DHAMMAPADA BY SARAO
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Many scholarly translations of the Dhammapada have already been done. But none that I am aware of gives the original PÈli with a word-for-word meaning and grammatical explanation, thus, providing an opportunity to the readers to learn both the sound and the meaning of each and every word. Such a presentation would also offer an opportunity to them to appreciate and enjoy something of the original language, which is very profound and concise. Below each verse is given its translation in readable English which it is hoped shall further help in better understanding the verse. Transliteration in
DevanÈgarÏ is designed to show the readers how the words are pronounced, so that, if they desire, they can appreciate the sound of the original language. In making the readable translation that appears below each verse, an attempt has been made to stick as closely as possible to literal meanings. While doing so, my main priority has been to provide simple clarity and now it is for the readers to judge how far I have been successful in this attempt. In the preparations of this book, I took maximum help from my student Dr Sanjay Kumar Singh and Dr Arvind K. Singh. My thanks are also due to Professor U.S. Vyas, Professor Bhikshu Satyapala, Professor Mahesh Deokar, Dr Rana P.K. Singh, Dr Lalan K. Jha, and Dr Rajesh Ranjan for the innumerable small corrections and suggestions. I am also grateful to my friends Dr. Anita Sharma, Dr Subhra B. Pavagadhi, Dr R.K. Rana, and Dr S.M. Haldhar for many acts of friendship.
Above all, I am thankful to Shri Ashok Jain of Munshiram Manoharlal for bringing out this book in the shortest possible time. In a work as complex as this one, it is only natural for some errors to occur, for these I seek the reader’s indulgence.
K.T.S. Sarao 15 June 2008
Delhi
Dhammapada by Sarao
