"U Dhammika, where have you read the definition of the word 'dhammacakka'?" Sayadaw asked me. It wasn't because he didn't know that he asked. Most likely, he wanted to see whether the author knew. I guess he wanted to explain it if I didn't know.

I answered, "I've read it in the Commentary on the A?guttara Nikâya, Bhante. I think it's also in the Great Commentary on the Vinaya, Bhante."

Apparently, he was just testing how much of the Canonical literature I had really read. It is evident that Sayadaw really appreciates the word 'dhammacakka'. He explained its meaning.

" 'Cakka' means wheel. It is because the five faculties, saddhâ (faith), vîriya (energy), sati (mindfulness), samâdhi (concentration), and pa?ña (wisdom), revolve like a wheel that they are called the dhammacakka. They are called the five controlling faculties or forces. What is the Pâli for 'controlling faculties'?"

"Indriya, Bhante."

Sayadaw was asking these questions of the author while he stood in front of the Tha Tun Aung Building. I stood with hands together at my chest, answering. Sayadaw said I was correct.

"What is force?"

"Bala, Bhante."

"That's correct. They are called the five Indriya or the five Bala, aren't they?"

"It's true, Bhante."

"In Myanmar you just say 'the five controlling faculties or forces' don't you?"

Although Sayadaw is familiar with the Myanmar, he has an strong inclination to translate the Pâli words which people don't know the meaning of. He wants one to know the precise meaning.