The Dhammapada

A collection of aphorisms that illustrate the moral teachings of Buddha, the spiritual path to the supreme Truth. It contains the verses arranged according to theme, covering ideas such as self-possession, good and evil, watchfulness and endurance and describe how an individual can attain the enlightenment of Nirvana, the supreme goal of Buddhism.

One of the best-known and best-loved works of Buddhist literature, the Dhammapada forms part of the oldest surviving body of Buddhist writings, and is traditionally regarded as the authentic teachings of the Buddha himself, spoken by him in his lifetime, and memorized and handed on by his followers after his death. A collection of simple verses gathered in themes such as ''awareness'', ''fools'' and ''old age'', the Dhammapada is accessible, instructional and mind-clearing, with lessons in each verse to give ethical advice and to remind the listener of the transience of life. 

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