Among the world-famous personalities in the field of Buddhist religion, only a few could be found at the present time who are able to disseminate more widely than ever the real essence of the Teachings (Sæsanæ) of Lord Buddha which would enable every one to cultivate in his own self the virtues of Morality, Concentration and Wisdom (Søla, Samædhi and Paññæ) by which one can, through his own effort, reach on to the Right Path that leads from the world of appearances to ultimate Reality. To propagate the Teachings of the Exalted One and to expound its true concepts particularly on the practical aspect- pa¥ipatti - it is far more difficult . Buddhism itself is essentially a practical path. To lead people on to the right track, the preacher must also be a teacher as well, competent in both pariyatti and pa¥ipatti. Furthermore, a good knowledge of oriental languages particularly pæ¹i and Sanskrit as well as English which being a universal language, is highly essential. If there is a handicap in imparting religious lessons in English this can be remedied by the assistance of disciples who know the language and who possess a fairly adequate knowledge of the profound dhamma. The Venerable Mahæsø Sayædaw is fortunate in this respect in that he has a handful of close disciples, his own products, who are well acquainted with English while he himself reads and understands English. This is one of the factors which brings success in propagating Pa¥ipatti Sæsanæ in foreign countries. The Venerable Mahæsø Sayædaw with his intuition, talent and the power of spiritual awareness attained through his own individual effort and by the guidance of his eminent spiritual teachers in his early years, is one of the brilliant stars among the galaxy of intellectuals in the hierarchy of Buddhist priests. Apart from being learned, it may perhaps be due to his paramitas that he has been able to propound the most complex and intricate portions of the highly philosophical dhamma for the benefit of mankind in the field of pariyatti. In the field of pa¥ipatti, at the present day, he is pre-eminent. His persevering nature, enthusiasm, compassion and his outstanding spiritual attainments are revealed in this biography. The compiler of this memoirs of the Sayædaw's career, Ashin Sølænandæbhivamsa (now promoting Sæsanæ in the United States) is an adept at the art of presenting in clear terms the contemporary allusions and known facts that would make all of us believe that the Venerable Mahæsø Sayædaw is a prominent figure who stands out above many others at the present day, and who will leave a history behind which time can never dim. The author's brilliance and depth of scriptural knowledge is obvious and his comprehension of the Sayædaw's life and his style of expression will surely give an interesting and wonderful reading. Just as Mahæsø Sayædaw has become a great and interesting. figure in the history of Buddha Sæsanæ, the writer himself with his versatility, wit and penetrating mind will undoubtedly become, in due course of time, a remarkable figure in the world of Buddhist literature. The biography though concise; being factually written, is fairly comprehensive and includes an account and analysis of the work and achievements of the Venerable Mahæsø Sayædaw. Buddhism was from the very outset a missionary religion. To be able to inherit the Wisdom which the Blessed One had offered to mankind, one should endeavour to know and follow the method of Satipa¥¥hæna meditation which is being stressed by Mahæsø Sayædaw at home and in the course of his religious missions abroad. Following the footsteps of the Buddha to make available to all men the universal principles of Truth and to offer to all the knowledge of the Path, Mahæsø Sayædaw has diligently preformed his noble task according to the famous exhortation of the Exalted One which says: "Go ye forth, O Bhikkhus and wander forth, for the gain of the many, for the welfare of the many, in compassion for the world, for the gain, for the welfare of gods and men, Proclaim, O Bhikkhus, the Doctrine glorious, preach ye a life of holiness, perfect and pure." I have dedicated myself to the work of translating this interesting biography with my unshaken faith in Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, and particularly with my utmost reverence to the Venerable Mahæsø Sayædaw and also in harmony with the following remarkable maxim contained in Dhammapada (v. 354). "The gift of the Dhamma is greater than all other gifts." May all beings be able to seek for the light of Dhamma and find peace and happiness. Min Swe (Min Kyaw Thu) SECRETARY Buddha Sæsana Nuggaha Organization November 28, 1981.
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