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.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of
classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700
titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works
throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the
series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and
notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as
up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.