Ethical Teachings in the Dhammapada

Abstract

Etymologically, ‘Dhammapada' means the righteous path, meaning a correct path for anyone seeking to lead a righteous life. Reading the whole Pāli Canon might be too difficult a task for lay people or somebody new to Buddhism. But the Dhammapada is such an interesting book that it contains the whole gist of Buddha's teachings in a tiny text. Consisting only of 423 verses, and full of insightful teachings on the practice leading to enlightenment, it can be considered as the compendium of an ethical way of life for any devoted follower. Verses like, "Not to do any evil deeds, to cultivate merit, to purify one's mind – this is the teaching of the Buddhas” present a quite simple definition of Buddhist teachings, but there comes the prescribed methods by the Buddha to be followed which is a gradual process of Sila, Samādhi, and Paññā. So it depends upon us to classify verses according to such a scheme. Fundamental matters to be understood before initiating a journey to Nibbāna, or preliminary requirements are mentioned, some in a whole vagga (chapter) and some profound doctrines just in some verses. Understanding about mind, having a good friend, a wise teacher, getting an inspiration to practice Noble Eightfold Path, knowing about good and bad destinations, proper mode of conduct, apprehending doctrinal teachings all are mentioned in the Dhammapada scattered in the text. So in this thesis, examining all those aspects, I will attempt to bring out the ethical teachings of the Dhammapada.