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Dharmmapada recommendations
I am searching for the most respected (i.e. authentic) English translation of the Dharmmapada. I understand this may be subjective, but I don't even know where to begin to look. I like the Theravada and Mahayana schools of thought. Thanks to all who respond.
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Although the DP is probably the most authentic Buddhist scripture, it still cant be considered authentic in any sense for a wide variety of reasons, especially concerting contiguity and translation. So my advice is, read as many translations as you can, over and over:)
I have a document I made for my own study that has the verses side by side from five different translations, its very helpful to me, so you might want to make yourself something like that.
You could also try writing your own version (it isn't very long) based on how you understand it as your understanding develops, this would probably be fruitful.
The key is rememberer that the entire notion of accuracy is redundant, it is up to you to interpret it as your understandingly becomes gradually more illuminating.
Good luck with it - imo The Dhammapada is the greatest gift on the planet.
namaste
"All experience is preceded by mind,
Led by mind,
Made by mind.
Speak or act with a corrupted mind,
And suffering follows
As the wagon wheel follows the hoof of the ox."
The word translated here as "experience" is "dhamma." Other translators have it as "phenomena" or "mental states." I find such renderings confusing. The way "dhamma" is used here is meant to refer to things that can be apprehended through the six senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell, and mind). It's saying that the actual texture and nature of your experience -- whether it is characterized by suffering or non-suffering -- is determined by the quality of mind you bring to it. It's not talking about external phenomena, but your internal experience of them. If your mind is poisoned by hatred, craving, and ignorance, your experience will be characterized by suffering. "Mental states" is non inaccurate, but it's kind of confusing to me and sort of obvious and redundant as a translation ("mental states are of the mind"... well, duh!).
For those interested here are some other comparisons of verse one:
All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the carriage. (Muller)
Intention always comes first Intention is of all states the primer By intention are all things initiated By thought of mind are all phenomena formed So - if with good intention one thinks, speak or act Joy surely follows one like the never-leaving shadow (Burlingame)
Experiences are preceded by mind, led by mind, and produced by mind. If one speaks or acts with an impure mind, suffering follows even as the cartwheel follows the hoof of the ox (drawing the cart). (Sangharakshita)
Mind precedes all mental states. Mind is their chief; they are all mind-wrought. If with an impure mind a person speaks or acts suffering follows him like the wheel that follows the foot of the ox. (Buddharakkhita)
All mental phenomena have mind as their forerunner; they have mind as their chief; they are mind-made. If one speaks or acts with an evil mind, 'dukkha'follows him just as the wheel follows the hoof-print of the ox that draws the cart. (Burma Pitaka)
We are what we think. We come from our thoughts. We become what we think. So, if you think, act or speak negatively, then negativity will follow. (Anon)
namaste
The ones you listed are interesting. I like Sangharakshita's version the best out of those. I went and looked up the rest of that translation, and it's very clear and vivid. The ones by Muller and anonymous read more like paraphrases or summaries than actual translations from the Pali.
BTW Do you know who Thomas Byrom is? He did the one on big view (http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/dhammapada.html) . its kinda quirky but feels very right to me.
Well wishes. xx