Introduction

Because of the promise made (by me) in my foreword namely:- "I would compile a commentary (comprising) by when, where and when that this most excellent Dhamma, truth, was spoken", this expositor of Apadāna would certainly point out the remote past preface, (dūronidāna), the unremote past preface (avidūre nidāna) and the proximate preface (santike nidāna), altogether those three prefaces. Those who hear such a (comprehensive) commentary are sure to understand with complete comprehension from the time they repeat themselves what they have heard. Since such a comprehension can be called good understanding I, therefore, compile this my commentary only after relating the three prefaces (Nidāna).

There, from the beginning, now, each episode of the three prefaces should be known (the first episode is) from the time, the Great Being received the prophecy at the feet of the Buddha Dīpaṅkara, up to the time He was reborn in the heavenly city of Tusita after His Demise as King Vessantara. The path of discourse in between the two occasions is known as the remote preface (dūrenidāna.) (The second episode is) from the time however, of having passed away from the Tusita heavenly mansion, till He attained omniscience at the foot of the Bodhi tree. The path of discourse in between the two occasions is known as the unremote preface -(avidūre nidāna.) As regards the proximate preface (santike nidāna) however, information about the episode is gained at such and such places as had become the residences of the Buddha Himself.