Preface to the Commentary on the Samantapāsādikā (一切善見律注序)

I take refuge in the World-Honored One, the Worthy One, the Fully Enlightened One.

For countless eons and ages, He practiced all forms of asceticism, All for the benefit of this world. I take refuge in the Savior who aids those in suffering, And bow to the Great Compassionate Awakened One.

Hard to grasp is the Dharma the Buddha attained Beings wander endlessly in existence He shatters the net of ignorance and affliction I take refuge in the supreme True Dharma

Precepts, concentration, wisdom, liberation, and the knowledge of liberation— Fully possessing all these merits, A field of blessing for those who do good— I bow in reverence to the noble Sangha.

I bow sincerely with a devoted heart. I respectfully honor the Three Jewels. Their merit overflows, their blessings are vast, and through their power, all obstacles are cleared away.

Do not cling to either extreme; establish the Middle Way. This is the foundation for upholding the sacred teaching. I explain this discipline purely, without mixing in anything else, relying on the power of the ancient masters.

Once, courageous masters of the great teachers washed away the stains of affliction with the water of wisdom, gained pure wisdom and unobstructed eloquence, and skillfully explained and clarified this true Dharma.

Your vigorous practice is unmatched, You raise the Dharma banner at the great temple, You explain the Vinaya in all its skillful ways, As an heir to the Buddha, you hold the heart of the teachings.

Based on the words of this Lion Island, this commentary was composed. For the community of monks outside this island, there is no benefit to be gained from it.

Therefore, I now undertake this project To comment on the sacred texts accordingly Bearing the Buddha's auspiciousness And mindfully remembering the great virtue's vow

Therefore, this commentary was undertaken. The author of the Great Atthakatha, and also the Great Paccari, known as the Kurundiya and others.

I now explain the practices of concentration as taught in the commentaries, without abandoning the meaningful principles. Furthermore, as the Elder taught in the tradition, I undertake to make a correct commentary.

I have listened faithfully with a trusting heart, elders, monks in their prime, and young ones alike, focusing wholeheartedly, honoring and respecting the true Dharma of the Buddha, the Lamp of the Dharma.

The Buddha taught the Dharma and the Vinaya. All disciples truly understood this. They did not abandon their own views and insights, as people in the past each made their own commentaries.

Those who merely read the commentaries and skim them carelessly as words on a page, while honoring and respecting the entire training in Precepts— this is the standard for the wise.

So let go of the words of ignorance, and grasp the essential meaning of the extensive teachings. The complete and flawless explanation of Concentration— not a single sacred line shall be left out.

The meaning of the sacred text's words should be explained in line with the sacred text. Therefore, a commentary should be made on this. For that reason, one should study with focused attention.