The Dhammapada


The Dhammapada is an accepted and admired scriptural text from the Buddhist religion. The literal translation of the Dhammapada is “Verses on the Law, Truth, or the Way”(Mills xxxv). It is a collection of individual verses and phrases compiled to help communicate the teachings of the Buddha. One of the many verses from this compilation is the Dhammatthavagga, or “…what accords with Dharma”(Mills 65). This excerpt explains what Dharma is in relation to this particular religion, as well as detailing the significance of its practice.

“Dharma, the natural law, the peaceful way”(Mill ix), the most fundamental ideology of the Buddhist traditions. Practicing Dharma puts one on the path to distinguishing the self. “In Buddhist texts, Dharma is mainly the Buddha’s doctrine” (Jayasekera 141). This excerpt paraphrases the Buddha’s insight on acting accordingly to continue on the path of self-improvement. This path, otherwise known as The Eightfold Path, is a guide to s...