The Dhammapada ― A New Translation of the Buddhist Classic

The Dhammapada is a collection of sayings of the Buddha, presented in verse form. Poetic, inspirational, and broadly accessible, this is the most widely read of all classical Buddhist texts.

Presenting two distinct goals for leading a spiritual life—attaining happiness in this life (and in future lives) and the achievement of absolute peace—this classic text of teaching verses from the earliest period of Buddhism in India conveys the philosophical and practical foundations of the Buddhist tradition. This accessible translation combines Gil Fronsdal’s personal knowledge of the Buddhist path with his rigorous attention to detail in bringing forth the original Pali text for seekers of all levels.

This book is part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series.

The Shambhala Pocket Library is a collection of short, portable teachings from notable figures across religious traditions and classic texts. The covers in this series are rendered by Colorado artist Robert Spellman. The books in this collection distill the wisdom and heart of the work Shambhala Publications has published over 50 years into a compact format that is collectible, reader-friendly, and applicable to everyday life.

Gil Fronsdal has practiced Zen and Insight Meditation since 1975 and has a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies from Stanford University. He has trained in both the Japanese Soto Zen tradition (San Francisco Zen Center with Suzuki Roshi) and the Insight Meditation school of Theravada Buddhism from Southeast Asia. Gil was trained as a Vipassana teacher by Jack Kornfield and is part of the Vipassana teachers' collective at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. He was ordained as a Soto Zen priest at the San Francisco Zen Center, and in 1995 received Dharma Transmission from Mel Weitsman, the abbot of the Berkeley Zen Center. He has been the primary teacher for the Insight Meditation Center, in Redwood City, Calif., since 1990. He is a husband and father of two boys.