Published as a part of the series by VRI on the 'Great Disciples of the Buddha', this book aims to motivate old students to continue their practice seriously as well as to inspire new students to walk the same path as the exemplary practitioners of Vipassana meditation.

Ananda, the first cousin and attendant to the Buddha, was known for his retentive memory. Ananda accompanied the Buddha almost like his shadow for 25 long years in his wanderings. He witnessed almost every discourse delivered by the Buddha. At the Dhamma-Saṅgīti (recital council), convened shortly after the Mahaparinibbana (passing away) of the Buddha, Ananda was called upon to recite many of the discourses that later became the Sutta Pitaka of the Pali Canon. For this reason, he was known as the ‘Guardian of the Dhamma’. He was also instrumental in forming the monastic order (sangha) for females. Ananda was regarded as the foremost in conduct, in service to others, and in power of memory.

This book contains the life story of Ananda, his contribution in the spread of Dhamma and forming the monastic order for females, his crucial role in preserving the words of the Buddha in its pristine purity and his conversations with the Buddha and other senior meditators on the subtle aspects of Vipassana meditation.

This book is ideal for Vipassana meditators as well as non-meditators.