The Scriptural Text

This sutra is based upon the Chinese translation of the Dhammapada, of which approximately two thirds of the verses have been selected for commentary. At the start of each chapter a number of verses are quoted, followed by tales relating the events surrounding the origin of each verse. The Pali version of the Dhammapada contains in all 423 verses, and there are in addition a number of commentaries (atthakatha)recording the tales and fables surrounding each verse. In the case of the Chinese version, 250 verses have been added to the original 500 verses, making a total of 750 verses, two thirds of which are dealt with in the present work.