The DHAMMAPADA is a daily inspiration for millions of Buddhists all over the world and for non-Buddhists who have been impressed by its beauty and power. These words spoken by Buddha himself over 2500 years ago contain all of Buddhism's key teachings. However the DHAMMAPADA is notoriously difficult to understand for the novice and is full of references and allusions that the uninformed reader is sure to miss. Now you can understand the DHAMMAPADA with understanding even if you have no previous knowledge of Buddhism. This accessible edition offer the complete text plus enlightening facing-page commentary that explains all the names terms and references giving you the kind of insight into the text not usually available for first time readers and at the same time providing an excellent first introduction to Buddhist life and practice.