Handbook for Mankind -- ❖ -- (FOREWORD by the Dhamma Study and Practice Group) In 1956, the venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu gave a series of lectures to a group of prospective judges, which were subsequently edited and arranged into what became The Handbook for Mankind. Since then, the success of this small book has been astounding. Well over 100,000 copies have been printed in Thai, and the book still enjoys widespread popularity, more than three decades after the original talks. The reason for the “Handbook’s” duration is clear: that the venerable Buddhadasa offers fresh insights into a timeless Truth (Dhamma), in the direct and simple manner that characterizes all his teaching. The clarity of his insight brings the Dhamma to life, so that today, a new generation of readers, not yet born at the time of these talks, can find meaning in his words. As a guide for newcomers to the Buddha-Dhamma (the Truth which the Buddha awakened to and subsequently taught), this book is an invaluable guide. In it are contained the essential teachings of Buddhism. The “Handbook” is especially useful for those who approach the Buddha’s teaching, not as a subject for scholarly study, but as means to understand and ennoble their lives. The Handbook for Mankind was originally published in English by the Sublime Life Mission, but it has long been out of print. With their permission, we have reprinted this book, making some corrections where necessary, but leaving the text otherwise intact. Our thanks are due to Mr. Pun Chongprasoed, who first put this book together in Thai, and to all the people whose effort has made possible the reprinting of this book. -- ❖ -- Translated from the Thai (คู่มือมนุษย์) by Ariyananda Bhikkhu (Roderick S. Bucknell) (Originally Published by the Sublime Life Mission, Bangkok, Thailand.) New edition, published in 1989, by The Dhamma Study & Practice Group with help from Evolution/Liberation.