It is heartening to note that Buddhists in Malaysia ar gaining recognition for their significant contribution to the world community while at the same time developing a recognizable identity of their own.
While in the past Malay- sians were depending on the cultures of the predominantly Buddhist countries like China, tailand, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, today Malaysians have begun a trend to merge these various traditions and evolve a distinctive Malaysian Buddhist character.
Also a sizeable number of knowledgeable Buddhists are making contributions to this new culture not only through their Dhamma talks and the organization of Buddhist activities like seminars and conferences, but also in areas such as art, literature and poetry.
The Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society, the old- est registered Buddhist society in Malaysia has embarked on a modest programme to publish books for the benefit of all Malaysian Buddhists.
We are extremely proud that the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society has been given the honour to publish this book authored by our most Venerable teacher, Dr K Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Maha era, the Chief High Priest of Malaysia and Singapore.
This present volume is offered to the reader to commemorate Esala Poya which is a very important date on the Buddhist calendar. It marks the day on which the Buddha delivered his first sermon after his Enlightenment more than the centuries ago.
This book by our Venerable teacher will no doubt go a long way in keeping the glorious flame of the Dhamma alight to enlighten future generations and help them attain the final bliss of Nibbana.
