Dhammapada (Shambhala Pocket Classics)
by Thomas Byrom
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Book Summary Information
Author: Thomas ByromEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1993-11-09
ISBN: 0877739668
Number of pages: 113
Publisher: Shambhala
Book Reviews of Dhammapada (Shambhala Pocket Classics)
Book Review: Dhammapada: Book Review
Summary: 5 Stars
Dhammapada is a collection of early sayings in Sanskrit from the Buddha translated by Thomas Byrom. The founder of the Buddhist religion and a prince who abdicated his crown in Northern India to live the life as an ascetic, Buddha (563-483 B.C.) left his teachings in the form of oral discourses. These were in turn passed down through generations by means of oral transmission. Because of this attribute many such teachings (now known as Sutras) are metered as repetitive poems made easy for oral recitation. Dhammapada differs from other Sutras in that it ventures little into the metaphysical nature of reality or life. Instead, it is a simple treatise that reminds us about the many virtues of life that we should practice daily. Thus, lessons about "living purely" (104), "blissful awakening" (78), "[letting] go of anger... [and] pride" (59), "living in honesty and strength" (88), "living in love" (100), and many others abound throughout the text. It contains a treasure of aphorisms that will make the reader stop, think over, and radically confront the truths held therein. Because of its positive affirmation of life and all its virtues, it is an uplifting Sutra that purifies the heart and enlightens the mind.
The English translation rendered by Byrom is exceptional in that it captures the poetic eloquence and fluidity of the original text with its own metered tempo. As presented, the translation is a masterpiece in its own right, with the translator juggling with words that take the reader to dizzying heights of poetic contemplation. Byrom's masterful choice of words strikes a deep resonance with this reader. When further weighed with Buddha's teachings in the background, this small text unfolds as a jewel of mystic and enlightened literature that stands second to none.
Although the text teaches mainly the practice of the virtues in our daily lives, it does not lose sight of the ultimate aspiration for all of us, namely liberation or nirvana. Thus by meditating on love, purifying the heart, and freeing the mind from "passion, enmity, folly" (6), "from desire and sorrow" (27), "from attachment and appetite" (26), it teaches that we will at last reach "freedom without bounds" (27).
A few of my all-time favorites include:
In this world
Hate never yet dispelled hate.
Only love dispels hate,
This is the law,
Ancient and inexhaustible (2).
and
However young,
The seeker who sets out upon the way
Shines bright over the world (102) .
... day and night
The man who is awake
Shines in the radiance of the spirit (104).
Meditate.
Live purely.
Be quiet.
Do your work, with mastery (104).
Like the moon,
Come out from behind the clouds!
Shine (102).
(my own arrangement of sequence)
This heartening sutra can be read thousands of time and yet with each reading it will still remain fresh as something new arouses the mind.
Summary of Dhammapada (Shambhala Pocket Classics)
The Dhammapada is one of the most popular and accessible books in all of Buddhist literature. In it are the words of the Buddha, teaching that all suffering stems from desire and that the way to attain freedom is to purify the heart and follow the way of truth. Thomas Byrom's verse rendering of the Dhammapada uniquely captures the Buddha's original teachings with simplicity and lyricism.Hinduism Books
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