The Dhammapada is not a book to be read superficially like a novel and shelved aside. It should be read and re-read so that it may serve as a constant companion for inspiration, solace, and edification in times of need.

The Dhammapada was not preached by the Buddha in the present form. Three months after the Passing Away of the Buddha ^{D 16}, the Arahants, who assembled at the First Convocation to rehearse the Teachings of the Buddha, collected some of the poetic utterances of the Buddha, which He expounded on different occasions, arranged and classified the treatise in its present form, naming it the Dhammapada.

The Dhammapada consists of 423 melodious Pali verses, organised in 26 chapters, uttered by the Buddha on about 300 occasions, to suit the temperaments of the listener in the course of His preaching tours during His ministry of forty-five years.

The gems of truth embodied in these texts aptly illustrate the moral and philosophical Teachings of the Buddha.

Chapter	Dhamma Verses
1	Appamàda Vagga — Heedfulness
2	Arahanta Vagga — The Worthy
3	Atta Vagga — The Self
4	Bàla Vagga — Fools
5	Bhikkhu Vagga — The Bhikkhu Or The Mendicant
6	Bràhmana Vagga — The Bràhmana
7	Buddha Vagga — The Buddha
8	Citta Vagga — Mind
9	Danda Vagga — The Rod Or Punishment
10	Dhammaññha Vagga — The Just Or Righteous
11	Jarà Vagga — Old Age
12	Kodha Vagga — Anger
13	Loka Vagga — The World
14	Magga Vagga — The Way Or The Path
15	Mala Vagga — Impurities Or Taints
16	Nàga Vagga — The Elephant
17	Niraya Vagga — Woeful State
18	Pàpa Vagga — Evil
19	Pakinnaka Vagga — Miscellaneous
20	Pandita Vagga — The Wise
21	Piya Vagga — Affection
22	Puppha Vagga — Flowers
23	Sahassa Vagga — Thousands
24	Sukha Vagga — Happiness
25	Tanhà Vagga — Craving
26	Yamaka Vagga — The Pairs

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