I have just begun asking questions about Buddhism. Seeking out my first book on the teachings, I have just read your review on amazon.com of Eknath Easawan’s translation of the Dhammapada. Although I am a novice of Buddhism, your conviction and sources presented helped me decide not to choose that translation, despite having enjoyed Easawan’s Bhagivad Gita.
This however leaves me with what translation to pick. Would you have any recommendations for a translation of the Dhammapada? Thank you!
Hi Eric,
I am always happy to hear it when something I wrote did something positive for somebody. Mr. Easwaran may well be an ideal translator for the Gita–I haven’t read his version and wouldn’t have the expertise to assess it if I did–but for the Dhammapada there are many superior translations available. One of my favorites (especially because it has the stories from the sutta commentaries and the original Pali to boot) is that by Narada, who was a Sri Lankan monk. It is long out of print but available on Amazon; search under “Narada Dhammapada” and you’ll get it.
It just so happens though that another review I did on my blog was of a more recent translation by Gil Fronsdal that I HIGHLY recommend. If you look on the front page of my blog under authors you’ll see his name listed. I’ve posted essentially the same review on Amazon. Either of these translations–Narada’s or Fronsdal’s–should serve you well.
I Thank for the efforts for the reviews of dhamma books.
I like to know your views about books of Ayya Khema and also request you to review these books if possible.
1) Who is myself?, 2) Being Nobody, Going Nowhere .
Hello Madhu,
I’m not doing book reviews these days, as family business obligations have sort of taken over a lot of my time. Also, I have a lengthy list of books to read and unfortunately Ayya Khema’s books are not on it. Very sorry!
I am sure if you go to Amazon you’ll find many people who have done excellent reviews of those books, and more.
Mr. Shoemake,
I have just begun asking questions about Buddhism. Seeking out my first book on the teachings, I have just read your review on amazon.com of Eknath Easawan’s translation of the Dhammapada. Although I am a novice of Buddhism, your conviction and sources presented helped me decide not to choose that translation, despite having enjoyed Easawan’s Bhagivad Gita.
This however leaves me with what translation to pick. Would you have any recommendations for a translation of the Dhammapada? Thank you!
Eric
Hi Eric,
I am always happy to hear it when something I wrote did something positive for somebody. Mr. Easwaran may well be an ideal translator for the Gita–I haven’t read his version and wouldn’t have the expertise to assess it if I did–but for the Dhammapada there are many superior translations available. One of my favorites (especially because it has the stories from the sutta commentaries and the original Pali to boot) is that by Narada, who was a Sri Lankan monk. It is long out of print but available on Amazon; search under “Narada Dhammapada” and you’ll get it.
It just so happens though that another review I did on my blog was of a more recent translation by Gil Fronsdal that I HIGHLY recommend. If you look on the front page of my blog under authors you’ll see his name listed. I’ve posted essentially the same review on Amazon. Either of these translations–Narada’s or Fronsdal’s–should serve you well.
Good luck to you on your Buddhist studies!
Metta,
Craig Shoemake
Hello Mr Craig,
I Thank for the efforts for the reviews of dhamma books.
I like to know your views about books of Ayya Khema and also request you to review these books if possible.
1) Who is myself?, 2) Being Nobody, Going Nowhere .
Metta,
Madhu
Hello Madhu,
I’m not doing book reviews these days, as family business obligations have sort of taken over a lot of my time. Also, I have a lengthy list of books to read and unfortunately Ayya Khema’s books are not on it. Very sorry!
I am sure if you go to Amazon you’ll find many people who have done excellent reviews of those books, and more.
Best wishes!
Craig