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Rating: Summary: Definitely one for the collection! Review: I have been reading several translations of the Dhammapada recently and came across this one and found it offers some things that the others do not. Since the original written form of the Dhammapada is in Pali, others have needed to take the time to translate it for us in the West. As in any translation, there are many words that offer multiple meanings. One person may interpret `dhukka' as `suffering', another may choose `stress', and yet another may decide `unsatisfactoriness'. As you can see, each can then be interpreted in our mind as one thing or another. By having several translations available I have been able to derive a deeper understanding. To begin with, the size makes this translation ideal for carrying in a shirt pocket or for having on hand in the car for a little Dhamma between red lights. Another feature I enjoy is this translation is from a monk. The editor is a layperson however, after her edits she spoke with the monk and explained why she made certain changes, (to make specific words more accessible to us in the West) and he agreed with the new updates. The monastic community obviously spends more time than most laypersons studying the Pali Canon so their translations, I have found, tend to be quite meaningful. Overall, the translations offered here are meaningful and poetic. Drawbacks? The introduction is a little shorter than other offerings and there are only a limited amount of notes. There is an interesting background to how the Dhammapada fits within the Pali Canon and the use of notes is helpful in understanding certain meanings, etc. Since the size would have been affected I'm sure this may have been one of the reasons they were not included. Again, by reading several translations you will be rewarded. In addition to this translation I have found Cleary's translation helpful, however the notes and his comments were not. (see my review of his translation) I have also found Thanissaro Bhikkhu's translation very helpful, although it is offered as dana and as such is not available for sale. Recently I obtained S. Radhakrishnan's translation, which offers the original Pali text along with his translation, but I have not yet been able to thoroughly read through it to offer any meaningful review. Whether you have read other versions, or if this is your very first exposure to the Dhammapada, I think you will be pleased with this translation.
Rating: Summary: Definitely one for the collection! Review: I have been reading several translations of the Dhammapada recently and came across this one and found it offers some things that the others do not. Since the original written form of the Dhammapada is in Pali, others have needed to take the time to translate it for us in the West. As in any translation, there are many words that offer multiple meanings. One person may interpret 'dhukka' as 'suffering', another may choose 'stress', and yet another may decide 'unsatisfactoriness'. As you can see, each can then be interpreted in our mind as one thing or another. By having several translations available I have been able to derive a deeper understanding. To begin with, the size makes this translation ideal for carrying in a shirt pocket or for having on hand in the car for a little Dhamma between red lights. Another feature I enjoy is this translation is from a monk. The editor is a layperson however, after her edits she spoke with the monk and explained why she made certain changes, (to make specific words more accessible to us in the West) and he agreed with the new updates. The monastic community obviously spends more time than most laypersons studying the Pali Canon so their translations, I have found, tend to be quite meaningful. Overall, the translations offered here are meaningful and poetic. Drawbacks? The introduction is a little shorter than other offerings and there are only a limited amount of notes. There is an interesting background to how the Dhammapada fits within the Pali Canon and the use of notes is helpful in understanding certain meanings, etc. Since the size would have been affected I'm sure this may have been one of the reasons they were not included. Again, by reading several translations you will be rewarded. In addition to this translation I have found Cleary's translation helpful, however the notes and his comments were not. (see my review of his translation) I have also found Thanissaro Bhikkhu's translation very helpful, although it is offered as dana and as such is not available for sale. Recently I obtained S. Radhakrishnan's translation, which offers the original Pali text along with his translation, but I have not yet been able to thoroughly read through it to offer any meaningful review. Whether you have read other versions, or if this is your very first exposure to the Dhammapada, I think you will be pleased with this translation.
Rating: Summary: Not as good as others Review: I have about nine translations of The Dhammapada. I find this translation flat and uninspired compared to most of the others in my collection that are available through Amazon.
Rating: Summary: The Dhammapada by Ananda Maitreya, Rose Kramer Review: The best, unquestionably, as compared to the Ram Dass and John Ross Carter versions. The impact of original translation without fancy revision is as important as each drop which fills our cup. This is the one translation that uses word for word and that's what makes it the best. Perhaps I should be compensated for this review, ha, ha. Truly, this is the one to read if there's any question. And if a reader thinks this version is dry, it's because he is not yet at the level to understand truth and should stick to fiction. I can't emphasize the importance of original translation as without, the result is loss in important teachings, however subtle. What could be worse than a half truth?
Rating: Summary: The Dhammapada by Ananda Maitreya, Rose Kramer Review: The best, unquestionably, as compared to the Ram Dass and John Ross Carter versions. The impact of original translation without fancy revision is as important as each drop which fills our cup. This is the one translation that uses word for word and that's what makes it the best. Perhaps I should be compensated for this review, ha, ha. Truly, this is the one to read if there's any question. And if a reader thinks this version is dry, it's because he is not yet at the level to understand truth and should stick to fiction. I can't emphasize the importance of original translation as without, the result is loss in important teachings, however subtle. What could be worse than a half truth?
Rating: Summary: The Dhammapada : the wisdom of Buddhism Review: The Dhammapada is the essence of Buddism as taught by Buddha. This translation by Ven. Maitreya's translation, with Rose Kramer, is perfect one. Anyone who wants to understand the wisdom of Buddhism should read this version, which has been translated by one of the most respected monks of all time!
Rating: Summary: Easy to read translation of an essential book of truth. Review: The translation itself is very clear and easily understood, which can make all the difference in the world, especially when dealing with a potentially difficult topic. A great version for one interested in Buddhist scripture, but has not delved too deeply into "eastern" terminology. Heck, it's even great for those who HAVE. The Dhammapada is a Buddhist collection of teachings attributed to the Buddha himself. Truth upon truth are offered at each turn of the page. It does not present spiritual ideas in the western traditional method of "because God said so" but offers insight as to WHY such things as greed and anger are considered "bad", though it teaches that one should go beyond the notion of "good" and "bad".
Rating: Summary: A little dry Review: This is the only translation of the Dhammapada I own. I found the text very dry and not particularly inspiring, although pretty much what one might expect of a translation by an 80-something year old Sri Lankan monk. The book is a very handy size to carry around in my pocket.
Rating: Summary: Clear, Concise, Lovingly Translated Review: This recent translation of this core text of Buddhism is wonderfully clear and concise. The translation seems both careful and modern. The translators avoid the common pitfall of attempting a "scriptural" diction or tone. I was very impressed with the clarity of this slender volume. Buy it. Read it. You won't be able to stop. It is THAT good.
Rating: Summary: Dhammapada, as translated by Venerible Maitreya into English Review: Translations across time are very difficult. Ven. Maitreya's translation, with the aid of Rose Kramer, of the Dhammapada into modern English is a first of its kind; translating meanings more than words. This effort is near perfection. The Dhammapada is truly the most important of Buddhist manuscrips for it contains most accuratly the original teachings of Gautoma, sage of the Shakya Clan, also known as Gautoma Buddha or simply, Buddha, in reference to his understanding or enlightenment and as the historical founder of Buddhism. The practice of Dhammapada, or the path into understanding or enlightenment is simple: After reading the text through a time or two, continue a daily practice (barring hinderences) of reading one chapter one day, the following chapter the next, and so on, over and over; the depth of wisdom revealed with each concurrent reading builds, and insights revealed multiply, exposing themselves over time, layer by layer. Eventually, as understanding mounts, peace becomes a natural way in this lifetime, and the one of diligent practice is rewarded in the effort. Peace to You my Friends. osh yukchan
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