“Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammæ Sambuddhasa” Among many outstanding Suttas expounded by the Venerable Agga Mahæ Pa¼ðita Mahæsø Sayædawpayægyø, Vammika Sutta is one of the most interesting discourses that reveals the Truth of Buddha’s Dhamma in a simple, effective way and in unequivocal terms. The brilliant light of Mahæsø preachings has expelled the darkness or the dim ambiguities of certain highly philosophical dhamma which are not ordinarily and easily comprehensible to a man of average intelligence. This lovely discourse originally preached by the Buddha has been elucidated by the Author, the Venerable Mahæsø Sayædaw, to become a newly developed product idea of his own. It reveals in a very brief and striking way the genius of the Lord Buddha, the Omniscient. In it you will find the fundamental religious concepts ornamented with a wide variety of aphorisms and lively short vutthus or stories, which though concisely narrated leaving out what are irrelevant to the practical aspect of the dhamma, will be found really interesting and invaluable. The exposition takes the trend of a new style of expression relating to the prime importance of the practice of Vipassanæ meditation which is essential for all mankind to escape from the fetters of human passions. The Venerable Mahæsø Sayædawpayægyø has precisely presented the practical method of Vipassanæ meditation exercise in this discourse, with brilliant touches which would surely bring an enthusiastic reader a step closer to Nibbæna. This statement is not an exaggeration. Reading through this Sutta, one may perhaps be aroused with curiosity as to what are the fifteen riddling problems which were posed by Ashin Kumærakassapa on the advice given by a Brahmæ god and what are the answers as elucidated by the Blessed One. Treatment of this Sutta with lucid explanation is beautifully blended with the genius of the Author. The translation truthfully rendered will, it is hoped, give a delightful reading particularly to those who understand English language and who have a bent in Buddhist philosophy. It may perhaps even encourage them to take refuge in the Triple Gem of Buddhism and seek for real Peace and Happiness by experimenting Vipassanæ meditation. The light of Buddha’s dhamma is still shining. Reality is indescribable. Buddha, whose purpose of life was the attainment of Enlightenment, had preached us with all-embracing love and compassion to be always “mindful and self-possessed” refraining from mental and emotional attachment to all nature of things which are ephemeral, particularly, the material body, Rþpa, which is prone to decay, suffering and death. The method of eliminating kilesæ-human passions has been candidly explained in this Sutta for you to follow in accordance with the well-known phrase quoted hereunder: “Thus have I heard?” Even ‘Buddhas do but point the way’, and the individual must sooner or later work out his own salvation with diligence.’ May you all be able to follow the right Path, free from all hindrances and strive after Nibbæna to bring all your passions to an end. Min Swe
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