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for the patient. What could possibly be a source of greater hope and solace for the patient than this?
It is exactly the same with the Buddha's explanation of suffering. However bitter it may be, suffering is a universal truth in the lives of beings. It cannot be denied. The Buddha not only revealed the fundamental truth of suffering, he made its cause crystal-clear and he thoroughly delineated the simple, easily acceptable art of living of Vipassana, consisting of the Eightfold Noble Path. This art of living is not merely a philosopher's theoretical or intellectual exposition; it is an entirely pragmatic, proven path, which gives visible results here and now to those who practise it. It gives hope to those who are discouraged and mired in suffering. It grants peace and happiness in both the mundane and supramundane fields of life.
The teachings of the Buddha completely uproot the discriminations of caste and the pollution of communalism. Relief from these poisons is the pressing need of India as well as the rest of the world today. Their removal will help to bring much longed for peace and happiness. The Buddha's discourse to the Kālāmas of Kesamutta is the first declaration of human rights and is a beacon to all mankind of the freedom of thought. All his teaching is free from blind faith and corrupt clericalism. It is completely empirical, impartial and dedicated to intellectual rigour. Therefore, it is universally acceptable. The teachings of the Buddha made the country of India the World Teacher. Their current publication is not only beneficial for humanity but also a source of pride for India.
The Tipitaka is an unparalleled lexicon of wisdom for the practitioner of Vipassana. Although stray references pertaining to Vipassana are available right from the Rg-Veda down to the teachings of Māhavīra, Kabir, Nanak, and other Indian saints, the authentic, elaborate and subtle description of Vipassana is available only in the Tipitaka.
Practitioners of Vipassana who read these texts may feel as if the Exalted One has understood their difficulties and has given instructions which are for them alone—as if the Buddha is personally exhorting them with deep understanding and love. The publication of such ambrosial words will prove a great boon to them.
Extensive study of the words of the Buddha has been undertaken by some international scholars. The Buddha Sāsana Council of Myanmar, the Pali Text Society of London, and the Buddhist Publication Society of Sri Lanka have been the forerunners in this field. Nava Nālanda Mahāvihāra, Nalanda, India, began the publication of the Pāli literature under the leadership of Bhikkhu J. Kāshyapa. This
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