The Journal of the Siam Society Vol. LXIV, Part 1-2, 1976 - Khamkoo

384 REVIEWS
Of the approximate number of 114 selections, few are short
extracts, many are long passages and not a small number are whole
Suttas. Of these, Suttas like the Kesaputtiya Sutta, the Upali Sutta,
the Sigalovada Sutta, the Vyagghapajja Sutta, the Potaliya Sutta, the
Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, the Malui'lkya Sutta, the Vatthupama
Sutta, the Bhaddekaratta Sutta and the Ratthapala Sutta are of medium
length and occupy a large number of pages. Moreover, several of them are
furnished with introductions and learned notes, adding to the impression
of a scholarly work. In sum, The Buddha's Words is helpful not only to
the general reader, but also to those who have some knowledge of
Buddhism and would like to go further in their studies. It not only
gives to the beginners and the outsiders some ideas of what Buddhism
is, but, to a greater degree, deserves the attention of scholars.
The fact that the book was published on the auspicious occasion
of the 48th birthday anniversary of His Majesty the King should be the
cause of great delight. H.M. the King is Himself a Buddhist and
Upholder of Religion. Specifically, be is the Royal Patron of the
Buddhist Association of Thailand, by whose initiative and energetic
efforts this book bas come into being. In fact, the work is a joint effort
of persons and parties, namely, the Buddhist Association, the publisher,
Bbikkhu Khantipalo, the collector, the Thai Watana T. Suwan Foundation,
the supporter, and the editor and staff of Visakha Puj(i, who steered
the manuscript through the press. This is a work of unity and thus
will be a worthy tribute to His Majesty and a valuable contribution to
the celebration on this great occasion.
May this attempt of the Buddhist Association of Thailand "to
propagate Dhamma to those who visit our Buddhist Land" meet with
anticipated success. May the merit accrued from the conscientious
efforts be, as wished by the publisher, for the blessings to His Majesty
and the Royal Family, and for the welfare and happiness of His
Majesty's subjects throughout the long days to come.
Maha Chulalongkom
Euddhist f}niwrsity
Phra Rajavaramuni (Prayudh)