Probably compiled in the third century B.C., the verses encompass the struggle towards Nirvana - the supreme goal for the Buddhist - and point out the narrow Path of Perfection that leads to it. 'In the Dhammapada we can hear the voice of Buddha,' writes Juan Mascaro, translator of the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. 'This gospel of light and love is amongst the greatest spiritual works of man. Each verse is like a small star and the whole has the radiance of eternity.' Introduction

The Dhammapada

1. Contrary Ways
2. Watchfulness
3. The Mind
4. The Flowers of Life
5. The Fool
6. The Wise Man
7. Infinite Freedom
8. Better than a Thousand
9. Good and Evil
10. Life
11. Beyond Life
12. Self-Possession
13. Arise! Watch
14. The Buddha
15. Joy
16. Transient Pleasures
17. Forsake Anger
18. Hasten and Strive
19. Righteousness
20. The Path
21. Wakefulness
22. In Darkness
23. Endurance
24. Cravings
25. The Monk
26. The Brahmin