Table Of ContentThe DhammapadaIntroduction The Dhammapada 1. Contrary Ways 2. Watchfulness 3. The Mind 4. The Flowers of Life 5. The Fool 6. The Wise Man 7. Infinite Freedom 8. Better than a Thousand 9. Good and Evil 10. Life 11. Beyond Life 12. Self-Possession 13. Arise! Watch 14. The Buddha 15. Joy 16. Transient Pleasures 17. Forsake Anger 18. Hasten and Strive 19. Righteousness 20. The Path 21. Wakefulness 22. In Darkness 23. Endurance 24. Cravings 25. The Monk 26. The Brahmin
SynopsisOne 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. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators., 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.