Dhammapada Series

In 2011, the Venerable Yuttadhammo Bhikku began releasing a series of videos on YouTube in which he shares the verses of the Dhammapada with related stories, and he also provides his commentary and perspective on each lesson. The intent of this book is to provide a condensed version of the YouTube videos in written form. A group of volunteers from Sirimangalo International Buddhist Meditation Society has aided in the editing of the episodes. The videos offer a valuable combination of original Dhammapada verses, rich and compelling stories, and unique commentary from Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikku.

Each chapter contains original Dhammapada verses in Pāli, using both the original video and the Digital Pāli Reader as sources (Digital Pali Reader online).  English translations are a combination of the translation provided by Ven. Yuttadhammo Bhikku in each video with additional translation from the Buddharakkhita translation where necessary.  The Sirimangalo International Buddhist Meditation Society Book Editing Staff set goals to condense stories where possible but to retain the essence of the story and ensure readability in prose form. Similarly, the goal for commentaries is to use the same approach as in the Ask a Monk series:  to ensure readability in prose form and to condense and retain essential points and interpretation of the story.  Each chapter will be published after completion of the chapter on an ongoing basis, as the video Dhammapada series is also still ongoing.

We hope that all students of the Dhamma will benefit from this publication.

Sirimangalo International Buddhist Meditation Society Book Editing Staff