Customer Reviews

The Dhammapada

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2 star:		(1)
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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.

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

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.

The translation itself is very clear and easily understood, which can make all the difference in the world, especially when dealing with a potentially difficult topic. A great version for one interested in Buddhist scripture, but has not delved too deeply into "eastern" terminology. Heck, it's even great for those who HAVE.

The Dhammapada is a Buddhist collection of teachings attributed to the Buddha himself. Truth upon truth are offered at each turn of the page. It does not present spiritual ideas in the western traditional method of "because God said so" but offers insight as to WHY such things as greed and anger are considered "bad", though it teaches that one should go beyond the notion of "good" and "bad".

Simple, concise, smooth and pleasant to read. I have read academic and detailed versions of the Dhammapada, and yet I feel the words in this one are enough to keep me thinking and pondering individual lines. In all teachings, it is the idea and feeling that is most paramount, and if it can be done in less words, it definitely has succeeded at its task. This little book is well worth its price, and many readings thereafter.

This was the first version of the Dhammapada I had ever read and it's a good one. I think Ajahn Thanissaro's is quite good as well, but as someone already mentioned, it is not for sale. I this one stands out above the other translations offered for sale because it was written by a monk, not a Western scholar with no background in practice. I'm always weary of people who write books and or translate texts who have nothing but an academic background, especially when it comes to something like Theravada Buddhism which I hold so dear to my heart. If you're an academic or a reader looking for commentary to go with the sections then don't get this one, as there isn't any commentary. If you want a nice pocket size translation to carry with you and use for daily reflection then I would ask that you check this one out. May you all be well in your practice.

I have ten different translations of the Dhammapada, and this is perhaps my overall favorite. The teamwork of Ananda Maitreya (a scholar and experienced monk) and Rose Kramer (a semanticist and translator) is credible and understandable. The book is also easy to carry around, and IMHO is much preferable to other, more popular small translations.

Incidentally, I certainly recommend using at least three or four translations of this deep book . Unfortunately, many Pali words do not have a one-to-one equivalent with English, so translations of this gentle book will necessarily be either too literal and specific, or too poetic and vague, and will be misleading at certain points. For example, the word "dukkha" has been translated many ways, and reading several texts will help expand your appreciation of the original word. A Pali dictionary (including those on websites like accesstoinsight) also helps uncover a more meaningful translation, and so does a work which includes the Pali text, like Carter and Palihawadana. Other sources and sites, like the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, have valuable commentaries on the Dhammapada and the Pali language. Obviously, a small text like Ananda Maitreya's will not have notes or references, so consider using it alongside a larger, more scholarly version (like Carter and Palihawadana or Kalupahana). This will be more expensive, but a book like the Dhammapada is worth it and you can spend far more money for far less benefit.

I would also recommend reading and re-reading one chapter of the book each week, perhaps from a different text. In a few short weeks you will have read and partially grasped one of the masterpieces of humanity -- a gem of literature, spirituality, and character development. I hope you enjoy this little book.

I have just ordered three more copies of this jewel of the Dhammapada. This is a near-perfect translation in it's accessibility and is a great volume to give away when friends and associates are curious about the basic tenets of Buddhism. Much truth that fits right in your pocket and in your heart.

One of my most treasured books, simple in style and direct (yet accurate)in translation. It has held up very well over the years, a great pocket sized book!

If you are a Buddhist or just checking out Buddhism the Dhammapada is just about required reading. While Buddhism does not have a Bible per-se. This is just about as close as you will come to a book in that vein. The Dhammapada is written many years after the death of Siddhartha. Most of the teachings were passed down verbally. What is in this book is a distillation of the core teachings.

About this book specifically; Its form factor is very small. Not too small but it does fit in a coat jacket easily. This is great when you want to read something quick like on a train or bus. The translation is done very well and is standard English format.

Overall this is a must have for anyone interested in Buddhism.

Thank you for reading my review.