Book – The Dhammapada

Book – The Dhammapada

Full title adds : A new translation of the Buddhist classic, 
with Annotations 

By : Gil Fronsdal 

Score : 5/10
Year : 2005

Publisher : Shambala 

ISBN : 9781590303801

Pages : 152

Language : English

Gil Fronsdal, who was trained in the Soto Zen tradition and Insight Meditation school of Theravada Buddhism, offers a new translation of the most widely read Buddhist scripture, called the Dhammapada. After the main text, he adds explanatory notes on various meanings for individual words or phrases, and tells us right from the start, that he made specific choices and altered some words where only a male pronoun was used in the original text, to give either neutral or to add a female pronoun, and thus make it more modern and inclusive (off course, in a cisgender norms). 


The book starts with the usual Forward, by Jack Kornfield (page ix), a preface (p. xi), acknowledgements (p. xvii) and introduction (xix-xxx). 

Then, the Dhammapada proper, with its 26 short chapters (p. 1- 107), an Afterword (109), notes (115), bibliography  (145) and an appendix, cross-referencing verses to other Buddhist texts (147-152). 

I find that overall, I agree with some Buddhist philosophy, such as being kind and compassionate, and to try avoiding pain, but I disagree with equally many pieces of philosophical points, as well as with the more religious ones, where Buddhism as a set of rules, aims to get ourselves rid of the cycle of reincarnation, by attaining Nirvana and following a monastic lifestyle, in various detachments - but this is outside the scope of a book review, suffice to say, I don't share these beliefs. 

As Mr Frosndal points out, some of the stanzas have been said by the Buddha himself *, but many others weren't, as shown through the various sources of this anthology of verses. ( * only if we consider that there was only one person who became the Buddha, there are some doubts about the veracity of a single person, even within Buddhist currents, there are more than 1 entire century between the dates "of the Buddha" to suppose rather a composite).

Simply put, the book is well written, and holds some inspirational points ; it doesn't move me as the author of this new translation wished, simply because this book isn't written for me. 

I'd advise it to curious people who want to learn about Buddhism or comparative religion, but it may not bring new information if you're already aware.

As a result, my score reflects neutrality - I didn't overly enjoy, but, since it's not really for me, I cannot hate its content either.