Few of the sacred texts of the world's greatest religions present their wisdom with the clear simplicity of the verses of the Buddhist Dhammapada, or Path to Virtue. Its direct style, clarity, and beauty place it at the forefront of Buddhist sacred literature, and its noble intent raises it to the highest level of humanity's spiritual guides. Easily accessible to any reader, the Dhammapada offers a wealth of wisdom for the novice, as well as the most ardent and experienced of spiritual seekers.
Gathered by Buddhist masters into related groups-"On Earnestness," "Flowers," "The Fool," "The Wise Man," "Happiness," "Pleasure"-these ancient texts transcend the limitations of time, tradition, and culture to express the ethical principles underlying all wise and compassionate philosophy and conduct. Here are the Four Truths that reveal the nature of the world and our lot in it; here also is the Eightfold Path, the way to enlightenment, incorporating the means to overcome the essential suffering revealed bu the Four Truths as the essence of life. The Dhammapada serves as a coherent summation of the necessities for following the Eightfold Path as well as an encouraging and thought-provoking resource to consult along the way.
Expressed with great beauty and translated with painstaking scholarship, this classic guide is certain to stimulate, challenge, and inspire students of religion and philosophy as well as all who thirst for enlightenment.
目次
I. The Twin-verses 1 II. On Earnestness 3 III. Thought 5 IV. Flowers 6 V. The Fool 8 VI. The Wise Man 10 VII. The Venerable 12 VIII. The Thousands 13 IX. Evil 15 X. Punishment 17 XI. Old Age 19 XII. Self 20 XIV. The Buddha-The Awakened 22 XV. Happiness 24 XVI. Pleasure 26 XVII. Anger 28 XVIII. Impurity 30 XIX. The Just 32 XX. The Way 34 XXI. Miscellaneous 36 XXII. The Downward Course 38 XXIII. The Elephant 40 XXIV. Thirst 42 XXV. The Bhikshu 45 XXVI. The Brâhmana 47
