On the occasion of my 60th birthday, I received some requests from the monastic Sangha and the lay supporters of Buddha Bodhivana Monastery who wished to know more about my life and practice as a monk. In response, it seems like a good idea to commit some of my various recollections to paper before they become lost through the passage of time. This book includes some of my personal recollections and insights from my life in the robes, rather than providing lengthy explanations of the Buddha’s teachings. The language used is simple and without too much reference to many of the Pali technical terms that we use daily as we talk about the Buddha’s teachings.

I wish to express my gratitude and appreciation to all the Sangha members and volunteers who have helped with transcribing and editing these talks. I also give anumodana to everyone who has contributed to the printing costs of this book.

May the merit made by this gift of Dhamma be a cause for countless beings to grow in virtue, meditation and wisdom. May it serve as a source of inspiration for all who come in contact with it for many years to come, and may it be a cause for their complete liberation from suffering, for the attainment of nibbāna.

Ajahn Kalyāṇo Buddha Bodhivana Monastery 2020