The Dhammapada (Easwaran's Classics of Indian Spirituality Book 3) - Softcover

Easwaran, Eknath

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1586380206 ISBN 13: 9781586380205

Publisher: Nilgiri Press, 2007

Synopsis

Dhammapada means "the path of dharma," the path of harmony and righteousness that anyone can follow to reach the highest good. The Dhammapada is a collection of verses, gathered probably from direct disciples who wanted to preserve what they had heard from the Buddha himself. Easwaran's best-selling translation of this classic Buddhist text is based on the original Pali.

Easwaran's comprehensive introduction to the Dhammapada gives an overview of the Buddha's teachings that is penetrating, and clear - accessible for readers new to Buddhism, but also with fresh insights and practical applications for readers familiar with this text. Chapter introductions, notes and a Sanskrit glossary place individual verses into the context of the broader Buddhist canon.

Easwaran is a master storyteller, and the introduction includes many stories that make moving, memorable reading, bringing young Siddhartha and his heroic spiritual quest vividly to life. This faithful interpretation brings us closer to the compassionate heart of the Buddha.

About this title

Review:

According to Eknath Easwaran, if all of the Buddhist sutras had been lost except the Dhammapada, it alone would be enough for readers to understand and appreciate the wisdom of the Buddha. Easwaran's version of the Dhammapada goes a long way toward proving this. In a lengthy introduction, Easwaran summarizes the life of the Buddha and the main tenets of his thought, including key concepts such as dharma, karma, and nirvana. The language of the Dhammapada is as lucid and flowing as the Psalms or the Sermon on the Mount, and this is why it is one of the most loved and remembered of all Buddhist sutras. Its subject matter, succinctly, is about training the mind, which leads to kind thoughts and deeds, which bring peace and freedom from suffering. If you are interested in reading one of the gems of Buddhist literature, this is a good place to start; and if you are looking for a great version of this beloved scripture, you can't do better. Like all great world scripture, the verses here reward rereading and reflection, prompting you to "strive for wisdom always." --Brian Bruya

From the Publisher:

The Buddha spoke to people of all classes and professions, using vivid metaphors which are just as illuminating today as they were when he first spoke them 2,500 years ago. The Dhammapada is one of the most representative collections of these teachings. Its short, lucid verses contain some of the Buddha's most immediate and approachable instructions on how to meditate and lead a more compassionate and fulfilling life.

About this edition

• Publisher: Nilgiri Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1586380206
• ISBN 13: 9781586380205
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 280