The Dhammapada

The Dhammapada is one of the most widely read texts of the Buddhist tradition. Traditionally attributed to the Buddha, it offers 423 verses of practical wisdom on how to live with mindfulness, compassion, and inner peace. This edition presents the classic English translation by F. Max Müller, first published in 1870 and revised in 1881, which helped introduce the Dhammapada to generations of Western readers.

The verses cover themes such as the power of thought, the danger of craving, the value of earnestness, and the path to liberation. They use vivid images from nature and everyday life to make their points, and they speak directly to the human condition. It is read as scripture by Buddhists and as a classic of world literature by students of religion and general readers.

This edition includes the complete text of Müller's translation, a new introduction for first-time readers, a guide to key ideas, a summary of the text, an overview of major themes, a glossary of terms, and discussion questions for readers, students, and book clubs. It is designed to make the text accessible to modern readers.