PrefaceNAMO BUDDHASSA: Honour to the Fully Enlightened One. Homage to the Omniscient Sage who spread the radiance of the Dhamma. Long may the Dhamma illumine the world. This book is the translation of the Venerable Mahāsī Sayādaw’s discourse on the Hemavata Sutta, by U
On Pe, a well-known Burmese writer. The Hemavata Sutta belongs between the Dhammacakka and Anattalakkhana Suttas in chronological order. Although it is not as famous as the former two discourses, it is no less valuable to those who seek the truth and wish to gain knowledge about the Buddha and his teachings. I would like to mention briefly the circumstances under which the preparation of the original book
started. Once, the Venerable Mahāsī Sayādaw delivered a series of discourses on the Dhammacakka Sutta at the request of his disciples. The discourses contained much information about the Dhammacakka Sutta and its practical application, leaving a deep impression on the audience. I was fortunate to hear the talks, and tape-recorded them. With the approval of the Sayādaw, the discourses were translated into English and published for the benefit of thosee who don’t read Burmese. At the instigation of the Venerable Ashin Vannita, who helped me in preparing the book on the Dhammacakka Sutta, I requested the Venerable Mahāsī Sayādaw for a discourse on the Hemavata Sutta, and the Venerable Sayādaw kindly consented. He began a series of talks at the start of the Burmese New Year, in 1963, at the Mahāsī meditation centre. It was then crowded with meditators,
including many high-school and college students. Six discourses were tape-recorded, transcribed, and submitted to the Venerable Sayādaw. They were first published in 1973. The Venerable Mahāsī Sayādaw’s discourse on the Hemavata Sutta is a highly informative and illuminating Dhamma talk in simple language that can be understood by Buddhists and non-Buddhists
alike. His discourse contains interesting stories and superb maxims in stanzas that can be easily memorized. The erudition and wisdom underlying the discourse will surely enable the reader to appreciate the taste of Dhamma, which excels all other tastes. As the Buddha said in the Vinaya, Anguttaranikāya, and Udāna: “As the great ocean has but one taste, the taste of salt, this Dhamma and discipline have but
one taste, the taste of freedom.”
Finally, as the saying goes, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating of it” and the readers can judge for themselves and enjoy the taste of the Dhamma if they practise accordingly. The discourse provides practical lessons that will be immensely beneficial to all spiritual aspirants regardless of sex, race,
nationality, status, or occupation. We wish that this book - the first of its kind on the subject in English - will be a great benefit to the readers. May all beings attain the insight as pointed out in this book and achieve the liberation and peace of nibbāna, the abode of the Arahants and the Buddhas. U Thein Han, BA., BL (Mahāsī Yogi)
Honorary Treasurer,
Buddha Sāsanānuggaha Organisation
Rangon, Burma |
