A Manual of the Excellent Man

In this book the great Burmese philosopher-monk, Ledi Sayadaw, covers the paramis practised by a Bodhisatta, the five aggregates, the Four Noble Truths, dependent origination, and Nibbana. An inspiring and intellectually astute work, geared to the practice of insight meditation. It was written in response to a letter from a lay follower posing ten questions on important points of Buddhist teaching. The work begins with an explanation of the Theravada conception of the Bodhisatta, the aspirant to supreme Buddhahood, and of the ten perfections a Bodhisatta must fulfil to reach Perfect Enlightenment. The author then launches out into a detailed exploration of the five aggregates that make up human existence. He also gives coverage to the Four Noble Truths, dependent origination, the five kinds of Maras, and the nature of Nibbana. Again and again, the Sayadaw impresses on his readers the need to take up the practice of the Dhamma in full earnestness, not remaining content with mere deeds of merit but striving along the path of insight meditation that leads to realization of the goal.