PREFACE

This book is an expression of gratitude to the many sincere and devoted lay disciples of Luang Pu Opart on the occasion of the Sima & Uposatha Hall Consecration Ceremony of Wat Jong Kum. It is also an expression of our faith, respect and reverence in the Triple Gem and, in particular, in the teaching of Luang Pu Opart.

The present translation features six formal sermons that were given on various Saturdays to monks, novices and the lay community at Wat Jong Kum. Luang Pu’s talks in Thai were profound – yet plain and direct – which may be explained in part by the fact that most of the audience were teenage novices who can be impish and boisterous. These talks give an impression of Luang Pu’s skillful rhetoric, as an abbot administering such a monastic community. The translations aim to capture his original rhetoric, although I have on occasion fleshed the text out to give some context, and have removed some repetition where necessary.

I have had the good fortune to have lived under Luang Pu Opart’s guidance in his roles as abbot and teacher. Therefore, I hope that all these translations will fully portray his warm, radiant loving-kindness, as well as shed the light of wisdom that lies within his simple words. May the merit accrued through printing of this book be dedicated to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand for his lifelong patronage and protection of Buddhism.

If this book contains any errors, I accept full responsibility and humbly ask for your forgiveness.

Akiñcañno Bhikkhu 5 December 2020