Rasavahini- A Stream of Sentiments: Being the Previous Birth Stories of the Buddha (An Old and Rare Book)

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This is for the first time that the Rasavahinl nu Gunaratna has appeared in Roman script. Previously it was available only in Simhalese script. There are only a few works of this type in Pali.

The book deals with the various birth stories of the Buddha, in his previous lives. The language is very simple and the style is attractive. it is written in the style of the Jataka stories in Pali. The author even though wishing to tell some historical fact, easily slips back into mythology, and the philosophical attitude of the author is also reflected in the stories. We hope, the present edition of the text will receive warm welcome by the Pali-scholars.

`Rasavalimi! is one of that emobodies its Philosophy, culture, Literature and its religious traditions, written by a ceylonese poet, Rattapala or Vaideha thera It consists of several tales related to the life of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha and these are based on historical truths and facts. This original Pali work in Singhalese script of great importance to a scholar of Buddhist thought, to make its understanding easier, `Rasavahini-Tika'--a compilation of notes and explaination also been published. I was inspired to take up work on this subject during my year-long visit to Gottinghan University in West Germany, where I worked under Professor Heinz Beschert of the Indology and Buddhist Studies Department. In this work I have made a transliteration and transcription of `Rasavahini' from the Singhalese to Roman script. A complete Index of the verses has been appended at the end of the book.

I am also greatful to Prof. B.M. caturvedi, Head, Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, for his constant encouragement, as I have to find time for the Project from my busy teaching schedule in Delhi University. I am especially greatful to my Husband, Prof. R.P. Gandhi of Delhi, for the moral support that I gained from him while writing the book, and Blessings to my daughter, Shefalika Gandhi M. A English for her co-operation in the task of comrleting the Manuscript. Finally I would like to thank Mr, K.L. Joshi, whose efforts have resulted in the publication of `Rasavahini.

**Contents and Sample Pages**