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 | | The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist Classic with Annotations by Gil Fronsdal, Jack Kornfield (Foreword), Jack Kornfield (Translator), Gil Fronsdal (Translator) ISBN-10: 9781590302118 ISBN-10: 1-59030-211-7 ISBN-13: 9781590302118 ISBN-13: 978-1-59030-211-8 Hardcover 2005-08-09 Shambhala Find Lowest Price |
Editorials | ||
Product Description 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 life: 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. | ||
Reviews | ||
Essential introduction to Buddhism I am no expert on translation, so I will comment on the merits of the text. The Dhammpada does indeed strike one as a classic of the Buddhist tradition - a brief, but very insightful work into human nature, spirituality, and ethics. If one were to read the Bhagavad-Gita to get a beginning grasp of Hinduism, one should read the Dhammapada to get a basic grasp of Buddhism. There is, of course, always more to study, but this small gem should give a glittering exposition to the reader of the basic principles of Buddhist thought. | ||
Great Translation Gil not only created a great translation from the original Pali, but was also able to put the Dhammapada back into verse (a very difficult thing to do successfully). It is a great translation. | ||
Best Translation That I Have Found I have read the Penguin Classics as well as the Thich Nhat Hanh version of the Dhammapada, and this version speaks more clearly (less cumbersome language) and is deeper touching for me. It will be a great choice for most other average Westerners, even if you're just picking it up out of curiosity. | ||
My preferred translation I have several translations of the Dhammapada and this translation is the one that I take with me on my travels, and refer to most often. | ||
Easy to understand, simple to apply Gil is using for me very understandable language. E. g. explains budhist cocepts of handling anger, which helped me a lot. Thin book which can be used as a reference guide for different aspects of live. I do recommend it. | ||