Nibbana – a goal within our reach – Book Review

A unique publication authored by Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda in Sinhala entitled is an excellent composition in drawing the attention of the reading public, as to how to reach Nibbana through the Maha Satipatthana Sutta via the Noble Eightfold Path towards a goal within our reach in this life itself; to enjoy the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana.

The learned Bhikkhu has taken a painstaking attempt and in this articulated treatise, he has categorised the Mahasatipatthana Sutta going into detail the Sinhala version of the Pali-renderings in the Sutta and explaining in absolute style in clear and clarity-form the intricacies and the very essences of the ‘Truths’ to be followed as admonished by the Buddha. It is a brilliant attempt on the part of the Ven. author, in dishing-out the quintessence of the relevant Dhamma expositions, if one were to practise and reach that goal of supreme Bliss of Nibbana.

This publication in brief and precisely a challenge to all those passive thinkers who drift about and say that no person can reach the Bliss of Nibbana in this life itself.

Ven. Gnanananda throws a fearless challenge to all Buddhists and poses a very interesting question “If one cannot reach the Bliss of Nibbana in this very life, what is the use of the preaching of the Dhamma, which is sweet in the beginning, the centre and the end and the arising of the Buddhas from time to time: if the fruits and the juicy-essence of this pristine Dhamma cannot be reached in this very lifetime”.

It is a challenge to all Buddhists and the proven results are acceptable by this authored Bhikku in his valuable publication ‘Nibbana – a goal within our reach’. It is to read, re-read and digest and the path is clear and straight if one only realises the very essences of the Dhamma and practise to the letter and spirit and it is a challenge and let all Buddhists take this challenge and emerge from this veil of darkeners to light.

If one practises precisely and with ceaseless efforts the true Dhamma to the letter and spirit, as admonished by the Buddha through the Noble Eightfold Path via the Satipatthana Sutta mingled with the Four Noble Truths; one can reach the Bliss of Nibbana in this very lifetime of existence and this truth can be tested and verified by one and all and it’s the surest path and the ultimate Somum-Bonum of one’s search; and the goal that every Buddhist is striving for.

It is the ‘Avabodhaya’ the true realisation of the absolute ‘Truths’ by the Buddha that needs a close watch and practice and the ladder to reach the pinnacle is the Maha Satipatthana Sutta, the Noble Eightfold Path along with the Four Noble Truths, the only ingredients necessary to reach the goal of the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana which is within our reach.

Ven. Gnanananda throws a challenge and with copious references and lucid explanations of the Maha Satipatthana Sutta, reveal in no uncertain terms the value and practice of this Sutta and space does not permit me to give details with these columns and let me very strongly advocate to all those interested and the seekers of ‘Truth’ to go through the pages of this invaluable publication of Ven. Gnanananda and form their opinions of the subject-matter revealed and try to tread yourself to reach this final goal of Supreme Bliss.

The Venerable author considers that the Maha Satipatthana Sutta is the launching-pad that should be hailed by the Buddhists, or even non-Buddhists; if one is eager to reach the goal of absolute Bliss and happiness to end this samsaric cycle of births and deaths.

The crux of the matter is to read, re-read and digest the ‘gems’ revealed by Ven. Gnanananda in this unique publication of his and to accept his challenge that the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana – a goal, which he strongly advocates within our reach.

Source: Daily News Online Edition, Link: http://www.dailynews.lk/2002/06/28/fea06.html