ambiguous due to scribal divisions and editorial indecision. The egg-shell metaphor likely originates from earlier Pali traditions, as seen in Udana parallels, though its doctrinal significance in the *Divyavadana* is unclear. Overall, the epithets reflect a blend of technical and poetic descriptions, with unresolved textual uncertainties highlighting challenges in reconstructing original meanings.
Conclusion
This analysis of epithets from the Divyavadana reveals the textual and editorial challenges in interpreting arhat qualities, particularly in resolving ambiguous spellings like *vasi-* versus *vasi-* and conflicting readings such as *vidya-* or *avidya-*. The lack of consensus among editors highlights uncertainties in translating metaphorical compounds like *vidya-vidaritandakoso* ("egg-shell broken by knowledge") and *candanakalpo-vidyo* ("knowledge like sandal"), which obscure the intended spiritual significance. Despite these ambiguities, the study suggests that reinterpreting divided words—such as *abbijiiapratisamvitprapto* ("attained higher and analytical knowledges")—offers clearer, technically precise descriptions of an arhat’s enlightenment. The analysis underscores the need for further textual scrutiny to disentangle figurative language from doctrinal meaning, ensuring accurate representations of Buddhist epistemology and soteriology.