Abstract
This paper examines the conjugation and meaning of the verb dahya-ti/te in the Lotus Sutra. The verb dah is conjugated as daha-ti in the Vedic literature. The passive form is dahya-te, and thus dahyante in KN III: 78,13 has traditionally been interpreted as a passive. However, an alternative reading, dahyanti, is also attested.
The form dahya-ti, found in the Lotus Sutra, Mahāvastu, and MahāBhārata, is likely the present stem of firentiv with the suffix -ya-, and its meaning differs from daha-ti. In conclusion, the original reading of KN III:78,13 dahyante should be regarded as dahyanti, as preserved in the Kashgar, Lüshun, and Gilgit manuscripts.
