The Dhammapada A Translator s Guide 1st Edition by KTS Sarao ISBN 8121512018 9788121512015

In the introduction to The Dhammapada: A Translator’s Guide (First Edition), K.T.S. Sarao explains that his primary goal is to help readers engage directly with the original Pāli text of the Dhammapada by offering a unique combination of tools: the verses are presented in Roman and Devanāgarī scripts, followed by word-by-word meanings, grammatical notes, and literal English translations. Sarao emphasizes that while many translations aim for poetic or philosophical interpretation, his guide is meant to serve as a practical and educational resource for students, translators, and serious readers of early Buddhist texts. He also discusses the historical and linguistic richness of the Dhammapada, clarifying key terms like dhamma and pada, and places this important text within the broader context of the Pāli canon. Overall, the introduction sets the tone for a detailed, language-focused approach to understanding the text’s original meaning and usage.