The Dhammapada

by Unknown

• ISBN13: 9780140442847
• ISBN10: 0140442847
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1973-05-30
• Publisher: Penguin Classics

Summary

The Dhammapadais a collection of aphorisms that illustrate the moral teachings of Buddha - the spiritual path to the supreme Truth. Probably compiled in the third century BCE, the verses are arranged according to theme, covering ideas such as self-possession, good and evil, watchfulness and endurance. Together they describe how an individual can attain the enlightenment of Nirvana, the ultimate goal of Buddhism. The road to Nirvana, as illustrated in The Dhammapada, is narrow and difficult to negotiate, but the reward of eternal life gives hope and determination to the traveller. This poetic translation retains the lyrical beauty of the original and is accompanied by an introduction that compares it to other literary and religious works ranging from the Odes of Keats to the writings of Saint Teresa.

Author Biography

Juan Mascaró taught at Oxford University, Parameshvara College at Jaffna, the University of Barcelona, and Cambridge University. He also translated The Dhammapada and The Upanishads for Penguin Classics. He died in 1987.

Table of Contents

The Dhammapada Introduction

The Dhammapada

1. Contrary Ways
2. Watchfulness
3. The Mind
4. The Flowers of Life
5. The Fool
6. The Wise Man
7. Infinite Freedom
8. Better than a Thousand
9. Good and Evil
10. Life
11. Beyond Life
12. Self-Possession
13. Arise! Watch
14. The Buddha
15. Joy
16. Transient Pleasures
17. Forsake Anger
18. Hasten and Strive
19. Righteousness
20. The Path
21. Wakefulness
22. In Darkness
23. Endurance
24. Cravings
25. The Monk
26. The Brahmin