The subject of today’s talk is “Thanks to those who brought Buddhism to us". Late this evening we have already dwelt on “Dharma-cakra”, the Wheel of Law; its benefits; how it helps allaying sufferings and unravelling problems, and whether it takes us. Our talk was more or less conclusive; the area of elaboration being on advantages to be derived from the practice of Buddhism; how, with Buddhism as our guidance, we can rid ourselves of sufferings and solve life’s problems, and thereby attaining satisfactory state attainable by man.

…What we need to do is create interest in what is known as the heart of Buddhism; that is, working directly toward the elimination of each individual’s defilements. We must work towards extinguishing the suffering of mankind. Once interest has been stimulated people will investigate, consider and seek to understand the essence of Buddhism. Preaching morality for the benefit of society and the state, or interest in Buddhism as a philosophy, or a source of literary enjoyment is less meaningful than self-practice and individual endeavor.

In his letter, the Than Achan also advised: “This book will make people understand better the word ‘anatta’ (not-self) as meant by the Buddha, since there have been too many doctrines which are so ambiguous as to confuse people in general.

In this book, the author draws an analogy between 24 facets of Dhamma and the follow¬ing material entities : a refuge, a torch, a friend, the source of virtue, a medicine, a tree shade, a pool, an island, an umbrella, an abode, a nourishment, a clothing, a weapon, an armor/a fortification, a boat/raft, a pleasant thing, a music/poetry, a sport, an entertainment, a fragrance, a flower garden, a snack, a victory flag, and a mirror.

Ajarn Buddhadasa, when he died in 1993, left behind many notes. Some where in well organized notebooks concerning his Dhamma and scriptural researches. Others were loosely grouped according to the themes and issues that interested him over the years. Many filled up the pages of the diary planners commonly given as New Year’s gifts in Thailand. Most of these eventually turned up in his talks and writings; they amount to preliminary lecture notes. Some were on scraps of paper, envelopes, calendars, whatever was at hand.