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Dhammapada: The Sayings of the Buddha (Shambhala Pocket Classics) Paperback – November 9, 1993

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 456 ratings

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The Dhammapada is one of the most popular and accessible books in all of Buddhist literature. In it are the words of the Buddha, teaching that all suffering stems from desire and that the way to attain freedom is to purify the heart and follow the way of truth. Thomas Byrom's verse rendering of the Dhammapada uniquely captures the Buddha's original teachings with simplicity and lyricism.
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Thomas Byrom, Ph.D., was educated at Oxford and Harvard universities and taught literature at St. Catherine's College and Exeter College.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shambhala; Later Printing Used edition (November 9, 1993)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0877739668
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0877739661
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 3 x 0.35 x 4.52 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 456 ratings

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
456 global ratings
One of the Best Purchases I've Made!
5 Stars
One of the Best Purchases I've Made!
First, please look at my pictures I've included: you can see the nice small size of the book in relation to a quarter, and in relation to my keyboard. That should give a good context for you. Then, please notice the font and the font size; I think that it is a perfect font size for this size of book. Contrary to what one reviewer wrote, it is an easy size to read, so don't worry about that.Next, I want to talk about the physical quality of the book itself. The book has a solid construction with a strong binding. The cover is rigid yet flexible, and it retains its shape well after being opened. Finally, the pages are pretty thick and NOT see-through, which is great. They don't have a problem with moisture from your hands, for example, and they don't stick together, which makes turning them easy. They also have a nice red outline around each of them, which is very aesthetically pleasing.Ok, now to the contents of the book. Well, it is the Dhammapada, so it is wonderful of course. Byrom's rendering is truly beautiful and highly readable; I read the whole book in about two hours the day I got it! There have been some who complain that it is not an accurate translation, however. All I can say is that the same message is there; the same images are there. One get's the same teaching from this as from other more literal translations--this one is meant to be more poetic on purpose of course, so it must be credited for that. If one wishes to get the more formal translation, then they are easy enough to find elsewhere. The way I see it, this is a great way to get a unique reading of the same great message, in a wonderful little book that is portable and well made. So, why not go with both? And if you have to really only go with one, I think you would be fine with this one for your own meditations, thoughts, pondering, etc.. Maybe not for formal research where you need to cite the verse numbers (as this one doesn't have the verse numbers), or where a more literal translation is required for quoting the text, but outside of that small group of people who want to use the Dhammapada for research, this rendering by Byrom is a joy to read.Overall, I highly recommend this little book--a little book with a big message. Just remember what it's written for and you won't be disappointed! "Better than a thousand hollow verses is one verse that brings peace."
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2021
First, please look at my pictures I've included: you can see the nice small size of the book in relation to a quarter, and in relation to my keyboard. That should give a good context for you. Then, please notice the font and the font size; I think that it is a perfect font size for this size of book. Contrary to what one reviewer wrote, it is an easy size to read, so don't worry about that.

Next, I want to talk about the physical quality of the book itself. The book has a solid construction with a strong binding. The cover is rigid yet flexible, and it retains its shape well after being opened. Finally, the pages are pretty thick and NOT see-through, which is great. They don't have a problem with moisture from your hands, for example, and they don't stick together, which makes turning them easy. They also have a nice red outline around each of them, which is very aesthetically pleasing.

Ok, now to the contents of the book. Well, it is the Dhammapada, so it is wonderful of course. Byrom's rendering is truly beautiful and highly readable; I read the whole book in about two hours the day I got it! There have been some who complain that it is not an accurate translation, however. All I can say is that the same message is there; the same images are there. One get's the same teaching from this as from other more literal translations--this one is meant to be more poetic on purpose of course, so it must be credited for that. If one wishes to get the more formal translation, then they are easy enough to find elsewhere. The way I see it, this is a great way to get a unique reading of the same great message, in a wonderful little book that is portable and well made. So, why not go with both? And if you have to really only go with one, I think you would be fine with this one for your own meditations, thoughts, pondering, etc.. Maybe not for formal research where you need to cite the verse numbers (as this one doesn't have the verse numbers), or where a more literal translation is required for quoting the text, but outside of that small group of people who want to use the Dhammapada for research, this rendering by Byrom is a joy to read.

Overall, I highly recommend this little book--a little book with a big message. Just remember what it's written for and you won't be disappointed! "Better than a thousand hollow verses is one verse that brings peace."
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Purchases I've Made!
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2021
First, please look at my pictures I've included: you can see the nice small size of the book in relation to a quarter, and in relation to my keyboard. That should give a good context for you. Then, please notice the font and the font size; I think that it is a perfect font size for this size of book. Contrary to what one reviewer wrote, it is an easy size to read, so don't worry about that.

Next, I want to talk about the physical quality of the book itself. The book has a solid construction with a strong binding. The cover is rigid yet flexible, and it retains its shape well after being opened. Finally, the pages are pretty thick and NOT see-through, which is great. They don't have a problem with moisture from your hands, for example, and they don't stick together, which makes turning them easy. They also have a nice red outline around each of them, which is very aesthetically pleasing.

Ok, now to the contents of the book. Well, it is the Dhammapada, so it is wonderful of course. Byrom's rendering is truly beautiful and highly readable; I read the whole book in about two hours the day I got it! There have been some who complain that it is not an accurate translation, however. All I can say is that the same message is there; the same images are there. One get's the same teaching from this as from other more literal translations--this one is meant to be more poetic on purpose of course, so it must be credited for that. If one wishes to get the more formal translation, then they are easy enough to find elsewhere. The way I see it, this is a great way to get a unique reading of the same great message, in a wonderful little book that is portable and well made. So, why not go with both? And if you have to really only go with one, I think you would be fine with this one for your own meditations, thoughts, pondering, etc.. Maybe not for formal research where you need to cite the verse numbers (as this one doesn't have the verse numbers), or where a more literal translation is required for quoting the text, but outside of that small group of people who want to use the Dhammapada for research, this rendering by Byrom is a joy to read.

Overall, I highly recommend this little book--a little book with a big message. Just remember what it's written for and you won't be disappointed! "Better than a thousand hollow verses is one verse that brings peace."
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28 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2023
Great for beginners and enthusiasts.
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2013
THE MASTER

Yielding like the earth
Joyous and clear like the lake
Still as the stone at the door
He is free from life and death.

So much beauty, clarity and inspiration in this tiny book! Thomas Byrom's translation is good, and the Shambhala Pocket Classics edition is so cute it makes me happy just looking at it. Having said that, there is no commentary or explanation of the verses save for a very brief intro, making this volume most suitable to those already familiar with the Buddha's teaching (especially those practicing meditation!) Otherwise the sayings might seem terse and obscure. It's one thing to read words on a page, another to KNOW them by direct experience. I find some verses strike an immediate chord--like the one quoted above--where others fly right over my head, thus ensuring many future readings. I like to take this lil treasure on solitary hiking and backbacking trips so that I can ponder the Buddha's words in the quietude of nature, then sit to meditate cross-legged at the root of a tree like so many sages of old. "For he who is awake/Has shown you the way of peace/Give yourself to the journey." I highly recommend the Dhammapada for anyone following this ancient path.
10 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2023
This little book is great to carry in my bag. When I’m waiting I’m reading it. The saying of the Buddha is very relevant today.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2019
I already had this book, and recently bought an extra copy to give to a friend, because when I shared an excerpt, he was impressed and asked me to "tell him more about the writer." If you're interested in understanding the fundamentals of Buddhist philosophy, in a way which will have a calming and transformative effect on your consciousness and world view, this is a great starting point, and you're likely to return to it - as so many others have - over and over. Great teachings, concise translation, nicely put together in a tight little package.
6 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2024
I would have preferred a full size paperback but the contents are of course wonderful...I considered returning it and purchasing another version that comes in a large size but decided against it..this pocket size version can easily travel with you in pocket or purse...nice to pull out and read when your waiting for an appointment, etc...
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2022
I have read the Dhamnapada many times and have had to repurchase a copy several times as I have given my copy to many friends. A true joy to read, filled with wisdom.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2015
This is a neat little book. It's made just like an ordinary paperback except it's much smaller. The cover art looks a lot better in person. Some translations can be dry, but I find this one really inspiring. I noticed a top review criticized Ram Dass' introduction, but I like it. He basically emphasizes that it's very rare to be able to receive the words of the Buddha so we should be very attentive in reading, just as we would if we had tracked down the Buddha centuries ago to receive a lesson in person. I like that reminder because sometimes I forget that I'm receiving the words of perhaps the greatest sage to ever live. It's really helped me connect to the text.

Anyway, it's a great little book. I find it hard to imagine a printing of the Dhammapada much better than this one.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Dazza the gaffer
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 11, 2023
Perfect for life. I would recommend this to anybody. To me the most beautiful thing about Buddhism is that at its core it is simply a way of life that advises you on life itself. As with Siddartha Guatama, it teaches you just to be healthy.
Mary PANDAY
5.0 out of 5 stars A pocket book for life
Reviewed in France on April 15, 2020
Timely delivery and product in good condition.
mcewin
5.0 out of 5 stars We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make the world ....
Reviewed in Canada on June 10, 2017
English translations of the Dhammapada, like the Dhamma itself, are many: this remains by far my favorite as providing the essence, in the manner of the original, without strict adherence to a word for word rendering. The opening chapter is worth the price of admission, and in my opinion should be included alongside the Heart Sutra in our services. I buy several of these at a time, and hand them out like a Moron missionary, except that I don't wear a white shirt and tie (just kidding, Dan). There is an illustrated edition of the late Tom Byrom's text, and this is also recommended as a coffee or tea-table book.
Priyanka Gupta
2.0 out of 5 stars It is not clearly mentioned that this is a small ...
Reviewed in India on December 27, 2017
It is not clearly mentioned that this is a small pocket book. So when the book arrived, it was an unpleasant surprise. Also, the price of the book is very high for a pocket book.
A. Ch Lanz
5.0 out of 5 stars A booklet as an every-day companion
Reviewed in Germany on February 9, 2010
One of the finest buddhist booklets I ever saw / read. It is, however, not a reading book - its short chapters, read with concentration, allow reflection on oneself, life and the overall situation one is coping with. Due to its tiny measures, it can be carried everywhere, any time. A true every-day companion !