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Two: Description of the Metres

2.7 Variations

The normal opening in both metres is described as being ÅÜÛÜ , but there are a significant number of occasions when variations are seen (especially in the early period), the most common being ÅÜÜÜ (the so-called Vedic opening), but also we come across ÅÜÛÛ, ÅÛÜÜ & ÜÛÛÜ. Others occur only very rarely.

In the break (syllables 5-7) the pattern ÜÛÛ prevails (85% approx), with resolution occasionally giving ,ÛÛÛÛ. Other patterns that occur in this position are ÛÛÜ, ÜÛÜ, & ÛÛÛ. Rarely we also find the patterns ÜÜÛ and ÛÜÛ, so that the 6th syllable, though normally regarded as light, may occasionally be heavy.

Sometimes an extended form is produced by resolution at the first syllable, which then gives a line of 12 (13) syllables - note that the pattern of the cadence will help identify the metre in these cases.

Another extended form may be produced by a line having a caesura at the 5th syllable, and restarting from the same syllable, giving the line:

Occasionally replacement takes place, whereby two light syllables are presumed in the 6th & 7th positions, and replaced by one heavy one. The line then has one syllable less than expected (see 1: 16 above for an example):

Examples: early Tuññhubha, Khaggavisàõasutta Sn I:3; the "Aññhaka" suttas Sn IV:2-5; and the Tuññhubha verses in Pàràyanavagga Sn V. The second of the extended forms described above is used extensively in the Vatthugàthà to Nàlakasutta Sn III:11 (vs 679ff). Late Tuññhubha tends to conform to the fixed patterns that emerged during this time and which are described below (for more on the development of the Tuññhubha, see the Appendix).

Example of early Tuññhubha from Guhaññhakasutta (Sn IV: 2) (vs 776-779):

Mixed Tuññhubhajagatã, from Ratanasutta (Khp 6:8):

Extended Tuññhubha, from Nàlakasutta (Sn III: 11) (vs 679-680):