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Buddha's Teachings
Ancient wisdom for travellers on the path to Nirvana
Believed to have been compiled in the third century BC, the Dhammapada is a collection of aphorisms that illustrate the Buddhist dhamma, or moral system (dharma, in Sanskrit). 'In the Dhammapada we can hear the voice of Buddha,' writes translator Juan Mascaró. 'This gospel of light and love is amongst the greatest spiritual works of man. Each verse is like a small star and the whole has the radiance of eternity.'
These selections are from Juan Mascaró's translation of The Dhammapada, published in Penguin Classics 1973.
Believed to have been compiled in the third century BC, the Dhammapada is a collection of aphorisms that illustrate the Buddhist dhamma, or moral system (dharma, in Sanskrit). 'In the Dhammapada we can hear the voice of Buddha,' writes translator Juan Mascaró. 'This gospel of light and love is amongst the greatest spiritual works of man. Each verse is like a small star and the whole has the radiance of eternity.'
These selections are from Juan Mascaró's translation of The Dhammapada, published in Penguin Classics 1973.
80 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 1995
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* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author
Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.
See also: Anonymous
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 11, 2016
This Penguin 60s Classic is a selection from Juan Mascaro's translation of The Dhammapada.
It takes the form of short statements (most only a sentence, some a couple of sentences) numbered, and arranged into categories, such as 'Contrary Ways', 'The Fool', 'The Wise Man', 'In Darkness', 'Endurance', etc.
To me, a heathen of non-religious beliefs, who has a grudging respect for Buddhism due mainly to its ability to survive against the odds, and the fact it just appeals as a healthy life outlook, not burdened by intolerance, financial controls and aggressive marketing. My (uninformed) simplistic overview of Buddhism is summed up as 'be a good person'.
These statements in this book are exactly the sort of things you expect a monk to say at a poignant moment. Not all of them, some of them fall a bit flat. But the good ones, just make you stop and think, which must be a good thing.
There are 423 statements (although a number are double numbered for some reason?)
49. As the bee takes the essence of a flower and flies away without destroying its beauty and perfume, so let the sage wander in life.
163. It is easy to do what is wrong, what is bad for oneself; but very difficult to do what is right, to do what is good for oneself.
It takes the form of short statements (most only a sentence, some a couple of sentences) numbered, and arranged into categories, such as 'Contrary Ways', 'The Fool', 'The Wise Man', 'In Darkness', 'Endurance', etc.
To me, a heathen of non-religious beliefs, who has a grudging respect for Buddhism due mainly to its ability to survive against the odds, and the fact it just appeals as a healthy life outlook, not burdened by intolerance, financial controls and aggressive marketing. My (uninformed) simplistic overview of Buddhism is summed up as 'be a good person'.
These statements in this book are exactly the sort of things you expect a monk to say at a poignant moment. Not all of them, some of them fall a bit flat. But the good ones, just make you stop and think, which must be a good thing.
There are 423 statements (although a number are double numbered for some reason?)
49. As the bee takes the essence of a flower and flies away without destroying its beauty and perfume, so let the sage wander in life.
163. It is easy to do what is wrong, what is bad for oneself; but very difficult to do what is right, to do what is good for oneself.
June 17, 2022
i feel like i gotta give this 5 stars
October 6, 2019
This is a book to be read multiple times, to re-experience again and again. Growing spiritually, emotionally, and mentally is a life long journey and more is always revealed. But only if you want that. If you are interested in other things then this book won't be useful or moving or thoughtful to you.
Like any book I suppose!!!!
Like any book I suppose!!!!
Read
August 20, 2012I am not a Buddhist. This book was included in a box set that I purchased. At 80 pages, it's a pretty short read. There's some guff in here, but the premise is: Be a good person. Regardless of my differing beliefs, that's some advice I can get behind.
January 5, 2017
To the reviewers who think this can be summarised as saying “be a good person”—read it again.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews