A Commentarial Gloss on the Term "sambahulā"

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Ṭhānuttamo
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A Commentarial Gloss on the Term "sambahulā"

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"Suttantapariyāyena pana tayo tayova tato paṭṭhāya sambahulā"

[...] But according to the sutta method, from just three on is "several". (Transl. Sujato)

If it means "from three on (or onwards)" this would theoretically imply any number above three, so perhaps even many? It seems to me then, provided above question is answered positively, that "several" would as a translation only be applicable to texts regarding the vinaya-method, since sambahulā is thereby defined as exactly three, other than that being a saṅgha: "Tattha vinayapariyāyena tayo janā ‘‘sambahulā’’ti vuccanti. Tato paraṃ saṅgho." I can vaguely remember a rule concerning doubling (tayo tayova) but can't find it. I think it used for giving emphasis ... Are there any references known by you? Thank you!

In mettā
A. Bhikkhu
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