Dhammapada: a practical guide to right living

by Acharya Buddharakkhita

The Dhammapada, an anthology of 423 verses, of the Buddha's Dhamma (teachings), translated from the Pali language by Acharya Buddharakkhita from a Buddhist frame of reference. These verses come from the Buddha's discourses in simple, direct language intended for the masses. Each verse was prompted by a particular episode, accounts of which are preserved in the Dhammapada Atthakatha, one of the commentaries on the Pali canon of teachings. The Dhammapada is regarded as the most succinct expression of the Buddha's teaching.

Genres: Buddhism

267 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2013

Reviews

[Bernie Gourley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dhammapada consists of 423 sayings attributed to the Buddha. There seem to be numerous versions of the Dhammapada as translated by Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita in circulation, so your results may vary for good or bad from what I report here. (Not to mention there are many other translations which may vary tremendously)

The 423 sutras or maxims included in the book are arranged into twenty-six topical chapters. The version I have presents no analysis, it’s just the text of the verse in Pali (i.e. the Roman / English language alphabet spelling out the phonetic Pali words) with an English translation below.

First, the pros of the edition I read: There are some explanatory notes offered as necessary (38 of them,) there are a few graphics (drawings and photos in B&W,) and there are two indexes. The first of the two indexes wouldn’t be of much use to me, but it would be for the Pali literate because it indexes the Pali verse. The second index is in English and is organized by analogies (i.e. analogies employed in the verses,) and that could be a tremendously useful feature. For the Pali literate, having the original phonetic Pali included must be an excellent feature. (There’s also a page in the front matter that shows how the pronunciation works.)

As for the cons of this edition: First, there were a few typos (mostly of the type that wouldn’t be caught by spellcheck – though this translation was pre-spellcheck -- so I’m referring to the kind of typos that aren’t easily caught.) Second, while all the verses are translated, there is some text that remains in Romanized Pali [I suspect prayers, but can’t say for sure.]

This is the second translation of the Dhammapada I’ve read, and I found it worthwhile. It’s easily readable, not too flowery, and not bogged down with needless analysis or exposition. I can’t say how it compares among all translations (either in terms of skill of translation or in accurately capturing the Buddha’s meaning,) but it reads pretty fluidly.

[Harry Palacio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although, there have been many proliferation of Buddhas- Buddha Gotama is the incarnation of Vishnu. Meaning the preserver of dhamma. As, all scripture comes from him and yet He is neither depleted or without, meaning thus, Vishnu contains all knowledges and wisdom. As in the final phase of enlightenment would be that amiable meetings with Mara and befriendment, relinquishing the binary ideas of good and evil-
Yet, on his paths towards finale godhood, Gotoma was forced to consume entire galaxies….

[Ludovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bible is to the Christian as the Dhammapada is to the Buddhist. This book consists of learnings that a Buddhist must hold true to themselves as they navigate their life. It discusses how one must work on themselves, be disciplined, virtuous, and maintain an objective view always when judging others. I believe that these teachings aren’t reserved for Buddhists, but anyone who is willing to use them.

[Letitia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the translation by Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita, and when I compared it to some online versions, I really preferred this one. The flow in English is much better, very easy to follow. Some words are left untranslated since there is no exact translation, and that adds to it. Really enjoyed working my way through this text over the course of a semester. I am a "seeker on the path."

[Tanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be passionless, O monks!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received this book when visiting the Chuang Yen Monastery this spring. Was struck by coincidental references to mustard seeds and needles and had to say it was something like a mix of the poetry of Psalms and the wisdom of Proverbs. Some of my favorites:

Victory begets enmity; the defeated dwell in pain.
Happily the peaceful live, discarding both victory and defeat.

Overcome the angry by non-anger;
overcome the wicked by goodness;
overcome the miser by generosity;
overcome the liar by truth.