The One Book I Would Carry for Life

Описание: If I Could Choose One Book for Life

If I were allowed to choose only one book for the rest of my life—one book to keep with me and carry wherever I go—I would choose this book.

This book has truly changed my life in many ways.

Whenever I feel down, stressed, or confused, I open it and read just two or three pages—and somehow, I always find an answer to my problem.

This book is so well known that many people today consider it the handbook of Buddhism.

If you ask:
• What is the religious book of Christians?
You will clearly hear: The Bible.
• What is the religious book of Muslims?
The Qur’an.
• What is the religious book of Judaism?
The Torah.
• What is the religious book of Hinduism?
The Bhagavad Gita.

But if you ask a Buddhist, “What is your religious book?”
They may say, “We don’t have just one book—we have many scriptures.”

That is true.

However, among all Buddhist scriptures, there is one book that stands out—one book that captures the essence of the Buddha’s teaching.

That book is the Dhammapada.

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What Is the Dhammapada?

The Dhammapada is a collection of verses spoken by the Buddha himself.

It contains 423 verses, divided into 26 chapters, each covering essential topics such as:
• Happiness
• Violence and non-violence
• Loving-kindness
• Wisdom and foolishness
• Self-discipline
• The nature of life
• And the qualities of the Buddha

These verses are short, simple, yet incredibly profound.
They speak directly to everyday life.

Whenever you feel lost, tired, or overwhelmed, you can open the Dhammapada, read a few verses, and receive guidance.

Just as many Hindus turn to the Bhagavad Gita during difficult times, for Buddhists, the Dhammapada serves the same purpose.

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Timeless Verses from the Dhammapada

Let us look at a few verses to see how powerful this book truly is.

Verse 103

“Though one may conquer a thousand times a thousand men in battle,
yet he who conquers himself is the noblest victor.”

The Buddha teaches that no external victory is greater than victory over oneself.
The hardest battle we will ever fight is within.

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Verse 104

“Self-conquest is far better than the conquest of others.
Not even a god, an angel, Mara, or Brahma can turn into defeat
the victory of one who is self-disciplined.”

True strength lies in self-control, mindfulness, and restraint.

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Verse 166

“Let no one neglect their own welfare for the sake of others.
Clearly understanding one’s own welfare,
let one be intent upon the good.”

The Buddha reminds us that we must first take care of ourselves.
Only when we are stable and strong can we truly help others.

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Verse 290

“If by renouncing a lesser happiness one may realize a greater happiness,
let the wise person renounce the lesser,
having regard for the greater.”

This verse is especially meaningful to me.

As a monk, there are times when life feels challenging, stressful, or difficult.
But I remind myself: if I seek a greater, deeper happiness, I must be willing to let go of temporary pleasures.

This teaching applies to everyone.

If you want a meaningful life or a greater goal, you must sometimes sacrifice short-term comfort for long-term fulfillment.

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Why You Should Read the Dhammapada

The Dhammapada is filled with practical wisdom, inspiration, and guidance for daily life.

I sincerely invite you to:
• Buy this book
• Read it online
• Or download a PDF and study it slowly

You will find lessons that help you understand yourself, your mind, and your life more deeply.

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Recommended Translations

There are many translations of the Dhammapada, but I especially recommend these two:
1. Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita
• Very precise
• Deep and accurate
• Uses high-level English
2. Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero
• Simple
• Easy to understand
• Ideal for beginners and daily reading

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Closing

Take time to read the Dhammapada.
Reflect on its verses.
Apply them to your life.

You may be surprised how much clarity and peace you discover.

That is all for today.