This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.
One of the most widely read and revered texts in the Buddhist tradition, cherished for its lyrical beauty, moral clarity, and spiritual insight.
Composed in P?li, likely between the 3rd and 1st centuries BCE, the Dhammapada is part of the Khuddaka Nik?ya, a collection within the P?li Canon, which is itself the foundational scripture of Therav?da Buddhism. Its title can be translated as "The Path of the Dharma" or "The Way of Truth," and the work presents itself not as a doctrinal treatise but as a collection of succinct, poetic verses that convey the essence of the Buddha's teachings in a direct, accessible form.
The historical backdrop of the Dhammapada is the Indian subcontinent in the centuries following the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha. As the teachings of Buddhism spread across various regions and cultures, the need for concise, memorable expressions of the core message became clear. The Dhammapada served precisely this role: it distilled central Buddhist concepts into aphorisms that were easy to remember and recite, yet rich with layered meaning. Its verses reflect the oral tradition through which the teachings were preserved, often employing repetition, metaphor, and rhythm to aid memorization and meditation.
Structured into 26 thematic chapters, the Dhammapada addresses a wide range of spiritual and ethical concerns: the nature of the mind, the effects of action (karma), the pursuit of wisdom, the cultivation of peace, and the challenges of desire, anger, and ignorance. The text emphasizes personal responsibility, mindfulness, and the transitory nature of all things. Its voice is both gentle and firm, offering compassionate guidance while underscoring the urgency of spiritual practice.
Translated from Pali by Friedrich Max Muller.
