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The Dhammapada: Verses on the Way (Modern Library)

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THE DHAMMAPADA is a core text of the buddha-dharma. It summarizes in verse form the basic teachings of the Buddha, and is used by all traditions (Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana). This is a superb new translation by Glenn Wallis, a Sanskrit scholar. There are some passages (including the opening verse!) which I find to be more felicitously phrased in other translations, but Wallis makes a strong case for his choices in the commentary, and in most cases creates beautiful, flowing verses in modern English.

An example of the value of the commentary is Wallis's discussion of his translation of the term "nirvana." It has traditionally been translated as "extinguishing," as in blowing out a candle, meaning to extinguish desire (the root of suffering). But Wallis follows an alternative translation -- "unbinding." He argues that according to the physics of 2500 B.P. India, a flame was considered to be bound to its source, and liberated when it was unbound from it.

There are many translations and editions of THE DHAMMAPADA available today, but this new one is highly recommended. The Modern Library hardcover edition is well-designed for many years of use.

See my BHUDDA-DHARMA list for more.

Just as there are many translations of the Christian Bible with virtues to be gained from studying each one, there are also many translations of this great Buddhist classic, "The Dhammapada" which Glenn Wallis subtitles "Verses on The Way" (The Path).

How shall we live our lives and walk the way in goodness? These 423 verses with Wallis' lucid commentary following are a good guide.

"A seeker will master this earth,
this world of death and radiant beings.
A seeker will gather a well-taught verse on the way,
as a skilled gardener gathers a flower."
--from chapter 4, Flowers

This book teaches us to: Commit not a single unwholesome action and cultivate a wealth of virtue. "So why not read the Dhammapada repeatedly, taking to heart its claim to be a revealer of treasures?" (from "A Note on the Translation")

Wallis' version with its delicate sense of language and fine mastery of the Buddha's teachings is an excellent version to take to heart.

--Janet Grace Riehl, author Sightlines: A Poet's Diary

After enjoying Bangkok 8 so much, I picked this book up thinking it would provide good background material on Sonchai's character of which his Buddhism is a central tenet. What I found was a profoundly moving series of lessons on the nature of self, the mind, relationships, the world's beauty and other dilemmas that are as relevant today as they were nearly 2,500 years ago when the Budda wrote these "poems." There are shocking moments of clarity, of realization in the short verse lessons. The verses are organized by subject, each chapter with a corresponding guide written by the author of this new translation, Glenn Wallis. It is easy to see why Buddhists worldwide value the Dhammapada (translated by Wallis as "verses on the way") for its vibrant and immediate teachings.

If the Lord Buddha himself had ever wished for a modern English translation of his words it would surely be this one. The verses are lucid, deeply moving (at least for a Buddhist as myself), and very nearly luminous. Most importantly, the Buddha's words are in this version easily accessible and profoundly relevant for troubled modern minds. The translators comments and reading guide are also very nearly peerless. First class and a must read.

This is beautiful. What can I say? There are few sources of spiritual teachings as eloguent and full of truth as that taught by the Buddha.

The sayings are layed out in verse form. You could read one 4 line verse and meditate on it's meaning all day. They are profound thoughts, guaranteed to raise your spirit to a level much higher than the mundane.

Regardless of what your opinion might be on who or what the Buddha was, the lessons he's given us are priceless. If the world really did behave the way we are taught to we would have heaven on Earth.

Perhaps that was the lesson another fine religious leader was trying to give us...It is no coincidence that his teachings were also called "The Way."

peace to you all..

Glenn remains one of my favorite teachers. Very scholarly and at the same time heartfelt and insightful. Another book to keep as a key resource to be read and re-read.

A lovely, small volume of Buddhist thought. The translation and interpretation are clear & helpful. The small size makes it a great jacket pocket companion for time spent in contemplation in the park, at a coffee shop, or on the bus.

Prior to reading this book, I knew little of Buddhism. Careful study of it helped me to deeply appreciate the religion and the wisdom it holds. I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in Buddhism!

I don't know the original languages. However, I've read, studied, and taught various English translations, and this one is my new favorite. His guide to reading the text is also first rate.