The Dhammapada is a collection of sayings of the Buddha, presented in verse form. Poetic, inspirational, and broadly accessible, this is the most widely read of all classical Buddhist texts.

Presenting two distinct goals for leading a spiritual life—attaining happiness in this life (and in future lives) and the achievement of absolute peace—this classic text of teaching verses from the earliest period of Buddhism in India conveys the philosophical and practical foundations of the Buddhist tradition. This accessible translation combines Gil Fronsdal’s personal knowledge of the Buddhist path with his rigorous attention to detail in bringing forth the original Pali text for seekers of all levels.

This book is part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series.

The Shambhala Pocket Library is a collection of short, portable teachings from notable figures across religious traditions and classic texts. The covers in this series are rendered by Colorado artist Robert Spellman. The books in this collection distill the wisdom and heart of the work Shambhala Publications has published over 50 years into a compact format that is collectible, reader-friendly, and applicable to everyday life.