The Dhammapada

by Eknath Easwaran

The Dhammapada is a collection of vivid, practical verses, gathered probably from direct disciples who wanted to preserve what they had heard from the Buddha himself. In the oral tradition of the sixth century before Christ, it must have been the equivalent of a handbook: a ready reference of the Buddha's teachings condensed in haunting poetry and arranged by theme--anger, greed, fear, happiness, thought. Yet there is nothing piecemeal about this anthology. It is a single composition, harmonious and whole, which conveys the living presence of a teacher of genius.Eknath Easwaran's translation is both clear and contemporary, and he has provided a highly informative introduction that focuses on the universality of the Buddha's teachings.

About the Author:

EKNATH EASWARAN trained in one of the purest Sanskrit traditions in India, pursued a successful career as a writer, and was professor of English literature in a large Indian university. In 1960 he established the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation in Berkeley, California. He is also the author of The Mantram Handbook and translator of The Bhagavad Gita, The Dhammapada and The Upanishads.