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Commentaries on the Dhammapada
One of the ancient texts of the Pali Canon of Buddhism, the Dhammapada has a revered place among the noted scriptures of the world. It is quite special in its focus on the practical implementation of the Buddha's teachings in daily life, through the examination and self-control of one's thoughts, words and deeds. "Dhamma" is sometimes translated as "virtue," but in its deeper sense it is the innate law of life. "Pada" means "footstep" or "path." The Dhammapada is not so much a religious text as a text of practical psychology for those wishing to undertake an inner, spiritual discipline to change their lives. Includes translation of the Dhammapada with commentaries by The Mother.
120 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1998
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About the author
The Mother
254 books24 followersMirra Alfassa, later Mirra Morisset and Mirra Richard, also known as The Mother, was the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo.
She was born in Paris to Turkish and Egyptian parents and came to Sri Aurobindo's retreat on March 29, 1914 in Pondicherry, India to collaborate on editing the Arya. Having to leave Pondicherry during World War I, she spent most of her time in Japan where she met the poet Rabindranath Tagore. Finally she returned to Pondicherry and settled there in 1920. After November 24, 1926, when Sri Aurobindo retired into seclusion, she founded his ashram (Sri Aurobindo Ashram), with a handful of disciples living around the Master. With Sri Aurobindo's full approval she became the leader of the community, a position she held until her death. The Trust she had registered after Sri Aurobindo's death in 1950 continues to look after the institution.
She was born in Paris to Turkish and Egyptian parents and came to Sri Aurobindo's retreat on March 29, 1914 in Pondicherry, India to collaborate on editing the Arya. Having to leave Pondicherry during World War I, she spent most of her time in Japan where she met the poet Rabindranath Tagore. Finally she returned to Pondicherry and settled there in 1920. After November 24, 1926, when Sri Aurobindo retired into seclusion, she founded his ashram (Sri Aurobindo Ashram), with a handful of disciples living around the Master. With Sri Aurobindo's full approval she became the leader of the community, a position she held until her death. The Trust she had registered after Sri Aurobindo's death in 1950 continues to look after the institution.
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December 31, 2015
Picked it up at AuroVille - City of Saint Aurobindo and 'The Mother' at Pondicherry.
Primary motive fulfilled - wanted a hard copy of Dhammapada. The core text, though very simple (even childish sounding), never fails to energize me.
However, the commentary is not so helpful. Uses loosely defined terms, and is at times preachy, at times vague. Where the commentator does not agree with the text, it is said that Buddha did not mean this, or there has been a mistake in translation.
The best part about the commentary is an interesting exercise: Where you are asked to practice for 1 hour a day - a time when you speak only the absolutely essential words.
Primary motive fulfilled - wanted a hard copy of Dhammapada. The core text, though very simple (even childish sounding), never fails to energize me.
However, the commentary is not so helpful. Uses loosely defined terms, and is at times preachy, at times vague. Where the commentator does not agree with the text, it is said that Buddha did not mean this, or there has been a mistake in translation.
The best part about the commentary is an interesting exercise: Where you are asked to practice for 1 hour a day - a time when you speak only the absolutely essential words.
Displaying 1 of 1 review