Dhp 352: arahants who teach well are the best of the disciples

 Sujato translation: Dhp 352

• Minor CollectionKhuddakanikāya
• Sayings of the DhammaDhammapada

CravingTaṇhāvagga

Rid of craving, free of grasping,Vītataṇho anādāno,expert in the interpretation of terms,Niruttipadakovido;knowing the correctAkkharānaṁ sannipātaṁ,structure and sequence of syllables,Jaññā pubbāparāni ca;they are said to be one who bears their final body,Sa ve “antimasārīro,one of great wisdom, a great person.Mahāpañño mahāpuriso”ti vuccati.

 

Someone asked about the line with niruttipadakovida:

https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/48138/what-is-meant-by-a-profound-knowledge-of-words-in-dhp-352/48144#48144







niruttipadakovida adj. skilled in language; (comm) accomplished in the grammar and the verse [nirutti + pada + kovida] ●

the first part of Dhp 352 is a coded way of saying they are an arahant, fully englightened. The second part is saying they are also expert in language and communication skills, able to teach others and lead them to awakening.

This echoes other suttas in the canon where the Buddha praises those who are fully enlightened who also possess excellent teaching skills as the best and most praiseworthy of his disciples.