The Dhammapada - The Path of Truth

This is one of the top books on Buddha words. Please buy and read.

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.

This is the definitive version of this core Buddhist text. It is clearly translated and made relevant to a modern reader. It is small enough to carry with you or leave by your bedside (which I do) to dip into or provide that final thought for the day. An excellent version of this timeless teaching.Feel free to check out my blog which can be found on my profile page.

The translation is very basic and really looses some of the magic and wisom of the dhamapada. A good version to keep handy if you would like something to remind you of basic teachings, but not something one should look at when learning the dhamapada for the first time.