Dhammapada is an invaluable text of Buddhist literature.
Place of Dhammapada In the World :
Dhammapada is the second text of Khuddaka Nikāya. Verses of Pali literature have been collected in the Dhammapada. This text is written in verse style and has a very important place in Pali literature. This text is called Samhita (Compilation) of Buddhism.
‘Dhammapada‘ This text is the most famous text of Buddhist literature. Also, it is the most famous text of world literature. Not only in India, but in every corner of the world this text is read with reverence.
Importance of Dhammapada :
All Pali scholars have recognized the importance of Dhammapada. Rahul Sanskrityayan says about this text- Dhammapada is one such text which has Buddha’s welfare teachings and a wonderful collection of Buddhism ‘s scientific interpretations.
Dhammapada contains all the ideals of Indian culture. The best treasure of Indian culture is found in it.
Philosophy in Dhammapada :
The principles and philosophy of Buddhism are described in Dhammapada. In this text, virtue, ethics, Way to be free from sorrow, Cattāri Ariya Saccāni (The Four Noble Truths), Ariya Atthangika Magga(The Noble Eight Path), Way to attain Nibbāna, etc. are described in detail. Verses of Dhammapada have made a well-define description of Sīla (Virtue), Samādhi (Concentration), and Pañña (Wisdom), etc.
Dhammapada has an important place in Buddhism. Every Verse of Dhammapada is for human welfare. This text is exemplary and praiseworthy for the entire way of life. Listening to these Dhammapada verses, innumerable unhappy people of the world have easily got rid of worldly attachments.
Moral teachings of Dhammapada :
Dhammapada This text is about to teach the path of Dhamma. It is a text to inspire you to walk on efficient path. This text denies the fantasies of God, soul, superstition, etc. Completely rejecting priesthood and their religious rituals, it teaches non-violence, peace, harmony, equality, loving kindness, compassion, love, knowledge. It also teaches development of human beings and how to progress the society. That is why Dhammapada, in world literature, is considered immortal text.
Dhammapada, Best Text of Ethics :
This text deals with Dhamma, behavior, ethics. Every Verse of Dhammapada is inspiring man to do efficient deeds. The essence of Buddha philosophy, path of Dhamma, moral teachings are seen in this text. Also, the eternal truths of global behavior are also seen.
From the above description, it is known that the Dhamma told by Buddha is full of virtue and morality. Every Verse of this has been said to Bhikkhu, Bhikkhuni, Upāsaka(layman), Upāsika(laywomen) for their welfare, happiness, progress.
It is only the man, who does good and bad deeds. The way a person acts, he will get the same result. Buddha has given this teaching. Dhammapada has inspired man to do efficient deeds, that is why it is the best such text of ethics.
Winning others is very easy, but winning yourself is very difficult. Dhammapada has emphasized on winning yourself.
The Essence of Buddhism In Dhammapada :
The essence of Buddhism is in this text-
Sabbapāpassa akaraṇaṁ,
Kusalassa upasampadā;
Sacitta pariyodapanaṁ,
Etaṁ Buddāna sāsanaṁ.
(Abandoning all evil, doing of good, purification of one’s thought-this is the teaching of the Buddhas.)
Dhammapada, Guide to Establish Peace :
There is no communal philosophy or traditional doctrine in Dhammapada. Buddha has freed man from these shackles. The malice due to which man does unkind work,Buddha has preached to destroy that malice completely.
Nahi verena verāni,
Sammantīdha kudacanaṁ;
Averena ca sammanti,
Esa dhammo sanantano.
(Never in this world can hatred be stilled by hatred: it will be stilled only by non-hatred-this is the Law Eternal.)
Dhammapada, Guide to The Formation of Ideal Society :
If following the values of Dhammapada in a worthy manner, Indian society can become an ideal society. In this society, there will not be any kind of rituals, illiteracy, rage, ignorance, misery. Which will benefit everyone.
The teaching of Dhammapada is for the welfare of man, society, country and the world.