The teachings of Ajahn Chah were originally made available to the English-speaking public by the efforts of his Western disciples who were able to translate from Thai or Lao, the languages that Ajahn Chah taught in.
Although for some time now these English publications have been circulating in Chinese-speaking communities, particularly in Singapore and Malaysia, and more recently in Taiwan, they have remained accessible only to those with an adequate knowledge of the English language.
These readers, inspired by Ajahn Chah’s teachings, have often expressed regret that those among their compatriots with little or no knowledge at all of English shouldn’t have the chance to benefit from the wisdom of Ajahn Chah’s words.
For this reason, a joyfully willing and dedicated group made up of members from both the Buddhist monastic community and laity, decided to translate the works of Ajahn Chah.
They come from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, and all are blessed with the facility to work in both the English and Chinese languages.
Also, and more importantly, they all have adequate experience and understanding of the Dhamma coupled with the “feel” and genuine appreciation of Ajahn Chah’s teachings.
It is a credit to their goodness and sincere wish to spread the Dhamma in whatever way they can, that this work is now in your hands.
We would like to acknowledge gratitude to all who took part in any aspect of the production of this book, be it designing, proofreading, copying, contributing toward the cost of its printing, and so on.
May the Light of the Triple Gem continue to shine in their hearts and give them the peace and happiness they deserve.
You will note that no one’s name has been mentioned and none given any special credit. is is just a way of following Ajahn Chah’s teaching of “not trying to be anything: not an arahant, not a bodhisatta, nothing...” not even a translator.
