The Dhammapada is the most well-known and highly regarded text in the Pali Tipitaka, the sacred scripture of Theravada Buddhism. It is considered one of the most significant religious texts in the world, is an accessible entry point to Buddhist teachings, and has been translated into over 50 different languages.

The Dhammapada is a short collection of verses that offers a clear and concise summary of the Buddha’s teachings, covering all the key ideas found in the larger Pali Canon. According to the Theravada tradition, the verses found in the Dhammapada were originally spoken by the Buddha.

The Dhammapada explores various themes that involve opposites. For instance, it often contrasts ideas such as joy and suffering, good actions and bad ones, and truth and deception. These themes are present throughout the text, emphasizing the choices we encounter in life.

The Dhammapada, also known as the Buddha’s path of wisdom, is one of the most famous and popular collections of the Buddha’s words we can rely on to know what he actually said.

Choose a specific subject that interests you, such as joy and suffering, anger or violence, and look at the verses in the Dhammapada that discuss these themes. Consider how the Buddha’s words on this subject are still relevant today, and how they may help you better understand and manage your own experiences with these feelings or situations.

• Are the teachings in the Dhammapada still relevant today, or do they feel outdated?
• When facing a tough situation, how can we turn to the Dhammapada for guidance?
• Which three verses from a chapter of the Dhammapada can you relate to your daily life?

Analyze key themes in the Dhammapada, and evaluate how these ancient teachings remain relevant to contemporary issues and experiences.