The Living Message of the Dhammapada

By: Bhikkhu Bodhi

Narrated by: Jonathan Nelson

The Dhammapada is a work familiar to every devout Buddhist and to every serious student of Buddhism. This small collection of 423 verses on the Buddha’s doctrine is so rich in insights, that it might be considered the perfect compendium of the Dhamma in its practical dimensions. In the countries of Theravada Buddhism, the Dhammapada is regarded as an inexhaustible source of guidance and spiritual inspiration, as the wise counselor to which to turn for help in resolving the difficult moral and personal problems inescapable in daily life.

Just as the Buddha is looked upon as the human kalyanamitta or spiritual friend par excellence, so the Dhammapada is looked upon as the scriptural kalyanamitta par excellence, a small embodiment in verse of the boundless wisdom and great compassion of the Master.

©1993 Buddhist Publication Society (P)2021 Pariyatti