The Dhammapada [Paperback]

Balangoda Ananda Maitreya (Translator), Thich Nhat Hanh (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1995

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.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 114 pages
• Publisher: Parallax Press (August 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0938077872
• ISBN-13: 978-0938077879
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 3.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #282,251 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #10 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Buddhism > Zen
  • #30 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Buddhism > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely one for the collection!, December 26, 2002

By 

M. Dillon "Just A Reviewer" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Dhammapada (Paperback)

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.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dhammapada, as translated by Venerible Maitreya into English, July 1, 2001

By 

osh yukchan (VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dhammapada: The Path of Truth (Paperback)

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

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A clear, spare rendering of essential Buddhist writing., January 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Dhammapada (Paperback)

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.