Dhammapada: The Sayings of Buddha

This is a very pleasing English translation of this book. Cleary nails it. It is the 1st information about Buddhism and Asian philosophy that I ever saw. It was required in an early college course on comparative religions when I was 20 years old. Once I read it my eyes opened up. I had never really been exposed to anything like it before and it started me on a journey that is still going on 20+ years later. A simple and short book that rings true. Some quotes with some thoughts on these. Translated into flowing English. Great information for anyone of any motivation or religious persuasion. It's not accurate to say this is the be-all and end-all of books in this area, but for me, it was the start of a new way of thinking and helped be advance personally, spiritually, and professionally.

good book good price quick service

I seek out Thomas Cleary in all texts regarding Asian religious philosophy. His style is to my liking, and I welcome the "intrusive" nature of his commentaries, in particular within this book. I gain clarification from his comparative bent to include other faiths and leaders of these faiths. There is an astonishing similarity within all faiths, specifically regarding their histories. Reading the Dhammapada and the Tao Te Ching aren't just mental gymnastics, I aspire to live as I believe - no easy task!

I'm not generally a fan of Thomas Cleary's translations; I find most of them to be as impenetrable as the original texts in their original languages. But this one is an exception.Cleary has rendered the Dhammapada into plain, lucid English, interspersing the result with helpful commentary and the occasional reference to other writings (Buddhist and otherwise). The result is very readable and genuinely helpful.If only he'd done this nice a job on the Tao Te Ching . . .

Since the Dhammapada is a translation from the original Pali language, I have found it helpful to have several translations to better understand the true meaning. Here's an example:From Thomas Cleary's translation:Everything has mind in the lead, has mind in the forefront, is made by mind. If one speaks or acts with a corrupt mind, misery will follow, as the wheel of a cart follows the foot of the ox.From Thanissaro Bhikkhu's translation:Phenomena are preceded by the heart, ruled by the heart, made of the heart.If you speak or actwith a corrupted heart,then suffering follows you --as the wheel of the cart, the track of the ox that pulls it.From Ajahn Munindo's translation:All states of being are determined by mind. It is mind that leads the way. Just as the wheel of the oxcart follows the hoof print of the animal that draws it, so suffering will surely follow when we speak or act impulsively from an impure state of mind.As you can see, having several translations can offer a deeper meaning. Based on that, this book can be helpful.Then "Why?" you may think, did I rate it only 3 stars?I think of books on Buddhism, and the Buddha's teaching, in my own mind, by placing the book on one of 4 levels.Level 1These are written by someone with little knowledge on Buddhism, and seem to treat it as New Aged. These books are like: "Top 10 Things Buddha Would Do", "If The Buddha Drove an SUV", basically, not real teachings of the Buddha, but a very washed down version. (not real titles offered, and I hope they never get used!)Level 2These books are written with one or two main things from the Buddha's teachings and applied to helping people today. Things like using mindfulness to help with stress, or addiction. Someone with a meditation practice typically writes these books. They are important in helping people live a life freer from suffering.Level 3These are books written by people with a deep practice or those who are monastic. Typically the books offer real teachings with a real life perspective.Level 4These are books that are translations of the Buddha's teachings. These are the discourses. Books like, The Middle Length Discourses, The Connected Discourses, and the Dhammapada, etc. These are the actual teachings of the Buddha that have been passed down for nearly 2,500 years.With that in mind this book, by Thomas Cleary, should be in the Level 4. However, his treatment of the layout and his commentaries, cast a shadow over the book. Cleary offers notes within the flow of the book. He did not place them at the bottom of the page, or in the back of the book. This does break-up the feel of the texts. His commentaries are in a font that overpowers the font of the actual teachings. Also, he refers to other religions to help explain the meaning. I found this unnecessary and inappropriate. Again, this is a book I would put in a framework of sacred texts. Plus, in a couple of instances his comments were out of line. Here's a translation:Giving truth surpasses all giving; the flavor of truth surpasses all flavors; the enjoyment of truth surpasses all enjoyments; the destruction of craving overcomes all misery.Cleary's comment of this wonderful teaching?:"How pessimistic can you get?"Does that seem appropriate in such a book? I think not.Based on that and the other things mentioned I offer 3 stars. Don't get me wrong, the translations are helpful, it boils down to Cleary's comments and where they are inserted that brings down the overall rating.

I liked the Buddha's teachings... but, quite honestly, after awhile, Cleary's commentary just got annoying. So, I just read the straight teaching without reading Cleary's commentary after about page 15.

i dont mind commentary at the end of a section, but putting it between every line or 2 makes it more intrusive.

This book was great!!! Not only did it have the sayings of Buddha, which were insightful in and of themselves, but the editor also provided witty, helpful comments between many of the aphorisms. I found it extremely helpful to my study of Buddhist culture and the religion itself.

A HUGE sized book (not in deoth). Everything is there with some photo illustrations. Timeless wisdom.

More wisdom than any other book, ANY other book

The most beautifully illustrated Dhammapada.