SAMANERASIKKHA

 Preface

         This edition of one thousand copies has been published by Maha-Makuta-Raja-Vidyalaya  (King Maha Makuta’s Academy)  for the benefit of people who are interested in the way of training of those who have left their homes to lead the homeless life.  It is hoped that this work which is complementary to the Pali and English Patimokkha published here, will be found useful in two ways.

        The first concerns Buddhist lay-people who should know how a bhikkhu (monk) or samanera (novice) should train himself so that they may be of help to him in this respect. Since in Buddhist tradition, the life of bhikkhu and Samanera are not secluded from lay-people but rather they form two halves of the whole, so lay-people who have the welfare at heart of  those gone forth also take interest in how the latter should train themselves.  Moreover, lay-people often take the precepts of the bhikkhu or Samanera upon themselves for a limited period of training so that this book, many times printed in Thai, may help Buddhist lay-people in other countries who do know the Thai language.

        The second point concerns one who aspires to become a Samanera.  He should be fully aware of his own way of training and just which precepts he should observe.  With this awareness and the help of his Teacher, he can train himself with diligence.

        As ever increasing numbers of people become interested in the practice of Lord Buddha’s Teachings, so whether as forthgone or lay practicers, it becomes increasingly necessary to make available genuine Buddhist literature that they may be well-informed regarding their respective duties in the Buddhist way of Training.

        This translation, originally produced as a booklet (without the Biography of Venerable Rahula), by Mahamakuta Educational Council on the occasion of the cremation of the remains of His Holiness the late Sangharaja, Phra Ariyavamsagatanana, has in this edition been both revised and enlarged.

                                                                Bhikkhu  Khantipalo

                                                                Wat Bovoranives,

                                                                Bangkok, Siam

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