Sakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment in India about 2,557 years ago, and spent forty five years teaching the way that leads to enlightenment. The Lord Buddha said his teaching is very simple: "Never do what is evil. Always do what is good. Purify the mind."
The purpose of the Buddha's teaching is to attain happiness, both happiness for the individual and happiness for the whole society. The Buddhist way of life is the way of selfless generosity, morarity, wisdom and compassion.
I am so pleased to offer this little book to the English-speaking public as a gift on behalf of Buddhapanyanuntarama Buddhist Monastery. Buddhapanyanuntarama is a center serving the Thai Buddhist community and friends, in British Columbia, Canada.
I would like to express gratitude to Venerable Santidhammo, of Atammayatarama Buddhist Monastery, for writing this booklet. I would also like to express gratitude to the many generous benefactors of Buddhapanyanuntarama who offered funds for the printing of this book. May they share in the rich benefits of happiness as a result of this effort.
Yours in Dhamma,
Venerable Phra Maha Tawatchai Khunakaro
Abbot, Wat Buddhapanyanuntarama