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Open Philosophy LibraryThe DhammapadaThe Buddha (traditional teachings)

The Dhammapada

By The Buddha (traditional teachings)

A foundational collection of 423 Buddhist verses, The Dhammapada examines how the mind shapes conduct and how heedfulness, non-harm, self-discipline and wisdom lead beyond suffering. F. Max Müller's historic translation arranges the teachings in 26 chapters on themes including thought, anger, impermanence, craving, the path and liberation.

Translator or editor
F. Max Müller
Publication
Compiled c. 3rd century BCE-1st century BCE; F. Max Müller translation published 1881
Genre
Buddhist scripture; ethical and contemplative verse; philosophical poetry
Era
Ancient Philosophy

About this work

The Dhammapada is a foundational collection of Buddhist teaching preserved in the Pali Canon. Its 423 verses are arranged into twenty-six thematic chapters addressing the mind, ethical conduct, impermanence, anger, craving, wisdom and liberation. The opening verses connect intention with consequence: speech and action shaped by an unwholesome mind bring suffering, while conduct arising from a purified mind supports happiness. The mind is not fixed; attention, restraint and meditation can train it. The collection grounds non-violence in shared vulnerability, warns that hatred cannot end hatred, and shows how small actions accumulate into character. Awareness of ageing and death challenges attachment, while insight into craving reveals why repeated satisfaction does not provide lasting security. F. Max Müller's 1881 translation uses historically significant Victorian terminology. Read with attention to that vocabulary, The Dhammapada offers a practical philosophy joining ethical responsibility, mental cultivation and the wisdom that leads towards Nirvana.

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