We, the members of the Executive Committee of the Young Men's Buddhist Association have arranged to bring out this publication, "Illustrated History of Buddhism", with the help of learned monks and laymen, in order that the Doctrine of the Buddha may shine with greater glory all over the globe. This work contains numerous chapters of the life of the Buddha, from His birth as Siddhattha, the Future Buddha (i.e., the Great Being destined for Buddhahood or Enlightenment) to His death (attainment of parinibbana), and also many chapters of the history of Buddhism from the death of the Buddha down to the time of King Mindon, the Convener of the Fifth Buddhist Council. These chapters have been illustrated with paintings, which are works of pure Burmese art, in the traditional fashion, so as to arouse and strengthen an interest in Buddhism and Buddhistic culture among Buddhist children and youth as well as among the grown-ups of various other nationalities of the world. May the publication of this "Illustrated History of Buddhism" enable the light of Buddha's Doctrine to shed brighter and brighter rays everywhere and help the Independent Union of Burma to retain its independence forever as a peaceful, pleasant and prosperous country. Our thanks are due to all those learned persons, who have assisted us, either with advice or in person in the publication of this work until completion; and we are specially indebted to the Thera (Aggamahapandita, Venerable Ashin Janakabhivamsa) who wrote the manuscripts for the Burmese edition of this work. Y.M.B.A. Rangoon, Union of Burma. (Full moon day of Tazaungmon 1313 B.E.) 13th November 1951 |