一切經音義 5.97

5.97

阿練若 (also written as 阿蘭若, or 阿蘭那, or simply 蘭若; these are all phonetically corrupt variations of the Sanskrit word. In correct Sanskrit it should be pronounced 阿蘭 [with a rolled tongue and in the rising tone] 孃. In the semantic translations of this land it is rendered 'quiet place' or 'place free of dispute.' Their locations are not uniform: some dwell in sandy wastes, mountain forests, or open wilderness, or among charnel grounds and cemeteries where corpses are discarded, all of which are situated at least one krośa beyond settlements, far removed from the clamour and din of cows, livestock, chickens, and dogs, where one may calm the mind in tranquility to cultivate and practice dhyāna concentration).