The Dhammapada: A Translation of the Buddhist Classic with Annotations

by Gil Fronsdal, Jack Kornfield (Foreword)

The Dhammapada is the most widely read Buddhist scripture in existence, enjoyed by both Buddhists and non-Buddhists. This classic text of teaching verses from the earliest period of Buddhism in India conveys the philosophical and practical foundations of the Buddhist tradition. The text presents two distinct goals for leading a spiritual the first is attaining happiness in this life (or in future lives); the second goal is the achievement of spiritual liberation, freedom, absolute peace. Many of the key themes of the verses are presented in dichotomies or pairs, for example, grief and suffering versus joy; developing the mind instead of being negligent about one's mental attitude and conduct; virtuous action versus misconduct; and being truthful versus being deceitful. The purpose of these contrasts is, very simply, to describe the difference between what leads to desirable outcomes and what does not.

For centuries, this text has been studied in its original Pali, the canonical language of Buddhism in Southeast Asia. This fresh new translation from Insight Mediation teacher and Pail translator Gil Fronsdal is both highly readable and scholarly authoritative. With extensive explanatory notes, this edition combines a rigorous attention to detail in bringing forth the original text with the translator's personal knowledge of the Buddhist path. It is the first truly accurate and highly readable translation of this text to be published in English.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality

176 pages, Paperback

Published October 24, 2023

About the author

Gil Fronsdal is the guiding teacher of the Insight Meditation Center (IMC) of Redwood City. He has a PhD in Buddhist Studies from Stanford University. His many dharma talks available online contain basic information on meditation and Buddhism, as well as subtle concepts of Buddhism explained at the level of the lay person.

Reviews

[Chris Tiernan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I begin, I wish to note that I am not an expert on Buddhism. I have merely "one toe on the path," as it were, and offer these thoughts as someone early in their journey of understanding.

The Dhammapada, one of Buddhism's most beloved and widely-read texts, has seen numerous translations over the years. Gil Fronsdal's version, with its thoughtful foreword by renowned meditation teacher Jack Kornfield, provides an accessible entry point for those interested in Buddhist teachings.

I found this book helpful in my desire to learn more about Buddhism. The translation is clear and approachable, making ancient wisdom accessible to modern readers. Fronsdal's scholarly yet practical approach helps bridge the gap between academic understanding and personal application.

However, I couldn't help but notice the text's heavy reliance on the dichotomy between the "wise man" and the "fool" to promote the adoption of Buddhist teachings. This approach struck me as somewhat condescending at times. The warnings about either embracing Buddha's teachings or facing rebirth in a lowly state or hell realm reminded me uncomfortably of the religious fundamentalism I've previously rejected in Catholicism and certain Christian denominations. A friend who has studied Buddhism for years tells me that this is a reflection of the caste system in India which he said the Buddha rejected but which may have found its way into the text because of the culture at that time.

Despite these reservations, I found genuine wisdom throughout the text. The teachings on abandoning attachment to avoid suffering resonated with me deeply. The Dhammapada contains practical insights about mindfulness, compassion, and ethical living that transcend any dogmatic elements.

Fronsdal brings a unique perspective as both a scholar and a practicing Buddhist teacher. His approach prioritizes clarity and simplicity, presenting the Buddha's wisdom in straightforward, contemporary English. This accessibility is particularly valuable for newcomers like myself

For those interested in exploring Buddhist wisdom but wary of dogmatic approaches to spirituality, Fronsdal's translation allows readers to engage critically with the text—taking what resonates and setting aside what doesn't. The Dhammapada contains timeless insights worth considering, even if certain elements of its presentation may not align with modern sensibilities about religious teaching.

I recommend this book to others beginning their exploration of Buddhist thought, with the suggestion to approach it as I did: open to its wisdom while maintaining a critical perspective on elements that feel overly dogmatic or judgmental.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, full of wisdom; I will leave this on my bedside and probably memorize half of what's in there.

I'm more interested in wisdom than history, and there's a few things in here more about the rules of practice of original Indian Buddhism than about the wisdom in the philosophy. I glossed over that and will skip those, but for the most part it's full of gems.

As long as evil has not borne fruit,
The fool thinks it is like honey.
But when evil does bear fruit,
The fool suffers.

and

Hatred never ends through hatred.
By non-hate alone does it end.
This is an ancient truth.
Many do not realize that
We here must die.
For those who realize this,
Quarrels end.

Things that you can read every day and they will not get old or stale and can always provide inspiration. Wisdom.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vigilant and absorbed in meditation
One attains abundant happiness.

The watched mind bring happiness.

The scent of virtue is unsurpassed.

Calm in mind, speech and action
And relaxed through right understanding.
Such a person is fully at peace.

For the person who shows respect
And always reveres worthy people,
Four things increase;
Life span, beauty, happiness and strength.

Better than one hundred years lived
With an unsettled mind
Devoid of virtue
Is one day lived
With insight and absorbed in meditation.

Health is the foremost possession,
Contentment the foremost wealth.

In passing from this world to the next,
The merit we have made
Receives us,
As a family does the return of a beloved relative.

[Nina]

It would be kind of weird to give a star rating to a religious text, and I can't speak to whether this is a "good" translation (in quotation marks because the question of translation is a much bigger conversation), but I enjoyed reading this. I thought the introduction was a very useful precursor for the text. Much to think about.

[Kden0.0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any Buddhist. It is relatively short and uncomplicated (which is pretty rare for a Buddhist text) and is made up of various short poems that are arranged by theme. Although short its messages are really powerful and I always travel with it on hand.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very accessible and I appreciate the commentary explaining why he chose to translate some sections as he did. The inclusion of alternate translations, by Fronsdal and other translators, enriched the text.

[Anjalica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read with a lot wisdom 🙏🙏🙏

[Malcolm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best philosophical text ever written. Very practical buddhism that anyone could integrate into their lives and see a huge benefits from.

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels weird to rate this book but it was a very easy introduction to Buddhist teachings and the notes were super helpful to my understanding.

[George Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I can think of, unless that’s the Tao Te Ching or the Bhagavad Gita.

[Everett Grandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

this brush of word

paints a picture not abstract but translucent... such may not be grasped with conventional-corporeal-perspective...one must be its canvas without a frame

[Morgan (Turbo) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will read again to continue my study of Buddhism

[Yuan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very concise and an easy read. But I wish it was a little more developed.