It is better to study the four foundations of mindfulness from the Ānāpānasati Sutta than from the Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta, which is overly long, has a vague and muddled appearance, and lacks a clear sequence or progression. Just to read it takes hours. On the other hand, the Ānāpānasati Sutta is a continuous progression of 16 steps that encompass everything from the beginning of practice up to and including the final realization of the fruits of practice. The Buddha himself declared that he relied upon this practice in his own Awakening. Please consider this well. May we leave this fact as a legacy, also.

– Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu –

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From “MAY WE LEAVE THIS LEGACY WITH YOU,” translated from the Thai by Santikaro. 

SECTION I: Legacy in the context of material and ceremonial matters

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Foreword

I have no inheritance to leave behind for Buddhist friends, my comrades in birth, aging, illness, and death, except for what is spelled out in the following statements. My hope is that for however long these legacies are passed along the activity of Suan Mokkhabalārāma will continue and ‘Buddhadāsa’ will remain in that place for that long.

Please receive these legacies in your contemplation from this very moment which will create ease in passing them further along.

May you accept them as a Dhamma inheritance for all Dhamma Comrades who have offered body and life in service to the Buddha’s Dispensation for the benefit of human beings throughout the world without the least personal consideration.

Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu

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Translator’s Note

For his 80th ‘Age Teasing Day’ (birthday), Tan Ajahn prepared a souvenir book of Dhamma photos, proverbs, sayings, riddles, and legacies for his students.

One of the six sections was about the legacies he wished to leave behind. They comprise a concise summary of the main points of his teaching, beginning with certain practical matters (Section I) and ending with more abstract or spiritual legacies (Section II).

Santikaro