This 46-page booklet is also included in the book "The Way to Ultimate Calm."

Vol 1 - This booklet is part one of two, includes an introduction and three discourses translated from talks given by the revered Venerable Webu Sayadaw to groups of lay disciples in the Burmese countryside. Included is a photograph of the Sayadaw sitting cross-legged on a dais an image which conveys the deep peacefulness and dignity of this saintly person.
Ven. Webu Sayadaw (1896-1977) was one of the most esteemed Theravada Buddhist teacher monks of recent times.

Vol 2 - It is part two of two of the wheel series booklets of Webu Sayadaw's discourses. It features three discourses translated from talks given by the revered Venerable Webu Sayadaw to groups of lay disciples in the Burmese countryside. Included is a photograph of the Sayadaw and a discourse in which the respondent to the Sayadaw's questions (in question and answer didactic style) is Sayagyi U Ba Khin. The three discourses are entitled: "Extinguishing the Inner Fires," "Work Without Wavering," and "A Happiness that Ever Grows."

Exemplifying the strict adherence to a simple meditative life, he constantly stressed the need to walk the Buddha's path to its final goal right here and now, in this precious but fleeting human existence. He was notable in giving all importance to diligent practice rather than to scholastic achievement. His teachings are distinctive in their simple and potent practicality. They constantly point the listeners to apply the Buddha's instructions through the sustained effort of meditation. The Ven. Webu Sayadaw's discourses are therefore especially pertinent and inspiring to practitioners of meditation:
"The peerless Buddha penetrated all this with his own superknowledge and then was able to teach it. But what can we know for ourselves? We can know mind and matter simultaneously. And what will we get from this awareness? We will be able to understand the characteristic of their behavior. We needn't do anything special. Just practice as you are practicing now. Keep your attention focused on the spot and as you gain the ability to keep your attention with the awareness of breathing and the spot, mind and matter will talk to you." (p. 34)

"Sayadaw: If you live a life of laziness and sloth, will you become happy? Disciple: No, sir. I shall continue going round in the cycle of birth and death, sir. Sayadaw: 'I have never before, in the whole cycle of birth and death, had stiff and aching limbs because of meditation. It is good if I experience these troubles now.' Thus should you look at your pains. Even though your limbs ache, do not give up. Know that wise people of the past have walked on the same path.

"You have to work. If you only talk about putting forth effort, you will not attain anything. Only if you meditate can you come to understand. Now you are probably thinking: 'We want to meditate, but this venerable monk is talking for a long time.' So now focus your mind as the Buddha taught and meditate with firm effort and with perseverance." (p.46)

The Ven. Webu Sayadaw and Sayagyi U Ba Khin had close Dhamma ties. The Sayadaw was the person who first exhorted Sayagyi to teach meditation (see Sayagyi U Ba Khin Journal by Vipassana Research Institute, p. 89, "Venerable Webu Sayadaw and Sayagyi U Ba Khin").

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