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Ananda Maitreya
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The Dhammapada Paperback – August 9, 2001

by Ananda Maitreya (Translator), Thich Nhat Hanh (Foreword)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 314 ratings
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For 2,500 years, The Dhammapada has been an essential Buddhist classic. Translated by Ananda Maitreya, the 100-year-old elder of Sri Lankan Buddhism.

From the foreword:

"Even though the Dhammapada appeared a little later than some other writings attributed to the Buddha, there is no doubt that the 423 verses of the Dhammapada contain the authentic teachings of the Buddha. They express the insight of this special human being who suffered, practiced the Way, experienced transformation, and reached liberation.

There is a Buddha in each of us. That is why, while reading the Dhammapada, we feel that the insights of the Buddha are also our own. When we read and contemplate this book, we touch seeds of understanding and love that are buried deep inside of us, and we help them grow so we can offer to ourselves and the world the flowers of insight and liberation. I encourage you to carry this small book in your pocket and use it like a mirror, reflecting your deepest true nature back to you. Let us live our daily lives in harmony with the deep understanding brought to us by the Buddha in the beautiful verses of the Dhammapada."

—Thich Nhat Hanh
Plum Village France, 1998
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  1. Print length
    114 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Parallax Press
  4. Publication date
    August 9, 2001
  5. Dimensions
    3.75 x 0.36 x 6 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0938077872
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0938077879
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Let us welcome this new translation of The Dhammapada, a simple and profound jewel of the Buddha's teaching."
—Jack Kornfield

About the Author

Thich Nhat Hanh was a world-renowned spiritual teacher and peace activist. Born in Vietnam in 1926, he became a Zen Buddhist monk at the age of sixteen. Over seven decades of teaching, he published more than 100 books, which have sold more than four million copies in the United States alone. Exiled from Vietnam in 1966 for promoting peace, his teachings on Buddhism as a path to social and political transformation are responsible for bringing the mindfulness movement to Western culture. He established the international Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism in France, now the largest Buddhist monastery in Europe and the heart of a growing community of mindfulness practice centers around the world. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 95 at his root temple, Tu Hieu, in Hue, Vietnam.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Parallax Press; Reprint edition (August 9, 2001)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 114 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0938077872
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0938077879
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.21 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 3.75 x 0.36 x 6 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 314 ratings

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Ananda Maitreya

Ananda Maitreya

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
314 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's translation well-made and easy to read. They find the content insightful and a distillation of Buddhism's core teachings. Readers describe it as an excellent, quick read that can be read until parinirvana. Overall, they consider it a worthwhile purchase and a gem of literature.

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Translation qualityBuddhism contentReadabilityValue for money
29 customers mention "Translation quality"29 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the translation quality. They find the English version easy to read and understand, with well-explained concepts. The writing is beautiful and suitable for Western readers.

"...In a few short weeks you will have encountered one of the masterpieces of humanity -- a gem of literature, spirituality, and character development...." Read more

"I am so glad I purchased this book. The Dhammapada has been translated numerous times, and for any student of Buddhism or the Dhammapada itself, it..." Read more

"Words of the Buddha's wisdom, translated in English with special attention to creating the text in language relevant and easy to understand...." Read more

"...6" by 3 3/4" It's perfect for travel . The style is clear and concise and for me-I like the more logical- straight forward approach...." Read more

21 customers mention "Buddhism content"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a valuable source of Buddhism wisdom. They describe it as an informative and easy read that provides a distillation of core teachings in a compact format. The book deepens their appreciation of Buddhism and is described as a life-saver.

"...one of the masterpieces of humanity -- a gem of literature, spirituality, and character development. I hope you enjoy this little book." Read more

"...This particular version is written by a profound man, a devout monk and scholar, who has devoted his life to his Buddhist beliefs...." Read more

"...What is in this book is a distillation of the core teachings. About this book specifically; Its form factor is very small...." Read more

"Great book! Love the size of it and the message it brings. A must have!" Read more

17 customers mention "Readability"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read. They say it's a great book to carry in the car and read between meditations. The language is straightforward and applicable.

"...This is great when you want to read something quick like on a train or bus...." Read more

"Great book! Love the size of it and the message it brings. A must have!" Read more

"My favorite translation of this Buddhist masterpiece. One to have and read often." Read more

"A book that I read and re-read constantly. I have given a few as gifts which were received with the highest gratitude...." Read more

5 customers mention "Value for money"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a good value.

"...I will be referring to it for awhile. Worth buying." Read more

"...This book is easy to understand- for people of all ages! Well worth the money :)" Read more

"Great version..." Read more

"Wise and Wonderful..." Read more

Love the book bought second copy for friend.
5 out of 5 stars
Love the book bought second copy for friend.
I bought this copy online for a friend after discussing a copy I bought from barns and Noble years ago, and when it came in it also came with a grill mat that I didn't order, really confused me tbh.. but thanks Amazon fulfillment I guess.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Brad4d
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fine blend of scholarship and practicality
    Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    I have ten different translations of the Dhammapada, and this is perhaps my overall favorite. The teamwork of Ananda Maitreya (a scholar and experienced monk) and Rose Kramer (a semanticist and translator) is credible and understandable. The book is also easy to carry around, and IMHO is much preferable to other, more popular small translations.

    Incidentally, I certainly recommend using at least three or four translations of this deep book . Unfortunately, many Pali words do not have a one-to-one equivalent with English, so translations of this gentle book will necessarily be either too literal and specific, or too poetic and vague, and will be misleading at certain points. For example, the word "dukkha" has been translated many ways, and reading several texts will help expand your appreciation of the original word. A Pali dictionary (including those on websites like accesstoinsight) also helps uncover a more meaningful translation, and so does a work which includes the Pali text, like Carter and Palihawadana (older edition, not the newer condensed version). Other sources and sites, like the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, have valuable commentaries on the Dhammapada and the Pali language. Obviously, a small text like Ananda Maitreya's will not have notes or references, so consider using it alongside a larger, more scholarly version (like the older edition of Carter and Palihawadana or Kalupahana). This will be more expensive, but a book like the Dhammapada is worth it and you can spend far more money for far less benefit.

    I would also recommend reading and re-reading one chapter of the book each week, perhaps each one from a different text. In a few short weeks you will have encountered one of the masterpieces of humanity -- a gem of literature, spirituality, and character development. I hope you enjoy this little book.
    53 people found this helpful
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  • Johnathan Pethoud
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love the book bought second copy for friend.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this copy online for a friend after discussing a copy I bought from barns and Noble years ago, and when it came in it also came with a grill mat that I didn't order, really confused me tbh.. but thanks Amazon fulfillment I guess.
    Customer image
    Johnathan Pethoud
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Love the book bought second copy for friend.

    Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2024
    I bought this copy online for a friend after discussing a copy I bought from barns and Noble years ago, and when it came in it also came with a grill mat that I didn't order, really confused me tbh.. but thanks Amazon fulfillment I guess.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Helpful
     Report
  • MJ Smith
    5.0 out of 5 stars An important version and interpretation of the Buddha's words, written by a devout monk and scholar
    Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I am so glad I purchased this book. The Dhammapada has been translated numerous times, and for any student of Buddhism or the Dhammapada itself, it is important to seek out the most scholarly versions, but also versions that hopefully truly capture the words of the Buddha. This particular version is written by a profound man, a devout monk and scholar, who has devoted his life to his Buddhist beliefs. Hence, it is inspirational, thought provoking and fascinating to read his interpretation of what the Buddha said. His particular choice of words, particularly on the verses regarding MIndfulness and Mind, I find to be so clear and sharp and resonant, in my mind, hopefully truly reflecting the words of the Buddha.

    One of the unique features of this particular book is that it is pocket size, and so easy to carry with you anywhere, in a car, a fanny pack, even the chest pocket of the a jacket. The font size is a little smaller than some versions, so anyone who has a problem with smaller font sizes should consider that. But in terms of a succinct, clear interpretation of the Buddha's words, this is an important one to add to your collection, to ponder, to ruminate, to digest, with words that will hopefully provide insight and clarity.
    27 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Dhammapada,
    Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Words of the Buddha's wisdom, translated in English with special attention to creating the text in language
    relevant and easy to understand. Clear and concise.
    Find the meaning for yourself in this small, precious volume.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • jojo
    5.0 out of 5 stars My "go to" Dahmmapada
    Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I bought 2 versions of the Dhammapada--this by Maitreya is my "go to" version. 6" by 3 3/4" It's perfect for travel . The style is clear and concise and for me-I like the more logical- straight forward approach. The text size is easily readable. I compared it line by line with Thanissaro Bhikku's Dhammapada and like both. The difference I find is Thanissaro tends to be slightly more softly scripted. Like looking through a diffusing lens but the same message is there and the chapters are
    numbered the same. For example--from this book by Maitreya:
    ch 6 "The Wise"
    If someone sees an intelligent person
    Who is skillfully able to point out shortcomings,
    and give suitable reproof,
    Let him cherish such a revealer of hidden treasures.
    Only good can come from such an association.
    Now-from Bhikku's: Ch 6 "The Wise"
    Regard him as one who
    points out
    treasure,
    the wise one who seeing your faults
    rebukes you.

    For more info on Thanissaro's look up the "Metta forest Monestary" for available books. (Really a pleasure to connect with them).

    Hope this helps you narrow down your choice-there are many versions available-I'm happy with my two.
    22 people found this helpful
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  • Joe Marino
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book in a pocket sized edition.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    If you are a Buddhist or just checking out Buddhism the Dhammapada is just about required reading. While Buddhism does not have a Bible per-se. This is just about as close as you will come to a book in that vein. The Dhammapada is written many years after the death of Siddhartha. Most of the teachings were passed down verbally. What is in this book is a distillation of the core teachings.

    About this book specifically; Its form factor is very small. Not too small but it does fit in a coat jacket easily. This is great when you want to read something quick like on a train or bus. The translation is done very well and is standard English format.

    Overall this is a must have for anyone interested in Buddhism.

    Thank you for reading my review.
    17 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Bean
    4.0 out of 5 stars Essential.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    My original copy became worn from use so needed replacement. Would have liked shiny cover as matte shows fingerprints. I appreciate that this version is still being offered.
    Helpful
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  • sacorra
    5.0 out of 5 stars Dhammapada book
    Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Great book! Love the size of it and the message it brings. A must have!
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Raj Anand
    5.0 out of 5 stars Pocket size, to carry around
    Reviewed in India on February 16, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Great Book
    Report
  • Yash
    1.0 out of 5 stars love the content but the book is TiNY
    Reviewed in Australia on March 1, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    tiny , crap quality paper. not worth 20 bucks get something proper a leatherbound or hardcover from a good known brand
    Report
  • KJ
    5.0 out of 5 stars A good way to read Buddha's Wisdom
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 16, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of the top books on Buddha words. Please buy and read.
    Report
  • Martin Hagler
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirirend
    Reviewed in Germany on April 30, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Ein sehr hilfreiches und weißes Buch. Umfangreiches und universelles Wissen über das Leben, Gott und den Menschen selbst. Keine einfache Sprache jedoch. Wörterbuch bereit halten!
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  • Mr. A. C. B. Ranatunga
    3.0 out of 5 stars a corruption, of a peerless original
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 24, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I read Ven Balangoda Ananda Maitreya's (original) translation of the Dhammapada aged about 9-10 years old. It was & is, the best book I have ever read. It changed me (for the better), and helped steer me, onto a correct path in life.

    I was expecting this, when I bought the book (in question). But Rose Kramer has distorted the original, beyond any reliable use. It has been rendered almost useless. To call it diluted, is an understatement.

    To take what was a classic of world literature & render it effectively emasculated... is a crime. The original is now out of print. I have tried (unsuccessfully) to obtain a copy. No luck.

    Until the day the original is reprinted, we are a poorer world. In its absence, I can only recommend Ven Buddharakkhita's translation, as a (poorer) second best.
    Report