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AMAZON REVIEWS, including 41 by readers (August 30, 2013)
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Translator of The Dhammapada : Gil Fronsdal
The Dhammapada is the most widely read Buddhist scripture in existence, enjoyed by both Buddhists
and non-Buddhists. This classic text of teaching verses from the earliest period of Buddhism in India
conveys the philosophical and practical foundations of the Buddhist tradition. The text presents two
distinct goals for leading a spiritual life: the first is attaining happiness in this life (or in future lives); the
second goal is the achievement of spiritual liberation, freedom, absolute peace. Many of the key
themes of the verses are presented in dichotomies or pairs, for example, grief and suffering versus
joy; developing the mind instead of being negligent about one's mental attitude and conduct; virtuous
action versus misconduct; and being truthful versus being deceitful. The purpose of these contrasts
is, very simply, to describe the difference between what leads to desirable outcomes and what does
not.
For centuries, this text has been studied in its original Pali, the canonical language of Buddhism in
Southeast Asia. This fresh new translation from Insight Mediation teacher and Pail translator Gil
Fronsdal is both highly readable and scholarly authoritative. With extensive explanatory notes, this
edition combines a rigorous attention to detail in bringing forth the original text with the translator's
personal knowledge of the Buddhist path. It is the first truly accurate and highly readable translation
of this text to be published in English.
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
The Dhammapada, possibly the most popular and best-known of all Buddhist texts, sums up "in the
simplest language the core teachings of the Buddha," as Jack Kornfield writes in the foreword.
Translator Fronsdal, a Kornfield protégé who has a doctorate in Buddhist studies from Stanford and
has practiced Buddhism for three decades, offers a rendition that is faithful to the original Pali text, but
not slavishly so. For example, right in the opening verses he translates dhamma as "experience"
when it is often rendered as "teaching" or "truth," and samsara as "wandering" when it usually
connotes the cycle of suffering. He also employs gender-neutral language throughout. Fronsdal
provides a brief but illuminating introduction in which he describes the history of the Dhammapada
and highlights two basic themes: how to obtain happiness in this and future lives, and how to achieve
liberation from suffering. He discusses how some verses seem to be specifically addressed to the
text's monastic audience, and suggests ways that lay Buddhists might apply those verses to
themselves.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This
text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
“In his highly praised new translation, Fronsdal brings to bear his considerable experience both as a
scholar and a practitioner. His intimacy with the text is obvious: the verses ring out clearly on the first
read, communicating their meaning with precision and poetic sensitivity.”—Tricycle
“It's always valuable to go back to the Dhammapada, that most-beloved and oft-translated of Buddhist
texts. The publication of Gil Fronsdal's new translation gives us an excellent opportunity to do so.
Fronsdal takes care in his choice of words and draws out subtleties of meaning with important
significance for people who practice meditation.”—Shambhala Sun
“What sets this particular version apart is that its verses remain true to the original Pali, the canonical
language of Buddhism in Southeast Asia. . . . With its easily readable blend of literary sensitivity and
clarity of text, this new edition of the Dhammapada is a highly recommended addition to the
practitioner's library of classical spiritual texts.”—The Beacon
"A fine new translation of an ancient classic. Fronsdal's balance of fidelity to the text and sensitivity to
its spirit is perfect. A book to be treasured."—Carl Bielefeldt, Stanford University
“The language is clear, precise, and inspiring, the phrasing spare and elegant—highly
recommended.”—Joseph Goldstein, author of One Dharma
“I have read many Dhammapada translations in several languages, but never have I come across
such a crisp, precise, and lucid translation as this.”—Bhante Gunaratana, Bhavana Society
More About the Author
› Visit Amazon's Gil Fronsdal Page
Biography
Gil Fronsdal is the primary teacher for the "Insight Meditation Center" in Redwood City, California; he
has been teaching since 1990. He has practiced Zen and Vipassana in the U.S. and Asia since 1975.
He was a Theravada monk in Burma in 1985, and in 1989 began training with Jack Kornfield to be a
Vipassana teacher. Gil teaches at Spirit Rock Meditation Center where he is part of its Teachers
Council.
Gil was ordained as a Soto Zen priest at the San Francisco Zen Center in 1982, and in 1995 received
Dharma Transmission from Mel Weitsman, the abbot of the Berkeley Zen Center. He is currently
serving on the SF Zen Center Elders' Council.
Gil has an undergraduate degree in agriculture from U.C. Davis where he was active in promoting the
field of sustainable farming. In 1998 he received a PhD in Religious Studies from Stanford University
studying the earliest developments of the bodhisattva ideal. He is the author of "The Issue at Hand,
Essays on Mindfulness Practice," "A Monastery Within: Tales from the Buddhist Path", and the
translator of The Dhammapada, published by Shambhala Publications.
Hundreds of Gil's talks on meditation and Buddhist practice can be found on www.audiodharma.org
vEnlightenment., August 6, 2013
By
Oliver (Severna PArk, MD, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
Lets just say I went from catholic as a child, forced into Pentecostal schools and
churches, became a militant atheist, then life changed in a million ways. As I started to
walk a new path, I bought this book of my own volition, or maybe the universe or god
guided me to it. Point is, it spoke to me. If the bible is a rule book, this is an instruction
manual for life. It sits next to my bed and after reading it once, I just randomly open
and read a passage that speaks to me and I try and embrace the words to live my life as
the Buddha.
A treasure in a world of what we think is treasure.
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5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely translation, July 11, 2013
By
sellermom1964 - See all my reviews
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Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
This is a very clear, fresh modern translation that's very readable. It's a tricky balance
between having a translation that appeals to the modern reader without neutering the
poetry and spirit of the ancient text.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful translation, April 22, 2013
By
TheNewMexicFan - See all my reviews
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Classic with Annotations (Kindle Edition)
I got this book in print after having owned an audio version of it for more than two
years. I also own 3 other translations, and am unable to speak of the quality of the
translation compared to the original (I know neither Pali nor Sanskrit). Yet, among these
4, the work by Gil Fronsdal is the most fluent and enables the most memorable quotes. I
read it, I listen to it, and sometime later I find myself remembering it. Thank you Gil (if
you're reading this). May your Dharma work flourish!
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5.0 out of 5 stars The Dhammapada, April 9, 2013
By
Steve - See all my reviews
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Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
This is a beautiful book full of wisdom. I have enjoyed reading it and is something you
can read over and over again. Completely satisfied
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5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite translation, March 12, 2013
By
RysMan - See all my reviews
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Classic with Annotations (Kindle Edition)
I have both the hard copy and the Kindle version and I love them both. The notes at the
back of the book are excellent and it is very easy to jump between them the way they
are organized. Especially in the Kindle version. All you have to do is tap the note and it
jumps to it and then just hit back. It works very well on Kindle for Android.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Simple and elegant, March 12, 2013
By
B. Kandaswamy "newbie prodigy" (L.A, CA U.S.A) - See all my reviews
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I am not a native english speaker. I could not get Dhammapada translations in my own
langauage, hence I bought this. I am very happy with that decision.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars fond memories, February 21, 2013
By
revrndssg - See all my reviews
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I first ran into this book in college. It changed my life. My original was lost in a divorce
[also life changing]. I'm delighted with the replacement.
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4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent, modern translation., February 15, 2013
By
Leland Somers (Clearwater Florida) - See all my reviews
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Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
This is an excellent translation by one of my favorite Dharma teachers of all time, Gil
Fronsdal. In addition to the translation which is clear, simple and powerful, there are
many great end notes that clarify words, phrases and concepts and offer alternative
translations of the Pali text. I bought the Kindle edition for myself and the paperback
edition for a dear friend who loves it. It is a book that contains treasures on every page
that are there to be read, chewed, digested over and over again as the wisdom is slowly
absorbed.
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5.0 out of 5 stars soul food, January 6, 2013
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bobsreview - See all my reviews
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I found this to be a great start into finding out more about the Buddhist religion. A must
read for anyone looking to enrich their lives.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Good book., December 13, 2012
By
TAS_XVX - See all my reviews
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Classic with Annotations (Hardcover)
I am very pleased with the insightful teachings presented in this book. I was
disappointed in the fact that I spent the extra money to get a hardcover copy, only to
receive a very beat-up copy of the book with a very different cover. Regardless, it is
what is inside the book that is important. And I recommend this to anybody looking to
reach peace.
End p.1
Buddhism That's Easy to Read, October 1, 2012
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4FRBran - See all my reviews
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Classic with Annotations (Kindle Edition)
Having read several interpretations of The Dhammapada, I found this translation easy to
digest. I once read the New Testament in modern English and it really made the verses
clear. It's the same thing here. Because the author is a native English speaker, he
makes the meaning of the Buddha teachings come to life.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Great book, short, interesting, good read., September 10, 2012
By
Jack - See all my reviews
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I'm a curious person and I find that I cannot in good conscience believe believe in most
religious teachings. If you boil it down this book is a short tome of good advice. A lot of
times when you read spiritual guides like this you think 'oh well that's common sense
duh' and that may be true for most of us. However, I think we forget things often; the
biblical 'do unto others' is actually workable, and the Dhammapada is full of useful
information that you already know, but probably need to be reminded.
Sometimes we do bad things to get ahead in life, we forget these bad things that we do
pile up and come back to punish us later. This is a good read and even if you are not
Buddhist or religious its nice to be reminded of some things. This was written a long long
long time before the bible, check it out even if you are just curious about it :)
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, accurate and insightful rendering of a Buddhist
classic, May 21, 2011
By
Craig Shoemake "Craig S. Shoemake" (Malden, MA United States) - See all my
reviews
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Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
The first two pages of the preface to Gil Fronsdal's translation say it all: Fronsdal lays
out the challenges a translator of an ancient text faces. He talks about the
Dhammapada's history in English, about how "a translation mirrors the viewpoint of the
translator" (pp. xi-xii)-something Easwaran never did. Most pointedly, he notes that
"Hindu concepts appear in English translations done in India" (p. xii)-or by a Hindu, I
might add. (Hint: think Easwaran.) He goes on to say (p. xii) "In this translation, I have
tried to put aside my own interpretations and preferences, insofar as possible, in favor
of accuracy." I believe he has done exactly this.
Fronsdal's introduction (the preface discusses the translation issues) is not so far
ranging as Easwaran's, and certainly not as lengthy, but I found it more insightful and
refreshingly accurate. (Readers of my May 15, 2011 review of Easwaran's Dhammapada
will understand my relief.) For example, I thought he hit the nail on the head with this
pointed remark (p. xx):
"The Dhammapada originated in a time, culture, and spiritual tradition very different
from what is familiar to most Western readers today. We might be alerted to this
difference if we compare the beginning of the Dhammapada with the opening lines of the
Bible, which emphasize God's role as Creator and, by extension, our reliance on God's
power. In contrast, the first two verses of the Dhammapada emphasize the power of the
human mind in shaping our lives, and the importance and effectiveness of a person's
own actions and choices... Ethical and mental purity [he goes on to say]...cannot be
achieved through the intervention of others: `By oneself alone is one purified' (verse
165)."
How different this is from Easwaran's constant-and fatuous-comparisons to Jesus and,
even, Albert Einstein.
The remainder of Fronsdal's introduction looks at its contrasting emotional moods"energy and peace"-its themes, and the effects reading it have had on him. Fronsdal
again demonstrates his penetration of basic Buddhist teachings when he writes on page
xxix "[I]t is not the world that is negated in the Dhammapada, but rather attachment to
the world (as in verse 171)." In the margin of my copy I scribbled YES!
In other words, Fronsdal gets it-which is not so surprising when you consider the man
has trained in both the Soto Zen and Theravadan traditions, has a Ph.D. in Buddhist
Studies from Stanford, and is a teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. In other words,
he has every qualification needed to interpret the Buddha's teaching, qualifications
Easwaran seemed to have but in fact was sorely lacking. Anyway, on to the text proper.
Despite my above praise, Fronsdal does make some interpretations I thought odd,
though this is not to say I didn't understand his reasoning. For example, the title of the
Dhammapada's first chapter, usually rendered as "Twin Verses" or "Paired Verses,"
Fronsdal names "Dichotomies." Fortunately, he explains this and other such choiceswhich he (much to his credit) acknowledges as controversial-in detailed endnotes
signified by asterisks. (This was another problem I had with Easwaran's text-I could not
tell which verses his endnotes pertained to unless I went to the back of the book.) This
is much appreciated; one important characteristic of any good translator is candor and
clarity as to what sort of interpretive choices s/he makes and why. Fronsdal maintains
high standards in this regard; he explains his choices in detail in the endnotes, and
having done so the reader can then appreciate that while some of his word choices are
unorthodox, they are not without merit or insight. I realize not every reader will be
interested in such linguistic and terminological details, but they need to be discussed
somewhere if the translator is to maintain legitimacy.
As for the reading experience of Fronsdal's Dhammapada: it has the spare, poetic feel I
am familiar with from other translations of Pali Buddhist texts. Also, as previously noted,
he does seem to fulfill the aspiration he stated in the preface-that of producing a
relatively literal translation, one reflecting its original time and place as opposed to the
layers of (mis)interpretation later commentators and cultures have often imposed on the
text. As a result, Fronsdal's translation feels definitively like a Buddhist text, one that
should be instructive to any newcomers to the Buddha's Dhamma. I hope they will leave
it wanting more.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Clean and Crisp, January 30, 2011
By
Miz Ellen "all the letters of my real name" (Bovine Universe) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)
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Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
One measure of how good a translation is whether it can be read and understood
without the footnotes.
Disregarding the scholarly introduction at the front and the listing of annotations at the
back, I dived right into the meat of the poetry and was immediately entranced. This
translation is crisp and clear and there is a feeling for the rhythm and flow of language
that must capture some of the beauty of the original.
Once I had a feeling for the work, I turned with real interest to the author's
introductions to read his reasons and reservations about his word choices. The
information in the Afterword and Notes is fascinating but I keep returning to the text
itself.
One can read this simply for the poetry and also as a set of proverbs that express the
thoughts and culture of the Buddha's time, if not the Buddha himself. I found myself
comparing it to the Biblical book of Proverbs or to The Song of Solomon. Wisdom pithily
expressed and contained in short phrases, easy to carry around with one all day.
One can also read this as an inspiration for daily meditation, both to put one in the
proper frame and to provide a focus.
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Short and Sweet, January 9, 2011
By
C. Hintz "Om Gate" (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
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Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
This is an excellent book. The translation is short and sweet - not embellished with fluff
and stuff. I highly recommend this book.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Dhammapada: Must for Students, Scientists, Atheists, Agnostic,
Men of Peace, October 22, 2010
By
Isis07 (USA) - See all my reviews
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Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
I studied a few verses of Dhammapada as a child and now reading them again after 40+
years I see what powerful impact they had in shaping my view and direction of life. This
book is an excellent translation with good introduction and notes. Anyone new and
exploring the world of religion or Buddhism, must start with this.
My only suggestion for future editions would be to use the actual Pali words in
parentheses of chapter headings and some key words used in the verses. This will
encourage the reader to learn and research the nuances of actual words in Pali, the
language Buddha spoke and used for oral teachings.
For example the chapter 2 heading 'vigilance' is translated as 'mindfulness' or
'heedfulness' in some other translations. The first word can evoke the image or emotion
of resistance, reaction or even agression, yet 'appamada' requires one to be 'heedful'
and clearly aware of ill will, hatred or agression in one's mind, body and speech. I
actually got my first copy a year ago with CDs in them which I love to play often in my
car. Ordered two other copies recently as gifts. Surprised to see they don't come with
CDs.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Enlighteningly, May 14, 2010
By
Cristina Morales (Barcelona, Spain) - See all my reviews
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The Dhammapada is a fadeless buddhist literature masterpiece that Gil Fronsdal, a
renowned american buddhist teacher and scholar, has put into an attainable, clear and
delightful reading. Its beautified words consists in a simple but yet profound lyricism
which convey the Buddha's teachings anew. Highly recommended.
"This is the path
For purifying one's vision; there is no other
Follow it,
You'll bewilder Mara"
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A new classic translation, April 8, 2010
By
David Garvin "nortoncommando" (Sugarland, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
As much as I have cherished my Penquin edition, this new translation is certainly the
one to get if you are reading the Buddha's teachings for the first time. A striking book to
warm your heart and lead you towards reflection and mediation.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, February 10, 2010
By
Jeff Emerson - See all my reviews
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Great book, good price shipped in a timley manner, turned out to be hard back which
made it better.
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1 of 9 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars uncommon translation, January 25, 2010
By
Jerry (Warwick, RI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
This was a gift for my son. He wanted this specific translation, which apparently not
available in stores near me. So at the last minute I ordered from Amazon late night on
the 22nd. Paid the two day shipping rate, and YES, it arrived in the AM on the 24th,
Christmas Eve. I was very pleased with Amazon, and my son was very pleased with the
book.
End p.2
Superb, November 28, 2009
By
Deborah Johnson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
I have read over the years several translations for the Dhammapada, and I have to say
that this has been the best for me. I particularly liked the annotations which explain
choices for certain words' translations, and other words that could possibly be
substituted. This brought about new meaning to words by which I have been living my
life. This translation is excellent, I would especially recommend it to newcomers to
Buddhism. Though I am sure it is inspiring to all who read it.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutley Wonderful, November 7, 2009
By
Stephen R. Lucas "preceptor" (USA) - See all my reviews
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Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
This new translation of the Dhammapada is one of the most wonderful versions that I
have ever read. The author has taken great pains both as a practitioner and a scholar to
render this new and fresh linguistic marvel. Anyone who is interested in the inspiring
words of Buddha to provide practical guidance for their daily lives will find this book and
essential addition to their spiritual journey.
Professor Stephen R. Lucas
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great Little Book., August 16, 2009
By
Malcoln_Rodgers "scrolls" (san francisco, ca United States) - See all my reviews
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giving this book 5 stars is easy. are there really that many great books around? my
rating is for this whole book, translation and all. other folks who've read different
versions, are rating the translation itself (it appears). i've never read another
translation, but reading it, it makes sense, and it's very clear as and wisdom comes
through. much like the tao te ching by lau tzu, this is a book that has been oft
translated. it's disappointing to read a version you've come to terms with, and have
been able to resonate with, only to find another version where the meaning is possibly
very different, and then to find that many others feel that this new version is much more
accurate.. according to the this authors credentials, as well as the other reviews, this
translation is to be trusted, which should give you peace of mind that you can settle in
and enjoy the words without worrying that you are getting questionable meaning. I
bought three copies. two for friends and one for myself, and everyone is quite pleased.
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5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful sutta, July 27, 2009
By
J. J. Sanders - See all my reviews
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This book is great, I keep it with me when I am traveling and a few lines of the suttas
can be so refreshing and momentously awakening. Quotes of the Buddha's teachings,
how can you go wrong? Gil tried to do a very literal translation, I read this while I was
listening to Osho's commentaries on the Dhammapada to get an unorthodox take on the
text and a variant translation which was a very entertaining undertaking. If you practice
any form of Buddhist practice you really ought to read the Dhammapada imo.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The Buddha Speaks: An Eloquent Translation, November 7, 2008
By
Enamorato (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
"You hold in your hands the most beloved of all Buddhist texts, both poetic and
profound. These verses of the Dhammapada sum up in the simplest language the core
teachings of the Buddha. Memorized and chanted by devoted followers for thousands of
years, these words remind all who hear them the universal truths expounded by the
Buddha: Hatred never ends by hatred. Virtue and wise action are the foundation for
happiness. And the Buddha's teachings offer the possibility of a thoroughly unshakable
peace and liberation of heart for those who follow the way of the Dharma and free
themselves from clinging."
- from the Forward, by Jack Kornfield
I currently have three favorite translations of "The Dhammapada." Ananda Maitreya's
version available in an attractive pocket-sized edition from Parallax Press, Glenn Wallis'
erudite rendition for Modern Library, and this one by Gil Fronsdal. In his Preface,
Fronsdal sets forth his purpose in writing yet another translation of this popular Buddhist
scripture. His aim, he writes, is to reach an understanding of the text free of his own
personal interpretation, cultural bias and latter-day interpolations. The result is
something that brings the reader as close as possible to understanding what early
Buddhism was probably like.
The translation itself is beautiful. Like Wallis, Fronsdal thankfully takes a more literal
approach. Most translations rob the text of its poetic beauty by rendering the almost
telegraphic quality of the original Pali (not unlike the ancient Sanskrit of the Vedic
scriptures or Chinese of Lao Tzu) into bland prose. The prime example of this is Max
Mueller's influential version. Consider his rendering of the opening text:
"All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it
is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows
him, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the carriage."
Now compare that with Fronsdal's:
"All experience is preceded by mind,
Led by mind,
made by mind.
Speak or act with a corrupted mind,
And suffering follows,
As the wagon wheel follows the hoof of an ox."
It's almost hard to believe they are the same verse. Mueller's translation is actually
rather popular. So popular, in fact, that many subsequent translators borrow heavily
from him. (Check out the preview pages provided by Amazon for Eknath Easwaran's and
Thomas Byrom's versions - you will no doubt note the similarities with Mueller's.)
Yet, for me, Fronsdal's more spacious rendition is much more evocative of the mindset
that the Buddha advocated. The language of the Indian scriptures is refreshingly clear
and direct, in stark contrast to the opaque koans and esoteric treatises that would
follow. Fronsdal captures this directness, without ruining the restraint and poetry of the
text. I find his translation choices for some Pali words highly insightful, especially
"experience" for "dhamma." It's an inclusive, all-encompassing word that captures the
feeling of dying to our ego-attachments and awakening to life itself that is at the heart
of practice.
Definitely a translation worth checking out.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Essential introduction to Buddhism, October 29, 2008
By
Will Jerom (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
I am no expert on translation, so I will comment on the merits of the text. The
Dhammpada does indeed strike one as a classic of the Buddhist tradition - a brief, but
very insightful work into human nature, spirituality, and ethics. If one were to read the
Bhagavad-Gita to get a beginning grasp of Hinduism, one should read the Dhammapada
to get a basic grasp of Buddhism. There is, of course, always more to study, but this
small gem should give a glittering exposition to the reader of the basic principles of
Buddhist thought.
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2 of 5 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Translation, August 13, 2008
By
Joshua M. Hudson (Pittsburgh) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
Gil not only created a great translation from the original Pali, but was also able to put
the Dhammapada back into verse (a very difficult thing to do successfully).
It is a great translation.
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5.0 out of 5 stars My preferred translation, January 13, 2008
By
Michael D. Tenenbaum - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
I have several translations of the Dhammapada and this translation is the one that I
take with me on my travels, and refer to most often.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to understand, simple to apply, November 29, 2007
By
Petr Behavka (Czech Republic, European Union) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
Gil is using for me very understandable language. E. g. explains budhist cocepts of
handling anger, which helped me a lot. Thin book which can be used as a reference
guide for different aspects of live. I do recommend it.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Translation Yet, May 29, 2007
By
MicroGlyphics "Aggressive Progressive" (Hinsdale, IL, United States) - See all my
reviews
(REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Hardcover)
The translation of this classic book is the most readable for the contemporary reader.
End p.3
Buddha's Holy Book, March 18, 2007
By
Katherine Alexandra, the Christian "St. Cathe... (In the Moment) - See all my
reviews
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
From the original Pali spoken by the Buddha ... this is the Buddhist holy book that
captures the teachings of the founder of Buddhism. For those who want the source of
Buddha's ways ... the Dhammapada explains the path.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful wisdom for the world!, March 7, 2007
By
Baern (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Paperback)
This text has to be my favorite religious text of all time. It is so clear, so simple, and yet
so profound. I believe the Dhammapada is the most important section of the Pali canon,
to where if all other Buddhist texts in the world disappeared and only the Dhammapada
remained, there would still be enough wisdom to go around. I will continue to use this
book for the rest of my life to help me get insight in this crazy world we live in. The
translation by Gil Fronsdal is absolutely superb. I know of no other English translation as
excellent as this one, and the only better way to read this text is to read it in the original
Pali.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, poetic, moving translation -- a daily companion,
February 27, 2007
By
S. Goodheart (Berkeley, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Hardcover)
Although I already owned a fine copy of The Dhammapada, I immediately bought this
new translation when it came out, because I've so enjoyed Gil's dhamma free podcasts
talks (available at the iTunes store) and was sure that the translation would share the
qualities of heart and mind I've come to appreciate in this teacher. And sure enough, the
translation has proved to be my favorite and a daily companion. There's something
about this translation that brings the Buddha's words alive and makes one feel that the
path is so doable -- and the very happiest way to live! This translation is a great gift to
the world and to seekers of truth of whatever persuasion. I can't recommend it enough.
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4 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Little Treasure, August 26, 2006
By
BibliophilePagan (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Hardcover)
This bok is a beautiful little hardcover with tons of wisdom packed between its
decorative packaging. I go to it for inspiration or a bit of wisdom to meditate on, and I'm
not Buddhist! A recommended spiritual classic that everyone should read. Priceless.
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11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book......A Must Have!, May 10, 2006
By
Kevin B. Smith "branaonline dot com" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Hardcover)
I just wanted to say that I have just finished reading the Dhammapada as translated by
Gil Fronsdal, and I think this has to be the best version I have read thus far.
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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Skillful, beautiful translation, April 28, 2006
By
Spinner's End (Knoxville, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Hardcover)
Thank you, Gil Fronsdal.
That much consideration went into every phrase of this elegantly translated version of
the Dhammapada is evident. As a layperson, I cannot vouch for the translation's
scholarly merit or technical accuracy. I can say that it is my favorite translation; the
poetic, distilled truth of it resonates with me.
The Dhammapada is part of the Khuddaka Nikaya (or, Collection of Little Texts), the fifth
division of the Sutta Pitaka (or, Mountain o' Reading! Kidding. Sort of.) I've known
people to recommend that people who are newly serious about Buddhism to begin their
studies of the Pali Canon with the Majjhima Nikaya (Middle Length Discourses). I
disagree.
Start here. Return often. Be happy.
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139 of 157 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Everything that we are arises from our thoughts, we are what
we think, March 22, 2006
By
L. Power "nlp trainer" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (TOP 500 REVIEWER)
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Hardcover)
I am not a Buddhist, yet I recognise good wisdom when I see it. This gives me a new
perspective on my actual beliefs, and enhances them.
This work was recommended to me by a self improvement guru, and the Dhammapada
proves that real wisdom is timeless. Dating back 2,500 years, it compares with other
classic works I have read such as Tao Te Ching, Bhagavad Gita, and, of course the Bible,
and more recent works such as The Prophet.
When I was reading quotations on wisdom, I was very impressed by the wisdom of
Buddha. There are some common themes running through these works.
Naturally, I don't agree with everything, the passionless existence, but I understand
where he is coming from. I prefer the idea of attachment to the Christian concept of sin.
Some quotes:
The way is in the heart, not in the sky.
You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and
affection.
Hate does not conquer hate. Only love can conquer hate, that is a universal law.
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the
present moment.
Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone
else; you are the one who gets burned.
Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.
A wise man, recognising, recognising the world is but an illusion, does not act as if it is
real, so he escapes the suffering.
Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will
not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.
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109 of 114 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A classic of world religion and philosophy translated by an
expert with a gift for language., December 6, 2005
By
P. Hollander - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Hardcover)
The Dhammapada, which literally means "foot," "tool," "saying," or "path" (Pali: pada) of
"experience" (Pali: dhamma), is a small collection of sayings about the Middle Way, the
Path of Awakening which leads to Nirvana and which is embodied by the Buddha, and
also about its opposite, the path of unskillful living which leads to a hellish life and which
is embodied by the devilish figure of Mara.
Each of us must choose which of these two paths to follow. We cannot avoid choosing:
even if we do not choose, we will become subject to forces outside ourselves (media,
advertisement, family, friends, enemies, lovers), and so will have chosen the path of
unskillful living by default. Only by consciously choosing the Path of Awakening, and by
training our minds so that everything we do is free of unhealthy desire, aversion, and
delusion, can we be truly enlightened and happy.
The Dhammapada gives voice to the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism: that suffering
exists, that there is a cause to suffering, that suffering has an end, and that there is a
means to this end, namely the Noble Eightfold Path. But the Dhammapada focuses
mostly on the Noble Eightfold Path, and specifically on the choices we face, at many
junctures in our lives, between two starkly contrasting possibilities. It is a message of
hope that if we choose wisely, and if we choose now rather than later, we shall find relief
for both our own suffering and the suffering of others.
Thus the Dhammapada is similar to other great works of life philosophy, such as
Epictetus' Enchiridion. Both focus on the fact that we must choose between two radically
different kinds of lives. Both advocate a life of virtue and spiritual practice in order to
make progress in life. Both regard training oneself to be mindfully aware of everything
one does, and mindfully present at all times, as means for acquiring and exercising
virtue, enlightenment and happiness.
Gil Fronsdal, the translator of this perennial classic, holds a PhD in Buddhist Studies
from Stanford, where he studied the early Bodhisattva ideal in India as the research
topic for his dissertation. He is also an ordained Soto Zen priest. And he is a Vipassana
student of Jack Kornfield. He has lived as a monastic in Japan and Southeast Asia. He is
the main teacher at the Insight Meditation Center (IMC) in Redwood City, California. The
website for IMC has all of Gil's dharma talks, plus those of many guest speakers, as well
as some written transcriptions, available for free download at [...]. He is a gifted and
compassionate speaker with some serious insight into the psychology of Buddhism.
This translation, rendered from the Pali version of the Dhammapada, is quite beautiful,
and is excellent for memorizing special verses (e.g. the first line, "All experience is
preceded by mind, Led by mind, Made by mind..."). Highly recommended for anyone
with an interest in Buddhism, life philosophy, or insight meditation. My only criticism is
that perhaps Gil should also have offered his own commentary in addition to the helpful
annotations he gives at the end of the book. He is such an insightful speaker on the
Dharma that it is a shame to waste any opportunity to have him share his insight with
others!
I have since learned that Gil has a previous book, The Issue at Hand, in which each
chapter begins with a passage from Gil's Dhammapada translation, and which does
comprise a commentary of sorts, on select passages. This book is a free download from
the [...].
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23 of 25 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Dhammapada, October 29, 2005
By
Sally Northcutt (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Hardcover)
It is with gratitude and relief that I study this translation of the Dhammapada. The
simplicity and bareness of the language allows the truth beyond the words to slowly
penetrate my body and spirit. I am carried by the rhythms and substance of the phrases
to ever-deepening understandings. This is the most accessible translation of any sutta
that I have been privileged to read.
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31 of 32 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Graceful Translation of Inspiring Text, September 7, 2005
By
Interested Reader (Berkeley, CA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Hardcover)
The Dhammapada is a basically a collection of poems about Buddhist practice. Some are
sweet and encouraging; most exhort the reader to vigilance and effort. It's both a guide
and encouragement to present practice and a document of past SE Asian Buddhist
thought. The overall effect for me is energizing, reminding me that drifting through life
is a waste of the precious opportunity of being alive.
This is a graceful translation -- it flows without the awkward locutions that typefy some
translations of old texts. It has endnotes explaining the nuances of some of the original,
and the choices made by the translator. They're at the back of the book and easily
ignored by the reader who just wants to enjoy the text.
I recommend both the text and this translation highly.
End p.4
A wonderful translation, just buy it now, September 2, 2005
By
Metta Man (Out in the sticks, WV USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist
Classic with Annotations (Hardcover)
Do you find yourself saying: I really need a good annotated copy of the Dhammapada.
Of course you do! Well, than this is it. It has a fine introduction that puts the work into
context and an excellent translation, particularly for me as a western reader. I'd had a
version from EA Burt's most excellent The Teaching of the Compassionate Buddha, but
his translation didn't exactly leap off the page for me (and it's abridged).
A fine work that I can heartily recommend.
End p.5 (only 1 review on the 5th page)(total 41 reviews)