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Just got a book!

ErmineErmine
edited December 2010 in Buddhism Basics
Today I was in Barnes and Nobles and decided to pick up a book to help me with my practice. I found The Dhammapada. I am enjoying the texts, and hopefully by carrying the book around and reading a verse or two when I get a spare minute I will help further myself in my practice :)

Comments

  • TheDoctorDonnaTheDoctorDonna
    edited December 2010
    Enjoy !
  • metameta
    edited December 2010
    I have a Thomas Cleary translation with commentary that I love and I recommend when people ask me about Buddhism. No better place to start or to return to to nourish our practice than the actual words of the Buddha!

    My favorite... 9:6-7

    "Do not underestimate evil, thinking it will not affect you. Dripping water can even fill a pitcher, drop by drop; a fool is filled with evil, even if one accumulates it little by little. Do not underestimate good, thinking it will not affect you. Dripping water can even fill a pitcher, drop by drop; one who is wise is filled with good, even if one accumulates it little by little."

    I sat with that one for days....
  • genkakugenkaku Northampton, Mass. U.S.A. Veteran
    edited December 2010
    I've got the P. Lal translation. The book is taped and tattered after so many years but the translation is as soft and lyrical as your grandmother's apron. I don't read it much any more, but I remember it fondly and am happy to hear others find it equally friendly.
  • BonsaiDougBonsaiDoug Simply, on the path. Veteran
    edited December 2010
    Ermine wrote: »
    The Dhammapada [...]carrying the book around and reading a verse or two when I get a spare minute I will help further myself in my practice :)
    I do exactly the same thing. I chose the Gil Fronsdal edition.
  • ErmineErmine
    edited December 2010
    Mine is translated by Eknath Easwaran. I guess I'm kinda used to the bible (I was raised with christian leanings) in that the verses have clear "names". How do you identify a specific verse in buddhist scriptures?
  • BonsaiDougBonsaiDoug Simply, on the path. Veteran
    edited December 2010
    Ermine wrote: »
    How do you identify a specific verse in buddhist scriptures?
    From my limited readings, the Dhammapada and the Suttas/Suttras usually have identifying name and paragraph markings.

    I'm guessing they've been placed there by the translators?
  • JoshuaJoshua Veteran
    edited December 2010
    Bonsai Doug wrote: »
    I do exactly the same thing. I chose the Gil Fronsdal edition.

    Me too.
  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    edited December 2010
    I like it too its very wise but it worries me a bit when it talks about how screwed fools and evil people are. Which is a good thing and a bad thing. It would be good if it gives motivation to practice. But bad if it makes you freak out and go into depression. But yes at times I've found a great guidance.
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