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AMAZON REVIEWS, including 41 by readers (August 30, 2013) This Word document contains active links. Use CTRL + left-click. 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 (REAL NAME) Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely translation, July 11, 2013 By sellermom1964 - 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) 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist 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! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars The Dhammapada, April 9, 2013 By Steve - 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) 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 Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite translation, March 12, 2013 By RysMan - 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 (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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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 (REAL NAME) Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist Classic with Annotations (Paperback) 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist Classic with Annotations (Paperback) 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful 4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent, modern translation., February 15, 2013 By Leland Somers (Clearwater Florida) - 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) 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars soul food, January 6, 2013 By bobsreview - 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 (Kindle Edition) 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Good book., December 13, 2012 By TAS_XVX - 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 (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 By 4FRBran - 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 (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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 3 of 5 people found the following review helpful 4.0 out of 5 stars Great book, short, interesting, good read., September 10, 2012 By Jack - 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 (Kindle Edition) 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 :) Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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 (REAL NAME) Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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) Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comments (5) 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) Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Enlighteningly, May 14, 2010 By Cristina Morales (Barcelona, Spain) - 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) 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" Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 1 of 2 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, February 10, 2010 By Jeff Emerson - 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) Great book, good price shipped in a timley manner, turned out to be hard back which made it better. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutley Wonderful, November 7, 2009 By Stephen R. Lucas "preceptor" (USA) - 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) 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 Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist Classic with Annotations (Paperback) 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 0 of 1 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful sutta, July 27, 2009 By J. J. Sanders - 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) 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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 [...]. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comments (2) 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. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 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)