Definition: Paññā is the third member of the threefold training (sīla–samādhi–paññā) and names the direct, experiential understanding of things as they are — especially of impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and non-self. It is not mere information or learning (suta) but penetrative insight, normally the fruit of samādhi.
Canonical usage
Dhp 38 (dhp38:2–38:4)
Saddhammaṁ avijānato, / Pariplavapasādassa, / Paññā na paripūrati.
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English (Sujato): For one who does not know the true teaching, whose confidence wavers, wisdom does not mature.
Dhp 59 (dhp59:3–59:4)
Atirocati paññāya, sammāsambuddhasāvako.
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English (Sujato): …a disciple of the rightly self-awakened Buddha shines bright with wisdom.
Dhp 372 (dhp372) (cited; not yet ingested)
Natthi jhānaṁ apaññassa, paññā natthi ajhāyato.
— "There is no jhāna for one without wisdom, no wisdom for one who does not meditate."
Nuances and translation notes
- Sujato: "wisdom"
- Buddharakkhita: "wisdom"
- Bodhi: "wisdom"
- Norman (PTS): "wisdom"
- de Zoysa (Sinhala): ප්රඥා / පඤ්ඤා — Sanskritic and direct cognates
Paññā is the canonical term; ñāṇa (knowledge) is more specific and situational; vijjā (higher knowledge) is narrower still, often denoting the three or eight higher knowledges of the accomplished practitioner. Commentarial literature defines paññā as yathābhūta-pajānana, "knowing things as they really are".
Related concepts
- sila — virtue; the first member of the training triad
- samādhi — concentration; the second member (pending)
- pandita — the paṇḍita is characteristically endowed with paññā
- nana — knowledge; a narrower near-synonym (pending)
- vijja — higher knowledge (pending)
- vipassana — insight; the practice that produces paññā (pending)
Related pages
- dhammapada 03 cittavagga — Dhp 38
- dhammapada 04 pupphavagga — Dhp 59