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The Dhammapada-believed to have been spoken by the Buddha himself-contains most of Buddhism's central teachings. Helpful commentary explains references, philosophical terms and the inspiring interpretations of famous spiritual teachers.
About the author
Max Muller (1823–1900) was a professor at Oxford University and a pioneer in the study of comparative religion. He provided the earliest English translations of many of the Hindu and Buddhist scriptures.
Jack Maguire is a Zen student and author of more than twenty books. He lives in the town of Highland in New York's Hudson River Valley. His books include Essential Buddhism (Simon & Schuster) and Dhammapada: Annotated & Explained (SkyLight Paths).
Andrew Harvey is the author of many critically acclaimed books, including Son of Man. His memoir A Journey in Ladakh was praised as "one of the best books available on the Western experience of Tibetan spiritual life." His just-published memoir Sun at Midnight was praised by Deepak Chopra, who said, "for those who have gone through the dark night of the soul and for those seeking a genuine understanding of spirituality, this is a very inspiring story." Harvey is also the coauthor of the New York Times bestseller The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Born in India, he was the youngest person ever awarded a fellowship to All Souls College, Oxford. He has devoted the past thirty years of his life to study and experiencing the world's spiritual traditions and is widely recognized as one of our greatest communicators of mysticism and contemplative living today.
Summary
The Dhammapada—believed to have been spoken by the Buddha himself—contains most of Buddhism's central teachings. Helpful commentary explains references, philosophical terms and the inspiring interpretations of famous spiritual teachers.
Additional text
"The pith of Buddha's teachings are herein wondrously and excellently presented."
—Joan Halifax Roshi, Head Teacher, Upaya Zen Center
"Provides access to the wisdom of the text in a way that invites further exploration of one's own transformation."
—Kay Lindahl, founder, The Listening Center; author, The Sacred Art of Listening: Forty Reflections for Cultivating a Spiritual Practice
“The words of the Buddha become fresh and alive in this wonderful edition. Wisdom shines through, ready for application in daily life.”
—Ani Konchog Drolma, head of monastic training at Gampo Abbey
“A friendly introduction to a sacred text at the heart of Buddhist teaching.”
—Marcia Z. Nelson, author, Come and Sit: A Week Inside Meditation Centers
“These verses can be read and appreciated simply as wise philosophy; as such, they are part of the great literature of the world. But for those who would follow it to the end, the Dhammapada is a sure guide to nothing less than the highest goal life can offer: self-realization.”
—Eknath Easwaran
“The verses, along with well-placed guiding annotations, will be inspiring to young people exploring the Buddhist path.”
—Sumi Loundon, editor, Blue Jean Buddha: Voices of Young Buddhists