Product Description

The Dhammapada is often considered the most representative example of the Buddha's teachings. A key to the fundamentals of early Buddhist philosophy, it has been translated into more languages than any other Buddhist text.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #90338 in Books
• Published on: 1995-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 114 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780938077879
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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Language Notes
Text: English (translation)

Customer Reviews

Definitely one for the collection!

I have been reading several translations of the Dhammapada recently and came across this one and found it offers some things that the others do not.

Since the original written form of the Dhammapada is in Pali, others have needed to take the time to translate it for us in the West. As in any translation, there are many words that offer multiple meanings. One person may interpret `dhukka' as `suffering', another may choose `stress', and yet another may decide `unsatisfactoriness'. As you can see, each can then be interpreted in our mind as one thing or another. By having several translations available I have been able to derive a deeper understanding.

To begin with, the size makes this translation ideal for carrying in a shirt pocket or for having on hand in the car for a little Dhamma between red lights. Another feature I enjoy is this translation is from a monk. The editor is a layperson however, after her edits she spoke with the monk and explained why she made certain changes, (to make specific words more accessible to us in the West) and he agreed with the new updates. The monastic community obviously spends more time than most laypersons studying the Pali Canon so their translations, I have found, tend to be quite meaningful. Overall, the translations offered here are meaningful and poetic.

Drawbacks? The introduction is a little shorter than other offerings and there are only a limited amount of notes. There is an interesting background to how the Dhammapada fits within the Pali Canon and the use of notes is helpful in understanding certain meanings, etc. Since the size would have been affected I'm sure this may have been one of the reasons they were not included. Again, by reading several translations you will be rewarded.

In addition to this translation I have found Cleary's translation helpful, however the notes and his comments were not. (see my review of his translation) I have also found Thanissaro Bhikkhu's translation very helpful, although it is offered as dana and as such is not available for sale. Recently I obtained S. Radhakrishnan's translation, which offers the original Pali text along with his translation, but I have not yet been able to thoroughly read through it to offer any meaningful review.

Whether you have read other versions, or if this is your very first exposure to the Dhammapada, I think you will be pleased with this translation.

Dhammapada, as translated by Venerible Maitreya into English
Translations across time are very difficult. Ven. Maitreya's translation, with the aid of Rose Kramer, of the Dhammapada into modern English is a first of its kind; translating meanings more than words. This effort is near perfection. The Dhammapada is truly the most important of Buddhist manuscrips for it contains most accuratly the original teachings of Gautoma, sage of the Shakya Clan, also known as Gautoma Buddha or simply, Buddha, in reference to his understanding or enlightenment and as the historical founder of Buddhism. The practice of Dhammapada, or the path into understanding or enlightenment is simple: After reading the text through a time or two, continue a daily practice (barring hinderences) of reading one chapter one day, the following chapter the next, and so on, over and over; the depth of wisdom revealed with each concurrent reading builds, and insights revealed multiply, exposing themselves over time, layer by layer. Eventually, as understanding mounts, peace becomes a natural way in this lifetime, and the one of diligent practice is rewarded in the effort. Peace to You my Friends. osh yukchan

A clear, spare rendering of essential Buddhist writing.
This great little version of the Buddha's teachings is wonderful for traveling. It is for those readers who do not wish commentary on the meanings, but prefer to have an understandable translation they can relate to while drawing their own references. Its simplicity echoes the core wisdom of the text.