s phrase into two: the "unexcelled" refers to nibbṅna; the footing (ogṅdha) in the holy life refers to the path of arahantship. The analogy here is that of crossing a stream: as one approaches the far shore, one reaches a point where one can touch bottom and gain a footing; even though one is not yet on the shore, one is safe from being swept away. Throughout the Canon, however, the word ogṅdha—"gaining a footing," "coming ashore"—is frequently used in connection with unbinding and the deathless. See in particular AN 7:15. 2. Tathattṅ literally means "thus-ness." On the thus-ness of the Tathṅgata, see Iti 112. See also: DN 2; DN 11; SN 41:4; AN 4:35; AN 4:95—96; AN 4:99 - --> - - - -