Preface

The Buddhist Monk's Discipline: Some Points Explained for Laypeople, by Bhikkhu Khantipalo

In the small treatise which follows, the good of both bhikkhus (Buddhist monks) and of the lay Buddhist householders has been aimed at and the information presented, the writer believes, is available in no other book. The standards of conduct described here are those of the Vinaya well-practiced and of the layman's discipline well-applied. What use indeed is there in presenting other than the high standards laid down by Lord Buddha himself in the Vinaya, since falling away from good conduct is all too easy and may all too easily be seen, not least in Buddhist lands? For those who follow the training in Buddhist Doctrine and Discipline (Dhamma-Vinaya) only the best, surely, is good enough.

As to terminology, the writer has used the Pali word añjali for what is often called "placing together the palms of the hands" (añjali-kamma), and the "five-point-rest" (pañcanga-vandana) for what is commonly called "prostration."

This book has greatly benefited from the corrections and additions suggested by my revered upajjhaya, Ven. Chao Khun Sasana Sobhana, and others.

May this work be for the practical welfare of all who strive on the Path of Saddhamma!

Bhikkhu Khantipalo
Wat Bovoranives Vihara
Bangkok, Thailand
8th day of the Waning Moon of Citta, B.E. 2510

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: http://www.accesstoinsight.org