| Those who mistake the unessential for the essential | Those who know the essential as the essential |
| and in the essential see the unessential, | and the unessential as the unessential, |
| dwelling in wrong thoughts, | dwelling in right thoughts, |
| never arrive at the essence. | will arrive at the essence. |
| (Dhammapada 11) | (Dhammapada 12) |
The aim of this web site is to make more widely available the writings
of the late Ven. Ñánavíra Thera which, though
of extraordinary quality and depth, do not -- for different reasons
-- attract any of the established Buddhist publishers. It is presented
as a dhammadána (gift of Dhamma) and with a
deep sense of gratitude by individuals whose lives were significantly
affected by an encounter with these writings, in the hope that others,
too, might appreciate the right-view guidance which is offered therein.
It cannot be expected that this material, which poses a clear
challenge to the mainstream version of Buddhism, will gain any
great popularity among the majority of Buddhists -- Eastern or
Western -- but at least it can suggest an alternative approach to
the Buddha's original Teaching, and perhaps serve as a useful
eye-opener for those seeking an understanding of its more
fundamental principles. It can also communicate the attitude of
earnestness towards Dhamma practice, which is regarded not merely
as a matter of choice but rather an existential necessity. For
without this basic attitude, the practice of Buddhist meditation
will remain in the worldly sphere and will never be able to bear
the fruits of noble insight leading to liberation from the 'world'.
Clearing the Path (1960-1965)
Addenda to Clearing the Path:
Early Writings (1950-1960)
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This page was set up by Jakub Bartovský.
This page can also be found at http://nanavira.cjb.net
which is a web-forwarding address that will re-direct your browser here.