From Library Journal
Cleary, a translator of classic Asian works, presents 426 short verses from the Buddha, from the original Pali, on the basics of Buddhist teaching. An introduction to the flavor of Buddhist scripture for the general reader. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Review
"Thomas Cleary's ingeniously illuminating treatment sets it apart from all other translations of this mind-boggling text."--Victor Mair, translator of the Tao Te Ching


Review
"Thomas Cleary's ingeniously illuminating treatment sets it apart from all other translations of this mind-boggling text."--Victor Mair, translator of the Tao Te Ching


Book Description
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.


Language Notes
Text: English (translation)


The publisher, Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.
"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."Thomas Cleary's ingeniously illuminating treatment sets it apart from all other translations of this mind-boggling text."--Victor Mair, translator of the Tao Te Ching


From the Inside Flap
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.


From the Back Cover
"Thomas Cleary's ingeniously illuminating treatment sets it apart from all other translations of this mind-boggling text."--Victor Mair, translator of the Tao Te Ching

ANNOTATION

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.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Thomas Cleary, the widely acclaimed and respected translator of Asian philosophy, now provides a new and vibrant translation of one of the most beloved and accessible works of early Buddhism: the Dhammapada. In a rendering that is both classical and contemporary, he faithfully restores the simple purity and elegance of the original text. The quest for inner peace and individual liberation is one of the most ancient endeavors of humankind. Five hundred years before Christ, Gautama Buddha became one of the great leaders in that spiritual journey. The Dhammapada is a collection of Buddha's sayings as passed down by his followers and drawn from the seminal Pali Canon. It is perhaps the best primer of Buddhism. Its teachings on the dhamma, the moral path of life, encourage the development of self-mastery and strength of character and point the way toward a heightened awareness of self and reality ... and toward the ultimate attainment of enlightenment. Punctuated with the translator's insightful notes and comments, the Dhammapada brings to life the independence of thought and freedom of spirit of Buddha, making this remarkable work not only a text on living but a living text.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal