Clearing the Path: Writings of Ñāṇavīra Thera (1960–1965)

The book is divided into two principal bodies of writing: Notes on Dhamma (1960–1965) and Letters (1960–1965). Notes on Dhamma begins with a preface explaining the author’s concern to expose current misinterpretations of the Pāli Suttas and to redirect the reader toward the existential problem of suffering and personal existence. It then develops doctrinal analyses through “A Note on Paṭiccasamuppāda,” “Paramattha Sacca,” and a sequence of shorter notes on key Pāli terms such as atakkāvacara, attā, anicca, kamma, citta, cetanā, dhamma, nāma, nibbāna, paṭiccasamuppāda, phassa, rūpa, viññāṇa, sakkāya, saṅkhāra, and saññā. The section “Fundamental Structure” presents static and dynamic aspects of experience, supported by a glossary and additional Pāli texts. The second major section, Letters, contains correspondence addressed to several individuals, including N. Q. Dias, Irene Quittner, Mr. Wijerama, Dr. M. R. de Silva, R. G. de S. Wettimuny, Lionel Samaratunga, Ananda Pereira, Robert K. Brady, Sister Vajirā, and the coroner. These letters function as practical commentaries on the Notes, clarifying doctrinal difficulties, existential concerns, interpretive methods, and the relation between Buddhist insight and philosophical reflection.