The Dhammapada does not need an introduction. It has been almost a ritual for the Theravada scholars to translate the Dhammapada as a homage to Lord Buddha. No wonder, hundreds of translations of the Dhammapada are available just in English. While several translations have been found to be matching with each other, most of them do differ from each other both in style and in content, depending upon individual approach and interpretation.

The present translation of the Dhammapada has been necessitated because generally translations have been made impressionistically and subjectively. A clear correlation between the original and its translation has been missing. This book is a compromise between the two extremes. While grammatical notes have been provided to clarify the meaning, the dissection has not been allowed to taint the textual feel and flavor of the great book.