In order to be fully enlightened to the Noble Truths, we must fully develop the thirty-seven components of enlightenment known as Bodhipakkhiya. We can achieve this goal by treading ardently and strenuously on the Eightfold Noble Path.

The Eightfold Noble Path comprises the Threefold Noble Training – the Training of Morality, The Training of Concentration and the Training of wisdom.

This book deals with the fundamental essentials and practical aspects of the Training of Morality and the Training of Concentration.

The Training of Morality is first described as this moral training serves as the Foundation of Meditation. The Training of Concentration is described next, giving first a complete survey of the forty subjects of tranquility meditation.

Then the preparation for meditation, the undertaking of pathavÊ-kasiÓa meditation, the practice of mindfulness of breathing (ŒnÈpÈnassati) and the four guardian meditations (CaturÈrakkha kammaÔÔhÈnas) are properly described.

The hindrances to the development of concentration, the powers to overcome these hindrances, the development of the three stages of meditation, the meditation signs and the four r|pÈvacara jhÈnas are also clearly described.

This book is divided into two parts. The first part covers the course outline of PaÔi 111 and the second part covers the course outline of PaÔi 112.

It is sincerely hoped that this book will enlighten the readers why they should undertake the Training of Morality and the Training of Concentration and how to undertake these trainings successfully.

March 21, 2004 Dr. Mehm Tin Mon