Overview
Of all the Buddhist writings, the Dhamma-Pada - -known for its accessibility—is perhaps the best primer of teachings on the dhamma, or moral path of life. It is also one of the oldest and most beloved classics, cherished by Buddhists of all cultures for its vibrant and eloquent expression of basic precepts. Buddha's beautiful, concise, and accessible aphorisms profoundly illustrate the serenity and unalterable dignity of the Buddhist path of light, love, peace, and truth.
Thomas Cleary provides an enlightening introduction that puts the work into historical, cultural, and religious perspective. In each section, he offers helpful and insightful commentary on the beliefs behind the wisdom of the Buddha's words, translated from the ancient, original Pali text. Its 423 practical sayings are grouped under eclectic and useful headings such as Vigilance, Evil, Happiness, Anger, Craving, and Pleasure. In its unique and lovely two-color Wisdom Editions design, these timeless sayings of Buddha will join the Tao Te Ching as a classic gift book and keepsake.
Of all the Buddhist writings, the Dhammapada--known for its accessibility--is perhaps the best primer of teachings on the dhamma, or moral path of life. Cleary provides an enlightening introduction that puts the work into historical, cultural, and religious perspective, offering helpful and insightful commentary in each section. Two-color design throughout.
Synopsis
Of all the Buddhist writings, the Dhamma-Pada - -known for its accessibility—is perhaps the best primer of teachings on the dhamma, or moral path of life. It is also one of the oldest and most beloved classics, cherished by Buddhists of all cultures for its vibrant and eloquent expression of basic precepts. Buddha's beautiful, concise, and accessible aphorisms profoundly illustrate the serenity and unalterable dignity of the Buddhist path of light, love, peace, and truth.
Thomas Cleary provides an enlightening introduction that puts the work into historical, cultural, and religious perspective. In each section, he offers helpful and insightful commentary on the beliefs behind the wisdom of the Buddha's words, translated from the ancient, original Pali text. Its 423 practical sayings are grouped under eclectic and useful headings such as Vigilance, Evil, Happiness, Anger, Craving, and Pleasure. In its unique and lovely two-color Wisdom Editions design, these timeless sayings of Buddha will join the Tao Te Ching as a classic gift book and keepsake.
Library Journal
The Dhammapada, a popular compilation of the teachings of the Buddha from the third century B.C., is one of the basic works in the Buddhist canon. Cleary, a recognized authority in the translation of Eastern religious texts, includes helpful commentary along with his accomplished translation. The commentary, which follows most of the 423 verses, often begins with a quotation or insight from sources as diverse as Mahayana Buddhism, Zen, Taoism, and even the Torah. His quotations also call our attention to other important Buddhist texts. As his translation clearly demonstrates, Cleary believes that Buddhism teaches that beyond Nirvana there is enlightened knowledge and vision and ultimately a kind of unification of heaven and earth in our consciousness. Highly recommended for academic and public libraries needing a new or perhaps first copy of this important Buddhist work presented in a clear and stimulating way.-David Bourquin, California State Univ., San Bernardino