LOKADHAMMA This book originally written in Myanmar by the Venerable Mahæsø Sayædaw is one of the popular Suttas translated and published in English version. The translation is undertaken by U On Pe (Penname Tet Toe), a well known writer and scholar in English language, who is a member of the Translation Committee of Mahæsø Sæsana Yeiktha. The Sutta Pi¥aka consists mainly of discourses delivered by the Buddha Himself on various fitting occasions and form one of the three Baskets of the Law known as “Tipi¥aka.” It is like a book of prescriptions as the sermons embodied therein were expounded to suit the different occasions and the temperaments of various persons. Out of a series of Suttas which the Venerable Mahæsø Sayædaw has delivered expounding the Buddha’s doctrine and teachings, a number of selected Suttas have been translated in English particularly for all people who are interested in Buddhist philosophy. The choice of selection was done by the Translation Committee of the Buddha Sæsana Nuggaha organization with the final blessing of the Venerable Mahæsø Sayædaw. Other famous Suttas translated into English language are in process of publication. The Venerable Mahæsø Sayædaw Born in the year 1904 at Seikkhun, a well-known and prosperous village, well-known for its handloom industry in the historically renowned district of Shwebo in Upper Myanmar, Bhaddanta Sobhana, popularly known as the Venerable Mahæsø Sayædaw, is regarded as a preeminent teacher of Vipassanæ Meditation both in Myanmar and abroad. He ranks among the foremost for his Søla. Samædhi and Paññæ. Through constant practice and perseverance since his first initiation into priesthood at the age of twelve, the Venerable Mahæsø Sayædaw Maha-thera, Sæsæna-dhaja-siri-pavara dhammæcariya. Agga Mahæ Panðita, Chattha-sangiti-pucchaka, has risen to great heights as an illustrious teacher and guide in the field of practical vipassanæ. The Venerable Sayædaw has taken pains to write in common language for easy understanding by his disciples in general the highly difficult philosophy of dhamma with particular emphasis on the practical vipassanæ exercises as to how they should being and then proceed step by step for the ultimate attainment of Wisdom (paññæ.) In translating the selected Suttas into English, the Translation Committee has put its best efforts to maintain the essence contained in the sutta and the scholarly accuracy of its author and also to make it a readable translation. All those books on dhamma are couched in common linguistic style and in plain terms for the benefit of the ordinary laymen to grasp and fully understand the true concept of the profound Buddhist philosophy. This present book “Lokadhamma” will, it is hoped, serve as a useful guide, and prescribe a way from the crushing miseries of this transitory life to real happiness. It points out an easy method of restraining all the ignorant cravings and blind urges through the medium of simple meditational practice which will provide one with requisite stability of mind. The basic truth about what we call life is made up of mind and matter (Næma-Rþpa) brought about by the law of Kamma. It is accordingly prone to decay, old age, disease, and finally death. The life of mortals is full of sufferings, difficult and problematic. To tackle with Lokadhamma which is inevitable, and to be able to withstand misery and minimize anger, sorrows, frustrations, desires and perplexities to which men are subjected, this book of dhamma should prove to be useful. The Venerable Mahæsø Sayædaw has quoted a number of instances and cited therein a few relevant stories from the teaching of Buddha in a simple and interesting way so as to convince the reader that no sufferings befall the man who is not attached to Næma-Rþpa and that the wise who control their temper and thoughts will be able to withstand the onslaughts of Lokadhdamma the inevitable ups and downs of life. It clearly indicates that the uninformed man does not possess true knowledge and serenity of mind whereas the wise man guards his thoughts and purges himself of all the vices of the mind under any circumstances in the vicissitudes of life. May you all be able to restrain yourself according to Dhamma and gain happiness.
Min Swe
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