The Dhammapada

This book is categorised as religion/mythology, so let's start by talking money.  When I bought this book, its r.r.p. was $8.95.  Those were the days!

Talking about them thar days, The Dhammapada was probably composed about 2300 years ago, and is supposedly the words of the Buddha.  The book is divided into 26 chapters, and is made up of 423 short verses.  Each chapter treats with one or more of the concepts of the eightfold path of Buddhism, but its central message can be summed up with this verse:

Do not what is evil.
Do what is good.
Keep your mind pure.
This is the teaching of the Buddha.

 The translator Juan Mascaró has provided an extended introductory essay that is a gem especially cut for those who are seeking the Inner Light. 

I loved this book when I read it all those years ago. I love it now. And I have loved it all the times I have read it in between. The Dhammapada is compact; it is terse; it is short and easy to read, and yet it is powerful. There is a statement on every page that forces us to examine our preconceptions, our misconceptions and our complacency, and challenges us to change for the better. IMAO.

Publishing details: The Dhammapada translated by Juan Mascaró (Penguin, London, 1973, pp.93.)