CÞ¡avedalla Sutta Cþ¹avedalla Sutta is one that stands prominent among Suttas contained in Sutta Pi¥aka which consists mainly of discourses delivered by the Buddha Himself. It is unlike any other suttas that comparisons should be hardly relevant in that it is highly profound, philosophical and comprehensive as preached by the Blessed One. Elucidation of this Dhamma was made by no other person than the eminent Dhammadeinnæ Therø, a female Arahat, who is well renowned for her rare wisdom and supernatural knowledge of the arahat, being endowed with the four attainments peculiar to the Order of Arahats, called Patisambhidæ, analytical sciences. Pragmatic and superbly efficient, Dhammadeinnæ's answers to the intellectual and searching questions raised by Visækha, an Anægami on the intricacies of Buddha's Dhamma, are clear, precise and significantly meaningful. The exquisite treatment of the Four Noble Truths, part by part, the clarification of the meaning of "sakkæya", analytical comment on the features of "Upædæna" and "Upædænakkhandhæ", the different aspects of Nirodhasaccæ, the Eightfold Magga³gas, the causes for the development of Samædhi, the manner of absorption in Nirodhasamæpatti, the method of dispelling various kinds of vedanæs through vipassanæ-ñæ¼a, the nature of anusayas and the characteristics of the four Jhænas are the highlights that have been scientifically expounded in this Sutta. To all those who are Buddhists or who are inclined towards the Buddhist religion, this Sutta Dhamma should prove to be an incentive and a guide to tread on the Noble Eight fold Path to Enlightenment instead of remaining in contentment by merely taking refuge in the Order of Sanghas from whom they occasionally learn the Dhamma. In my earnest endeavour in translating this philosophical Dhamma, I have done the best that I could though my own qualifications are limited. It is my fervent hope that the clear exposition of this Sutta Dhamma so benevolently and painstakingly rendered by the author of this book will be truthfully embraced in this translation in English version. The author of this book, the Venerable Mahæsø Sayædaw of Myanmar, whose fame has spread far and wide for his søla, samædhi and pãnña, need no further introduction. Just as the Sutta is both academic and practical, the Author, holder of the Title of Agga Mahæpa¼ðita, and Chatta-Sanghika-Puccaka, is highly scholastic in the logical treatment of religious doctrines, and combined with his practical and mature insight-knowledge of Vipassanæ, the exposition of this Sutta Dhamma becomes all the more interesting, realistic and remarkable. This Discourse written and explained in plain language by the author is as convincing as any other sutta written by him, and going through this book page by page and line by line with concentrated attention, will probably lead to appreciation of the real essence of the Dhamma. The undoubted reliability of this Sutta Dhamma and its fine presentation offered by the Venerable Mahæsø Sayædaw in clear and unequivocal terms and in a most practical way is unique. The Buddha's Dhamma propounded in this Discourse is likely to appeal to a large number of persons who are interested in learning the fundamental teachings of the Lord Buddha to lead a way of life for individual happiness and peace of mind. To those devotees of Buddha, the principles of Dhamma explained in this Sutta will, it is believed, add to enhance the new powers of devotion and to the treasures of faith. What I sincerely feel is that this interesting Sutta will have a lasting imprint on the minds of the people of the West in general, who earnestly seek to know what the Buddha's Dhamma is. One can really be spell-bound and absorbed in this Sutta if the thought is set down to grasp the essentials of the Dhamma contained in this Sutta. The questions raised by Visækha also reflect the intellectual ability of the Interrogator himself and answers given by Dhammadeinnæ Therø in this Sutta are really worthy of close study. According to the instructions given therein by the Venerable Mahæsø Sayædaw if the reader diligently develops vipassanæ bhævanæ for the attainment of everlasting Peace and Happiness- Nibbæna, my efforts to convince the reading public in a language other than my own mother tongue to the best of my ability, will not be in vain. May you all be able to appreciate the true spirit of Buddha Dhamma herein explained and practise the Path to Final Liberation. Min Swe SECRETARY Buddha Sæsana Nuggaha Organization Yangon,
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