There is some overlap between the material in this volume and that in BMC1, primarily because the Khandhaka rules and Patimokkha rules also overlap. Although each set of rules has some topics to itself, there are other topics covered by both sets, and a full knowledge of the topic requires acquaintance with both. In some cases, the Patimokkha rules and the explanations that accompany them in the Sutta Vibhanga seem to presuppose the Khandhaka rules; in other cases, the relationship is the other way around. Thus, just as it was necessary in BMC1 to make frequent references to the Khandhakas to gain a full sense of the range of some of the Patimokkha rules, I have found it necessary in this volume to refer to material in BMC1 to make the Khandhaka rules more fully intelligible. In some instances, this has simply meant cross-referencing; it others, it has meant lifting whole passages from BMC1 into the discussion. I hope that the reader will not find these recapitulations tedious, for they give a sense of the complex interrelationships among the rules and help provide the sort of understanding that comes with viewing an item in all its relevant contexts.

Another reason for the overlap between the two volumes is the simple fact that when writing BMC1 I had no definite plans to write this volume. Had I planned two volumes from the beginning, I might have devised a more rational plan for dividing material between the two. As it is, some topics straddle the two volumes in a somewhat awkward way. Again, I have provided extensive cross-references to BMC1 to compensate for this fact, and offer my apologies for any inconvenience that this might cause the reader.

Many people have helped with the writing of this book. Most responsible for my originally undertaking the task was Ajaan Suwat Suvaco (Phra Bodhidhammacariya Thera), who in 1997 convinced me that the job had to be done and that I was in a good position to do it. When the first draft was completed, Vens. Vajiro Bhikkhu, Paññavuddho Bhikkhu, and the bhikkhus at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery and Wat Pa Nanachat all read it and offered useful suggestions for improvements. In Bangkok, Phra Ñanavorodom also offered encouragement and support. Any errors in the book, of course, are my own responsibility. If you spot them, please let me know so that they can be corrected in future editions.

I ask to dedicate this book to Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, in gratitude not only for his encouragement in this endeavor, but also for the many valuable lessons he has kindly taught me in Dhamma and Vinaya, both through word and example, over the years.

Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Metta Forest Monastery
Valley Center, CA 92082-1409 USA

January, 2002