For the first time, a German translation of “33 Nibbana Sermons – The Mind Stilled” by Bhikkhu Katukurunde Nyanananda (1940–2019) was published under the title “Nibbana – The Perfect Peace”. It was translated with great care by Hedwig Kren and Susann Poppenberg. The original 33 lectures, the basis of this book, were given by Bhikkhu Nyanananda from 1988 to 1991 to a congregation of monks who lived with him in the monastery.

Unfortunately, the book, containing almost 1,000 pages, is not yet available as a printed version. It is the express wish of Venerable Bhikkhu Kaṭukurunde Ñāṇananda that all of his Dhamma books be made available completely free of charge to those who long for the teachings of the Buddha. The Sati Foundation is entirely committed to this and would like to help to make the text available in a book version to those interested. Thus this project was born.

“Nibbana – Der vollkommene Friede” is a demanding text that is very enriching and clarifying when read carefully. Bhikkhu Nyanananda, known for both his philosophical understanding, extensive knowledge of discourses and commentaries, and deep meditation practice, explains the topic of nibbana to clarify questions and doubts of the advanced practicing monks. He doesn’t do this in a dry, purely academic way, rather a practical, comprehensible perspective is adopted, supported by numerous and realistic examples and parables.

Nibbana is considered a difficult subject because it eludes direct description through language. Hence it is sometimes viewed as a distant, unattainable ideal not much to be said about. Yet this is contradicted by teachers like Venerable Nyanananda and Venerable Analayo. Then they say Nibbana can be experienced in this life – even in this moment.