During the 45 years of the Buddha’s teaching, the Dhammapada has collected summaries of many different books. That’s why many authors consider this sutra to be the sacred text of Buddhism. So, what is included in the Dhammapada and what does it mean? Please follow the article shared by Buddhist Items below.
Phuoc Hau communal house – the only temple in Vietnam with a Phap Cu Sutra garden
I. Origin of Dhammapada
The Dhammapada is one of the 15 books of the Minor Canon of the Pali Canon. It is an extremely popular Buddhist text that has been translated into many different languages around the world.
In which religion is morality and truth, owl is short word (verse). Therefore, the Dhammapada means Truthful Verses of the Buddha and is applied to 300 different teaching matters. Buddha was still alive. These verses are taught orally. Three months after the Buddha entered nirvana, his disciples gathered in groups to re-read the books and take notes.
Real practice is needed to understand the treasures in the Dhammapada
Apart from this, Dhammapada is also considered as one of the great works of Indian literature. In Vietnam, Thich Minh Chau’s poetic translation is widely used. Specifically, the Dhammapada verses are organized into 423 verses, divided into 26 chapters according to the current format to suit readers and listeners.
Second. Meaning of Dhammapada
Due to its centuries-old nature, the Dhammapada is one of the oldest Buddhist texts. Each chapter of a sutta will focus on a major theme and each verse will contain very concise and original material from the Buddha.
The Dhammapada Sutra has been compared to a torch that lights the way, a finger pointing to the moon (see the direction of the finger to see the moon – Satya). Reading the sutras makes us feel like listening to the teachings of the Buddha more than 2500 years ago.
one of the teachings of the Buddha in the Dhammapada
There are many simple and easy-to-understand texts in the sutras, but there are also texts that require contemplation to understand. Therefore, learners need to read and reread many times, they can read more stories and see comments.
The Buddha also said that he was merely a guide for people to follow, to experience and to attain enlightenment for themselves. He cannot save or save anyone, only each person can free himself.
Buddhism is a religion that everyone should practice on their own to get rid of ignorance and lead to nirvana, not a way to ask for help.
So, to be effective readers not only need to pay attention but also need to apply it in daily life. Because the sutras will inspire a wonderful way of life, have firm faith in the way to escape from self-generated suffering.
Third. Some translations of the Vietnamese version of the Dhammapada
Here are some translations of the popular Vietnamese version of the Dhammapada that you can read:
- Translation by His Holiness Thich Thien Sieu – Published in Phu Lau Na Publishing House United States Buddhist Calendar 2546 – 2002.
- The Golden Word Sutra was translated into verse form from the original Pali by the Venerable Thich Minh Chau.
- The translation by the nuns of Vien Chiu Monastery is based on the English version by scholar Eugene Walson Buxalingam, published by City Publishing House. Ho Chi Minh City was published in 1999. For this translation, each verse clearly explains why the Buddha said that verse and includes a sample story.
- The translation was translated by lawyer Dinh Si Trang under the title The Buddha’s Teachings, which was published in Australia in 1997.
IV. How to recite Dhammapada
How to recite the Dhammapada will depend on each person’s circumstances and conditions, which can be flexible, but will basically involve the following steps:
- There is a need for cleanliness and wearing clean clothes.
- Then, go to the Buddha’s altar to burn incense and do 3 prostrations, join hands and recite the sutra of your choosing. If time permits, Buddhists may recite the entire chapter.
- When chanting, Buddhists can chant aloud or silently. However, it doesn’t matter because it is mostly devotion.
- When practicing, Buddhists require full mindfulness, ridding themselves of the notions of everyday life, so that the lessons can be more meaningful.
Dhammapada Sutra if applied in life will give peace of mind and create a peaceful and optimistic lifestyle for every individual. Stay tuned for more nonprofit Buddhist educational articles Buddhist objects.
Wish you Amitabh Buddha!
