Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★★ (4.6/5)
Genre: Buddhism, Vinaya, Religion, Monastic Discipline

Book Review:
''Shasanavatarana (Compendium of Bhikkhu Vinaya)'' is an authoritative and comprehensive guide to the disciplinary rules and precepts governing the life of Buddhist monks. Authored by the most Venerable Professor Re'rukané Chandawimala—a highly respected Sri Lankan Buddhist scholar and Mahanayaka Thera—this work stands as a significant contribution to the preservation and dissemination of the Vinaya teachings.

The book provides a detailed exposition of the monastic code, drawing from the ancient traditions while remaining accessible to contemporary readers. It is designed not only for monks but also for lay practitioners who wish to understand the foundations of Buddhist monastic life. The translation by D.J. Percy Silva makes this profound work available to a wider Sinhala-speaking audience.

As the author beautifully states: ''The truth is in you. However you only have to realize it within your very body, which is about a fathom in size. But it is an arduous task; you just cannot offer it to another as a degree. The Enlightened One also could only guide you. It has to be realized by your own self.''

This is an essential resource for anyone serious about the study of Buddhism, particularly the Vinaya tradition. It is a testament to the rich Buddhist heritage of Sri Lanka and the enduring legacy of one of its most distinguished scholars.