Viveka meaning in Pali & Sanskrit

Q & A
1

Hi Pali experts ,

According to SC Pali dictionary definitions of viveka refers to detachment, loneliness, separation, seclusion . However , in Sanskrit viveka means discrimination, judgement, discernment or the faculty of distinguishing and classifying things according to their real properties.

Why the differences ? Thanks

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Two different languages.

3

That’s an interesting question
While we should not assume meanings are the same across Sanskrit and prakrits such as Pali, the difference in meaning does indeed warrant some explanation!
Maybe bhante @sujato may have some thoughts to share?
:anjal:

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Hi Vijja,

I am not sure of ‘why’ there is the difference… But I can attempt answering ‘how’ there is a difference, in case you find that useful.

‘Viveka’ comes from the sanskrit root ‘vic’ meaning ‘to divide/separate’.
This evolved into two kinds of meaning for the term ‘viveka’ - one is more literal and the other metaphorical/extended usage;

In Pali, it took on the meaning ‘to keep aloof/be detached’ which is a more literal sense of the root. And we know from Sutta passages like those referring to Jhana that this is the primary meaning in Pali;
Eg: ‘vicceva kāmehi vivicca akusalehi dhammehi’ - ‘detached from desires, detached from unwholesome dhammas’.

In Sanskrit, it primarily refers to discrimination - distinguishing between things; In Vedanta specifically, it refers to discriminating between the impermanent world and the permanent soul/brahman.

So for some reason, Pali took on a more literal shade of meaning whereas Sanskrit usage took on the more metaphorical sense.

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Hi , :grin: was assuming its usage in both languages closely related . Thanks .

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