The Dhammapada - (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

About the Book

"One of the best-known and best-loved works of Buddhist literature, the Dhammapada forms part of the oldest surviving body of Buddhist writings, and is traditionally regarded as the authentic teachings of the Buddha himself, spoken by him in his lifetime, and memorized and handed on by his followers after his death. A collection of simple verses gathered in themes such as 'awareness', 'fools' and 'old age', the Dhammapada is accessible, instructional and mind-clearing, with lessons in each verse to give ethical advice and to remind the listener of the transience of life"--

Book Synopsis

The Dhammapada is a collection of aphorisms that illustrate the moral teachings of Buddha - the spiritual path to the supreme Truth. Probably compiled in the third century BCE the verses are arranged according to theme covering ideas such as self-possession good and evil watchfulness and endurance. Together they describe how an individual can attain the enlightenment of Nirvana the supreme goal of Buddhism. The road to Nirvana as illustrated in The Dhammapada is narrow and difficult to negotiate but the reward of eternal life gives hope and determination to the traveller.

About the Author

Juan Mascaro read Modern and Oriental Languages at Cambridge, lectured in Oxford and eventually became Professor of English at Barcelona University. He has translated the Upanisads and the Bhagavad Gita. He died in 1987.