In Susīma Sutta Buddha teaches Susīma what paññāvimutta is, and mentions “Pubbe kho, susīma, dhammatthitiñānam, pacchā nibbāne iñānam” many times. So this proposition has left the future generations many elaborations. This article discusses Ven. YinShun’s interpretations of it from five approaches. First, Ven. YinShun’s uses the Four Noble Truths to explain these two wisdoms. Second, he uses the explanations from Madhyamika’s thought. Third, he interprets them from the theoretical and practical aspects. Fourth, the two wisdoms refer to two different kinds of Arhants. Fifth, the two wisdoms are relevant to the distinction of sudden and step-by-step enlightenment. From this analysis, we can know that there are several possiblemeanings of dhammatthitiñānam and nibbāne iñānam. At last, I try to integrate these sayings and evaluate his interpretations.
