The Dhammapada

by Eknath Easwaran

Dhammapada means something like “the path of dharma” – of truth, of righteousness, of the central law that all of life is one.

But for those who would follow it to the end, the Dhammapada is a sure guide to nothing less than the highest goal life can offer: Self-realization.

ancient saying declares that ahimsa paramo dharma: the essence of dharma, the highest law of life, is to do no harm to any living creature.

Karma means something done, whether as cause or effect. Actions in harmony with dharma bring good karma and add to health and happiness.

Selfish actions, at odds with the rest of life, bring unfavorable karma and pain.