Best explanation ever. Incredible writing by Eknath Easwaran

books:


	• The Dhammapada (Arkana) Arkana, 1988 - 208 pages average customer review:based on 31 reviews
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highly recommended

Wonderful!

First, I must say that this is the only translation of the Dhammapada I have read. That aside, this translation is more than just another translation. The first 100 pages or so makes this book worth its weight in gold. Eswaran gives an overview of the history of the Buddha's life, from pre-enlightenment to his death. Eswaran hits many highlights of the Buddha's teachings from the nature of the world of form to karma and reincarnation and numerous other areas of the dharma. The translation of the scriptures is easy to read, and notes on many of the scriptures are in the back of the book, which help to clarify many of the passages even further.

The chapters are broken down by theme, and each chapter, or sometimes two chapters, are introduced by Stephen Ruppenthal. These introductions are handy and help the reader to understand what he or she is about to encounter in the upcoming chapter. Many references are cited and much of the Buddhist philosophy is explained both in the introduction by Eswaran, and by the chapter introductions by Ruppenthal.

Besides all of that, the quality of this paperback is excellent. The pages are recycled material, and the cover is thick and sturdy for being a paperback. If you appreciate Buddhist philosophy, or any of the works of Indian spirituality, you must add this book to your library.

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very easy reading

the book presents the dhammapada, a book text of the Buddha's words for those who don't know, in an easy to read and understandable way. each chapter is headed by a introduction that explains the meaning of the chapter and clarifies some of the content. this is a must read for any Buddhist, non Buddhist looking for wisdom, or for anyone with any interest in the subject.

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Best explanation ever. Incredible writing by Eknath Easwaran

The introduction and explanation by Eknath is incredibly clear, insightful, and profound. To read the Dhammapada you need an explanation and this one is great.

Normally, I don't like to read introductions to books, but I found that this introduction to be the best part! I found myself reading it and saying, "wow, now that's what they are talking about! well put!" He explains Buddhism concepts in a terrific way.

Big thumbs up.

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A Treasure!

This is a treasure of both translation and commentary by Eknath Easwaran. Yes, the actual sutras of the Buddah are well worth the pondering. Not only are the sutras classics ... the concepts and puzzling koans are applicable to our 21st century lives. If this were the last book you were to ever buy, it would be a wise choice.

An excellent translation by a non-Buddhist scholar

I have read several English translations of the Dhammapada --a dozen partially, half a dozen totally. As a non-Pali reader, I do not have any opinion on the grammatical quality of such translations. By reading any two, you will easily understand the difficulty of putting ancient eastern texts in west languages. As a rule, however, the spirit of most of the versions remains clear and transmits a good sense of the Buddha's Teaching. On the other hand, anybody can judge the readability and the beauty of any work regardless its origin. As such, Eknath Easwaran's book is excellent. His 80-page Introduction to Siddhattha Gotama's life and Teachings by itself justifies acquiring the book. The Pali Canon paragraphs that Easwaran quotes are "tuned" for the west reader. (Even though he probably overdid it at least once, I could not trace in any of Buddha's discourses "what a disciple losses through meditation: sickness, anger, depression, the burden of old age, the fear of death." I do not think the Buddha said such words but that is probably what he meant.) Chapters' introductions by Stephen Ruppenthal are also very illustrative. The fact that Easwaran is an Eastern scholar, not a Buddhist one, provides his writings the impartiality and independence that the Buddha would like to see in the spreading of his Teachings.

Gustavo Estrada. Author of Hacia el Buda desde el occidente: Sus Ensenanzas sin mitos ni misterios

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

The Dhammapada is a collection of the Buddha's teachings stamped with the power and practicality of one of the world's most appealing spiritual figures. Eknath Easwaran's introduction describes the Buddha's life, background, and teachings, including a particularly penetrating account of the Buddha's "four stages of meditation." Chapter introductions by Steve Ruppenthal provide background from relevant Buddhist doctrine. 208 pages.

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