Substitution of "S" to "M" or regressive assimilation (Pararupa) in Pali Euphonic combinations (Sandhis): Is it a New Sandhi Pali?

Abstract

Pali is a language, highly venerated in Sri Lanka and other Theravada Buddhist countries, since it has become the medium of Theravada sacred texts. Although Pali is not widely used as a language for communication, as it is used in day-to-day religious activities, some radical changes and new tendencies of the Pali language occur from time to time. This study intends to examine a new (Sandhi) euphonic combinational formula that originated in Practical Pali language.

The main objective of this research was to reveal how new tendencies occur in Pali language when it is utilised in recitations. Especially, utility of a new Sandhi formula, initiated in recitations, is presented here.

The grammar of the Pali language has been widely explained by many scholars. There are mainly three traditions of Pali grammar which elaborate Sandhi rules in Pali in detail. Here, my intention is to describe the substitution of "s" (sakara) into "m" (niggahTta) or how "PararOpa SandhI" occurs in Practical Pali language. Traditional texts and modern views on Pali Sandhi Formulas are also referred to as points of illustration.

The substitution of "s" (sakara) into "m" (niggahita) has been pointed out previously, but practical examples were not provided as evidence. It is discussed in this paper how "PararOpa Sandhi" progresses in practical Pali by using three practical examples.

The substitution of "s" (sakara) into "m" (niggahTta) or "PararDpa" may be a Sandhi Formula either forgotten or missed out by traditional grammarians. Unlike other substitutions, this formula is complex and not well known in texts until recent times. This may be one of the reasons for its lack of reference in traditional grammatical texts.