The Dhammapada

Introduction.  The Dhammapada is a collection of sayings of the Buddha in verse form and one of the most widely read and best-known Buddhist scriptures.  The original text was inscribed in the Buddha’s native language, Pāli, also known as Pali-Magadhi, around the 5^th century BCE.  This version of The Dhammapada, one of only two English translations available today, was published by Eknath Easwaran in 1986.  Easwaran’s translation features notes regarding the original Pāli language, aimed at preserving the intended meaning of the verses, and offers accompanying context to help readers understand and relate with the ancient traditions of the Buddha’s culture.

Analysis.  Easwaran’s The Dhammapada features short passages aimed at relaying context to readers about the Buddha’s life, cultural beliefs at the time of the Buddha’s teachings, insights on the nature of the Buddha’s character, and other stories that help transform the verses from being a rigid collection of theories to a practical guide for everyday living.  These contextual passages are spaced evenly throughout the text so that they accompany and augment the original verses, rather than merely being relegated to the ends of the book.  The Dhammapada teaches the Buddhist concepts of ritam – natural order of the universe, dharma – harmony of nature, karma – cause and effect, rebirth – endless cycle of life after death, and moksha – escaping the cycle of suffering by achieving nirvana or enlightenment.

Evaluation.  I have read this book from cover-to-cover multiple times.  The timeless and practical wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings have guided me to a more harmonious, loving, compassionate, and patient life.  This gradual yet monumental change in my perspective has equipped me to be a better leader to my Marines, husband to my wife, father to my son, and friend to those who cherish my friendship.  I read from The Dhammapada every Wednesday morning – appropriately placing a book about achieving harmony precisely at the center of my work week.  Without a doubt, this is a book that I will read from and meditate on until I am old and gray. 

Conclusion.  This book is paralleled in rank by very few others I have read.  I would qualify The Dhammapada as being on-par with books like Meditations by Marcus Aurelius and Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu – also books which emerge in my weekly rotational reading.  I only recommend this book to readers who are prepared to alter their perspective irreversibly for the better.  Readers of this book will learn to exchange hatred for kindness, to unconditionally love their fellow man, and to achieve a degree of peace that cannot be undone.

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