Teachings of Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara

His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, Supreme Patriarch of Kingdom of Thailand was remembered by all Buddhists and non-Buddhist alike as a ‘people’s monk,’ a ‘Supreme Patriarch of Patriarchs,’ and a monk with a ‘full dedication for humanity.’ The charismatic supreme patriarch, who was respected by Buddhists all over the world for 24 years as the Thai Supreme Patriarch passed away at 7.30 p.m. on October 24, 2013 just after 21 days after his 100^th birthday anniversary. After two years of merit dedication under the royal patronage, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej graciously announced the royal cremation date to be on December 16, 2015 at the Phra Meru Royal Crematorium, Wat Debsirindravas, Bangkok.

“Phra” in Thai language means a Buddhist monk but in a deeper sense it means one who manifests a nobility in his action, speech and thought. The late His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, Supreme Patriarch of Kingdom of Thailand was indeed a venerable “Phra” who not only manifests himself as a true Phra but he shares his nobility and purity with all Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike all over the world. Everyone who had chance to meet him and saw him personally expressed in the same tone that they felt comfort and cool just being near him. Moreover, people who had chance to listen to his teachings or read his writings say that it was the best teaching they could receive from a monk (Phra).

His Holiness dedicated his entire life to the selfless pursuit of loving kindness, compassion and humanity. His saintly conduct will continue to provide lifelong lessons for us all. With deepest and respectful gratitude for his benevolence, his writing on Buddhist Psychology has been published so that people can understand their own mind. The world has acknowledged the benefit of Buddhist psychology and mindfulness. An important part of mindfulness is reconnecting with our bodies and the sensations they experience. This means waking up to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the present moment. Moreover, it is an awareness of our thoughts and feelings as they happen moment to moment.

On behalf of His Holiness and Wat Bovoranives Vihara, I hereby would like to thank Venerable Khammai Dhammasami of Oxford Buddhist Vihara, Oxford, UK for translating His Holiness’ writing on Buddhist Psychology and make it accessible for wider readers. Equally, I would like to thank Dr. Choosna and Mrs. Wipasiri Makarasara who kindly sponsored the publication for free distribution on the occasion of the royal cremation of His Holiness. May all merits gained by this publication be beneficial for additional happiness of His Holiness. May all reader gain benefit in understanding how our mind works and is able to train our mind to be more mindfulness.