Dhammapada (Illustrated)

by Ven. Weagoda Sarada Maha Thero | 1993 | 341,201 words | ISBN-10: 9810049382 | ISBN-13: 9789810049386

The English translation of the Dhammapada, representing the fundamentals of the Buddhist way of life. It leads its reader not only to a happy and useful life here and hereafter but also to the achievement of life’s purpose “Summum Bonum” the Goal Supreme. The Dhammapada is the second book of the Khuddaka Nikaya (Minor Collection) of the Sutta Pitak...

Introduction

Balangoda Ananda Maitreya

Introduction by Ven. Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Maha Nayaka Thero

The Eternal Truth revealed by the Exalted Buddha, could be summed up under the four headings: Dukkha (unsatisfactoriness), its cause, the cessation of Dukkha and the way thereto. The Exalted Buddha expounded the Doctrine of these four Great Truths, illustrating and communicating it to suit the mentality of his hearers of wide ranging backgrounds. All his teachings have been grouped into three collections–or three Baskets (Tripitakas). The three Pitakas are Vinaya, Abhidhamma and Sutta. The present work, Dhammapada, is the second book of the Minor Collection (Khuddakāgama) of the Sutta Pitaka (The Basket of Discourses). It consists of 423 stanzas arranged in 26 Vaggas or Chapters.

By reading Dhammapada, one could learn the fundamentals of the Buddhist way of life. It leads its reader not only to a happy and useful life here and hereafter but also to the achievement of life’s purpose “Summum Bonum” the Goal Supreme. Mr. Albert J. Edmonds–author of one of the best English translations of Dhammapada says: “If ever an immortal classic was produced upon the continent of Asia–it is the Dhammapada”. In the western world, the Dhammapada was first translated into Latin by Prof. Fausball of Copenhagen. The first English translation was by Prof. Max Muller. Since then many English versions have appeared.

Of all these translations, the present version entitled “Treasury of Truth” has several claims to uniqueness. It is in this version that all of the 423 stanzas have been illustrated. Each of the 423 stanzas has its own especially commissioned illustration. The author of this work–Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero, is widely known for his efforts to spread the word of the Buddha worldwide. Ven. Sarada–a Buddhist Bhikkhu of indefatigable zeal–has brought out 69 publications on Buddhist themes, to his credit. His recent work “Life of the Buddha in Pictures” has acquired worldwide acclaim. The present work is a monumental publication.

The structure of the Treasury of Truth, is highly impressive. Here, each stanza is transliterated in Roman characters. The prose order of Pali stanzas is given and the significance of the Pali words is conveyed. The original story–out of which a given stanza stems–is also narrated. Popular translations, exegetical material and a commentary are provided to guide the user. I have the greatest pleasure in describing this work as a great contribution to the world literature of Buddhism and related issues. Not only the contemporary world but even generations to come will profit from this work. Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero deserves praise and the highest recognition of all for this monumental contribution to human culture.

Ven. Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Maha Nayaka Thero

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