The Dhammapada: With Introductory Essays, Pali Text, English Translation and Notes (Oxford India Collection) [Paperback]

S. Radhakrishnan (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Oxford India Collection | Publication Date: March 1996

Since its first publication in 1950, this edition of the founding text of Buddhist teaching has established itself as a classic and essential reading for anyone interested in Buddhist philosophy and theology. Radhakrishnan presents the text in Pali and English translation and provides an introductory essay and helpful explanatory notes.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)

About the Author

S. Radhakrishnan is the former President of India.

Product Details

• Paperback: 194 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press; 2 edition (March 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195640802
• ISBN-13: 978-0195640809
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,747,926 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointment, December 7, 2003

By 

Riku Simonen - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dhammapada: With Introductory Essays, Pali Text, English Translation and Notes (Oxford India Collection) (Paperback)

Mr. Radhakrishan's intepretation of Dhammapada and Buddhism in general is twisted. He insist against basic Buddhist teachings many things for instance that there are permanent self and that
there are universal spirit. Radhakrisnan's view of Buddhism is colored by his own religion- Hinduism. Although some comments of verses are insightful the book confuses Buddhist reader more than makes him more understading about Buddha's teachings. I can not recommend this version of Dhammapada.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perhaps the best Dhammapada translation in English, June 20, 2001

By 

Christopher Culver - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Dhammapada: With Introductory Essays, Pali Text, English Translation and Notes (Oxford India Collection) (Paperback)

Although difficult to find, S. Radhakrishnan's edition of the DHAMMAPADA is in my opinion the best version in print in English.

Out of several thousand Buddhist scriptures, the DHAMMAPADA is perhaps the only one which contains the actual words of the Buddha. Divided into twenty six chapters, the DHAMMAPADA is a collection of 423 verses. These verses are succinct doses of the Buddha's wisdom and moral philosopy.

Here the original Pali of each verse is given, followed by the English translation and S. Radhakrisnan's commentary.

Radhakrishnan is a masterful commentator. He cross-references many of the verses with other Buddhist scriptures and compares and contrasts with other religions of the world, leading to some surprising insights. His translation is scholarly but readable.

Although not as handy as the pocket rendering by Thomas Byrom, S. Radhakrishnan's combination of accurate translation, original-language text, and thought-provoking commentary makes this *the* Dhammapada in English.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best edition of the "Dhammapada" available, April 19, 2007

By 

Jinajik "Adhipendramuni" (New Zealand) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Dhammapada: With Introductory Essays, Pali Text, English Translation and Notes (Oxford India Collection) (Paperback)

This is the best edition of the "Dhammapada" (Pali; literally: The Words [Pali: pada] of the Law [Pali: Dhamma]; effectively, the Basis or Feet [Sanskrit: pada] of the True Doctrine of the Buddha [Sanskrit: Buddha-saddharma, i.e., the Buddha-saddharma-pada] that you can buy. Why? Not because the translation is the very finest; in my experience, that plaque goes to Thomas Byrom for his translation of the "Dhammapada". The reason why this is the best edition of the "Dhammapada" that you can buy is because it includes the Pali text alongside the English translation. The Pali text consists of the exact words spoken by the Blessed Lord (Bhagavan) Buddha-Tathagata, Shakyamuni-Vairocana, the Saint, the Right, Completely Enlighted one (Arhat-samyaksambuddha), known in the Hinayana context as the Mahashramana, the Great Ascetic, Gotama, the Buddha.
The other reason is that it includes a sapient, erudite, wise, informed, balanced, and enlightened introduction by the "Dhammapada's" translator, S. Radhakrishnan - which ought to be mandatory reading for all intelligent men (intelligent men of the world, you are on notice).
If you are going to buy the "Dhammapada", the Word of the [True] Law, the Basis of the [Buddhist] Doctrine, you should purchase this one and the translation by Thomas Byrom. The former is the finest edition avaibable, while the latter, in my experience, contains the most felicitous, moving, uplifting and inspiring translation.