The Manuals Of Dhamma

"Originally published under the title, The manuals of Buddhism, in 1965 by the Union Buddha Saasana Council, Yangon, Myanmar"--Title page verso.

"Vipassana is the quintessence of teachings of the Buddha, Venerable Ledi Sayadaw was an invaluable link in the chain of teachers that preserved Vipassana in its pristine purity in Myanmar. The writings of this great meditation master and Abhidhamma scholar are not easily available today. Therefore Vipassana Research Institute is now publishing The Manuals of Dhamma, which is a collection of English translation of the Venerable Sayadaw's writings. The reader will find a great treasure of information as well as inspiring guidance for the practice of Dhamma in these texts." from back cover.

The Venerable Mahathera Ledi Sayadaw wrote this manual in reply to a layperson requesting guidance in developing insight, clarification of doctrinal aspects, and how to advance from being a blind worldling to a wise and virtuous person, i.e. one who has the eye of knowledge. In clear, concise, vivid language the author explains the perfections, seven aspects of the five aggregates to be perceived, the true peace of Nibbana, how to be mindful while doing a meritorious deed, practicing the three refuges, the four types of Buddhists, and understanding the Four Noble Truths and Dependent Origination. Finally, an exhortation regarding great opportunities: human rebirth, meeting the Buddha, becoming a bhikkhu, having confidence, and hearing the Dhamma.

In this book the great Burmese philosopher-monk, Ledi Sayadaw, covers the paramis practised by a Bodhisatta, the five aggregates, the Four Noble Truths, dependent origination, and Nibbana. An inspiring and intellectually astute work, geared to the practice of insight meditation. It was written in response to a letter from a lay follower posing ten questions on important points of Buddhist teaching. The work begins with an explanation of the Theravada conception of the Bodhisatta, the aspirant to supreme Buddhahood, and of the ten perfections a Bodhisatta must fulfil to reach Perfect Enlightenment. The author then launches out into a detailed exploration of the “five aggregates” that make up human existence. He also gives coverage to the Four Noble Truths, dependent origination, the five kinds of Maras, and the nature of Nibbana. Again and again, the Sayadaw impresses on his readers the need to take up the practice of the Dhamma in full earnestness, not remaining content with mere deeds of merit but striving along the path of insight meditation that leads to realization of the goal.

A collection of writings from an outstanding figure in the resurgence of the Buddha's teachings, this hardback edition is a mixture of detailed analysis, vivid stories, and examples for meditators. Ledi Sayadaw was a leading scholar of his time, revered by his contemporaries and regarded as an authority by Western interpreters of Theravada texts. In a break with the past, he strove to make the entire record of the Buddha's teaching accessible to the general population, not only the Sangha. This English translation of Venerable Sayadaw's writings provides inspiring guidance and valuable information for the practice of Dhamma.

In this treatise, noted Burmese scholar and monk Ledi Sayadaw explains the bodhipakkiya dhamma: the 37 requisites of enlightenment. The requisites are comprised of the four foundations of mindfulness, four right efforts, four bases of success, five controlling faculties, five mental powers, seven factors of enlightenment, and the eight factors of the Noble Eightfold Path. This book is valuable to those interested in understanding the Buddha’s teaching at a deeper level, while providing the inspiration to continue walking step by step on the path.

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