The Dhammapada:

Immortal classic of Asia

By Premasara EPASINGHE

The Dhammapada is an unmatched Buddhist text which sums up the essence of Tripitaka. The Three baskets (Tripitakas), are Vinaya, Abhidhamma and Sutta. The Dhammapada is the second book of minor collection - Khuddakagama of Sutta Pitaka (The basket of discourses).

It consists of 423 stanzas. There are 26 Vaggas or chapters. It begins with Yamaka Vagga (twin verses) and ends with Bramana Vagga (The Brahaman). According to Theravada version,

Keppitipola read the Dhammapada before his execution

The Dhammapada was written in the first century BC. It is one of the 15 books of Kuddaka - Nikaya. The verses are descriptions of the way to live, the life of meditation and the practice of reason and intelligence.

It is not just a book of morality. It seeks to go further than that. The verses are easy to read and to memorise.

In studying the Mahayana version I noticed that the Dhammapada consists of a Sutra consisting of two sections and it is divided into 39 chapters. It was translated into Chinese during the Wu dynasty (AD-220-80). It stresses good conduct.

Latin translation

The Dhammapada was translated into Latin by Prof. Fausball of Copenhagan in 1855.

The Dhammapada has been one of the first Buddhist texts to be introduced to the west. By reading the Dhammapada, we can learn the fundamentals of the Buddhist way of life.

If you read the Dhammapada and practise Buddhist principles to the letter, you will be able to achieve your life's “Summum Bonum” - the supreme goal.

While in Scotland I read and studied the English translation of Albert J. Emond's Dhammapada at the Edinburgh Library.

In this book, the author who translated the Dhammapada says, “If ever an immortal classic was produced upon the continent of Asia - It is the Dhammapada. Undoubtedly this was a great compliment paid for the “classic” by one of the highly respected scholars in the world.

Sacred

The Dhammapada is sacred to Buddhists as the Bhagawath Geetha to Hindus, the Holy Bible to Christians and Catholics and Al-Quran to Muslims. Buddhism appeals both to the common masses as well as the intelligentsia. It depicts the way of life for the bhikkhus, bhikkhunis, upasakas and upasikas.

It is one of the 31, books that comprise the three baskets (Tripitaka). Every stanza in the Dhammapada is woven around a story.

The Dhammapada is not a book to read superficially, such as a novel or short story and put aside. This is a book to read and re-read because it is a constant companion which provides inspiration, solace and edification in times of need.

Morals

The moral and philosophical teachings of the Buddha are aptly illustrated in the Dhammapada. The first two stanzas - “Mano Pubbhgama Dhamma” - a very common verse in the Yamaka Vagga - (Twin verses) briefly teach us the ethico - philosophical system of the Buddha.

The Buddha's great advice is so vital to the present day society; “Hatred never ceases through hatred, but through love alone it ceases.” Metta (loving kindness) is the only universal answer to peace in the world.

Those who are involved in search of mundane pleasures should read the Chapters or Vaggas on Pleasures, Happiness, Evil, Hell and Craving.

There is not a single verse in the Dhammapada that can be dismissed as unintelligible to its readers.

You may have heard the stanza or verse:

Abhivadanasilissa
Niccam Vaddhapacayino
Cattaro Dhamma Vaddanthi

Ayu - Age, Vanno - Beauty, Sukham Balam - Bliss and Strength.
Chapter 8 - The Dhammapada
Sahessa Vagga

For Sri Lankan Buddhists, the Dhammapada and the Pansiya Panas Jataka tales, are close to their hearts. The great Veera Keppitipola, the great national freedom fighter and patriot, who fought against the Britishers during 1817-1818, was captured and executed.

The gallant national leader who lived a pious life requested from the Englishman AGA Soyers to allow him to read the Dhammapada at the time of his execution.Without any fear the brave leader faced his death.

When the English commander Marshall gave the signal to chop his head, he turned towards the Tooth Relic chamber, read a few stanzas from the Dhammapada and bravely faced the death. In a poem titled Sinhala Veerayo (Sinhala heroes) says that Keppetipola at his death recited the Dhammapada.

Melesa Patha Edagena Siti Saluwa Tama
Sakasa Nama Dalada Himita Pirinama
Vigasa Inen Eda Dhampadaya Nova Pama
Sita satosin Kiyawa Veera Oba Tuma
The Dhammapada, achieves a high significance as the essence of wisdom.

It embodies the sacred Dhamma. Each stanza transmits a strong message. Of the 26 chapters the longest chapter is the Brahmana Vagga, consisting of 41 stanzas or verses. The shortest is Atta Vagga with ten.

The chapters are grouped relating to their subject matter. Yamaka Vagga (pain), Appamada Vagga (Heedfulness), Citta Vagga (The Mind). The reciting of these poetic verses provides you a great relief and happiness. Here are some of the important stanzas:

Philosophy
The entire philosophy of Buddhism in a nutshell is found in this stanza -
Sabbapapassa Akaranam (To refrain from doing Evil)
Kusalassa Upasampada (To indulge in doing good)
Sacittapariyo Dapanam (To cleanse once mind)
Etam Buddhana Sasanam (This is the teaching of all Buddhas.

- Buddha Vagga -

In simple poetic language the Buddha uttered the stanzas which every human being should follow in their life.

Selo Yatha Ekaghano
Vatena Na Samirati
Evam Ninda Pasamsasu
Na Saminjati Pandita

- (Pandita Vagga) -

(As a solid rock that cannot be shaken by the wind, the wise is not moved by blame or praise).

The gems of truth embodied in the Dhammapada illustrate the moral and philosophical teachings of the Buddha. Undoubtedly, the Dhammapada can be considered a great contribution to the world literature of Buddhism.

The Dhammapada leads itself readily to an indepth study of this religious classic of mankind. The Dhammapada will help you to lead a higher moral life.