Anudīpanī (foreword)

The word, “anudīpanī” is purely Pāli, “anu” meaning “further” and “dīpanī”, “explanation”; hence “further explanation” of what is not explicit in the original writing is called “anudīpanī”. After the Venerable Ledi Sayadaw had written an exegetical work, Paramatthadīpanī on the Abhidhammatthasaṇgaha, he composed another work, entitled, “Anudīpanī”, to explain again what is vague in the Paramatthadīpanī.

Similarly, an expository work under the title of “Anudīpanī”, on some words or passages of the Great Chronicle which deserve elaboration or explication, is written here separately as a supplement. Had the expositions been included in the original work, readers would find the textual expressions and their meanings confusing. This would be a distraction for readers. Therefore, it is deemed necessary to compile comprehensive notes on important points and topics in the Text as a supplement (anudīpanī), for the benefit of serious students of the Great Chronicle.

It is hoped that, by going through the anudīpanī, difficult subjects in the Chronicle would become more easily understandable and profound meanings of some usages would become clearer. Therefore, it is suggested that after reading the Chronicle, readers should study the Anudīpanī with greater interest. May they understand easily the deep and important meaning, which might otherwise remain unrevealed or overlooked.