Jewels of the Doctrine

This is a translation of the first fifteen stories of the thirteenth century Sinhala work, the Saddharma Ratna valiya written by the monk Dharmase na. The Saddharma Ratna valiya is in turn an expanded version of the fifth century Pali work, the Dhammapadattakata. The stories are lively and entertaining, of interest to the general reader and the specialist. A skilled teacher, and raconteur, the author probes the depths of Buddhist philosophical doctrine and makes it meaningful for his lay audiences. Generations of Sri Lankans have read, heard and enjoyed the stories. They deal with the vicissitudes of the human condition and so, like all good literature have a timeless relevance and appeal."