Title	ð	King of the Buddha's Time
	Author	ð	Dr. Bhikkhu  Amritananda

KINGS OF BUDDHA’S TIME

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

                It has been since the time of the Buddha that Buddhism and the monarchy were beneficially related to each other.  Even as a Bodhisatta or the Buddha-to-be, the Buddha was son of King Suddhodana of the Sakyan people. After Enlightenment the early part of His missionary activities was earnestly supported by a king who could be said to be super-power of India at that time and who had then played a significant role in disseminating the Buddha’s Message for the welfare and happiness of the people.  This was King Bimbisara of the state of Magadha, the first monarch who had contributed so much and thus righteously earned a remarkable place in the history of Buddhism.  The Buddha’s forty-five years of the establishment of his Dhamma kingdom were obviously marked by quite a number of kings at the time who were actively involved in his noble work, being always the Buddha’s enthusiastic disciples.

        It is therefore a significant milestone in the literary works that Venerable Amritananda Mahathera, ph.D. of Nepal had painstakingly collected the records of prominent kings in the Buddha’s times such as King Suddhodana of Kapilavatthu, King Bimbisara of Rajagaha, King Pasenadi of Kosala, King Mahali of Vesali and King Udena of Kosambi.  This was done through the recorded references of Buddhism such as from the Pali Canon.  Hence its historical and priceless value inenhancing the research in this field of Buddhism.

        This Valuable work was offered free of charge to the Mahamakut Foundation for publication for the sake of the Englishreading public.  However, its publication had been delayed until the Venerable author passed away before its completion.  The Mahamakut Foundation hereby expresses its regret for his demise and respect for his goodwill and generosity.

        It should also be noted that the Venerable author used to visit Thailand several times and was granted an audience with His Majesty the King.  These contributed to his acquaintance with Thailand and particularly his profound impression towards His Majesty’s painstaking efforts for the wellbeing of his citizens.  This has spurred his to offering the publication of this work as a means of dedicating whatever meritorious fruits there may e to His Majesty on any occasion.  This in His Majesty’s capacity as the outstanding patron of Buddhism in the modern times.  As such, the Foundation begs to introduce, on behalf of the late Venerable author, the publication of this valuable work in compliance with his wish.

        We hereby offer our sincere thankfulness to Venerable Amritananda, the genius author who has so kindly given us his publication permission.  May whatever wholesome fruits accrue there from be productively forwarded to him, thus being transformed into whatever can be a source of ecstasy and bliss for him in that dimension of life.  

The Mahamakut Foundation Under Royal Patronage

Bovoranives Vihara, Bangkok

October B.E. 2534

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   This volume is just an introduction to the of five kings who were contemporaries of Lord Buddha. It has been translated from the Nepali first volume of “Kings of Buddha’s Time” as written by me in 1973.

        It should be mentioned here that the latter volumes contain the full biographies of all the kings of Buddha’s time as found in the Pali Tripitaka

        This books went through many stages before the final draft was completed. Many years ago, the attempt at the English rendering of the Nepali edition was made by Professor Asha Ram Shakya.  However, it still needed additions and revisions. Such an opportunity presented itself when.  a few months ago, Professor Dr. S. Collure of Peradeniya University, Sri Lanka, during his few weeks’ stay at Ananda Kuti Vihara, was able to devote himself to checking it whit me against the Nepali edition and making it more complete and authentic.  Mr. Colin Painter from Great Britain, who is presently teaching at Ananda Kuti Vidyapith, contributed improvements on language and style.  To those mentioned, I am deeply grateful.

        This book, or parts, thereof may be reproduced in any form provided that acknowledgement is made.

        My sincerest thanks are due, for the publication of this book to Bhikkhu Maitri, honaorary secretary of Ananda Kuti Vihara Trust, and its other members and for proof reading to Mr. Colin Painter.

Bhikkhu Amritananda

Ananda Kuti Vihara

Kathmandu, Nepal.

Feb/  11^th, 1983.

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