Preface

This book fulfils a long standing desire of the writer to offer in the form of a brief outline the Teachings of The Buddha to the English speaking world.

Not withstanding the fact that quite a vast literature is available on Buddhism in English in the form of large volumes as well as in brief tracts, there remains the need of a work which should neither allow the fundamental doctrines to be lost in the flood of detailed scholastic discussions generally inevitable in large volumes nor present the Teachings with the essentials un mentioned, as is generally seen in the booklets. Though conscious of the fact of brevity and comprehensiveness rarely electing to be together, the writer decided upon a plan which is expected to achieve the difficult objective, without at least sacrificing the inclusion of certain vital subjects, however briefly. Obviously, the Ten Perfections, the Two Aspects of Truth, the Constitution of Personality; the Philosophy of Kamma, the System of Causal Relations and the Buddhist Practices are the subjects in view. Whereas these, together with the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, the Practice of Virtue, Mental Culture and the Final Fruition (Nibbana) have been dealt with in the perspective of the Orthodox Teachings and the life of the Master, the historical side of Buddhism has been purposely restricted to the Great Councils. Also there are several quotations from the words of the Buddha Himself.

Another special feature of the book is its considerable freedom from the use of Pali terminology; this will certainly add to the convenience of the reader, unaquainted with this classical language.

In view of the wide range of subjects, rarely found mentioned or discussed in a book of this size, certain shortcomings, such as a degree of abruptness here and there and lackof connection between some chapters, are to be expected. However, the object with which the writer set himself about, seems to have materialised to an extent. To what extent? This is left to the judgement of the reader

U Po Sa
Yangon, Myanmar.
11th, November 1955.