A few days ago, we kindly received from the Asociación de Buddhismo Hispano a copy of the Dhammapada in Spanish, translated by Ven. Bhikku Nandisena.
The Dhammapada occupies a place of importance not only within the teachings of the Buddha but also in universal culture.
It is part of the so-called Khudaka Nikaya, or collection of short texts by the Buddha. Regarding its name, here we reproduce an excerpt from the explanation by Ven. Nandisena:
“Dhammapada” is a compound of two words, “dhamma” and “pada.” The meaning of ‘dhamma’ must be determined according to context, as this word has numerous meanings. If we take all occurrences of the word “dhamma” in the Pali Canon and the glosses of the Commentaries, we obtain at least twenty meanings.
The second part of the compound, “pada,” has the following meanings: leg, foot; step; footprint; word, voice; line of a verse; sentence, judgment; place; cause; Nibbana; path, trail; part, portion; support.
“Dhammapada” is a dependent determinative compound where the first member is a noun, in any inflection except the first (nominative or vocative), which explains or determines the second member. Although the word “dhamma” is normally placed in the sixth inflection, genitive, “of the Dhamma,” grammatically there are different possibilities regarding the inflection of this word.
from the introduction to the Dhammapada, version by Bhikku Nandisena
Although there are already a large number of translations into Spanish (and countless ones into English!), a new version of the Dhammapada siempre es bienvenida. Sobretodo si es de la mano del Ven. Bhikku Nandisena, a great connoisseur and scholar of the Pali language (the language in which the oldest known texts of the Buddha are written and the basis of the tradition Theravada).
Mental states are preceded by the mind, led by the mind, created by the mind. If one speaks or acts with an impure mind, suffering follows one like the wheel follows the hoof of the ox that pulls the cart.
Chapter 1, Twin Verses
The book includes an introduction that greatly helps to understand the origins, scope, and importance of a classic text of this magnitude. It also has accompanied by explanatory notes that provide, above all, a contextual framework and help us to enjoy the richness of the text even more..
A wonderful book that invites us to read, reread, learn, and delve deeper into the Buddha's teachings.
Even if he recites little of the Scriptures, if he lives in accordance with the Dhamma, abandoning passion, hatred, and ignorance, understanding correctly, with a well-liberated mind, not clinging here or in the hereafter, he shares in the benefits of the ascetic life.
Chapter 1, Twin Verses
We would like to thank Ricardo Guerrero from the Asociación de Buddhismo Hispano that you have sent us a copy of the issue. Here is a digital copy (PDF) for your enjoyment and enrichment: Dhammapada in Spanish.
