James’ most recent translation of the Dhammapada, and his accompanying commentary, forms the basis for the first section of the book Finding Freedom.

I have re-presented this section in the form of audio recordings which are offered, for free, below.

James wrote this invitation to them :

‘The Dhammapada is a book of excellent advice on how to manage the many trials and tribulations of life. Taught by the Buddha this is an ethical guide to disciplined and compassionate existence. The consequences of blind self-indulgence are revealed in wars, pandemics and the impending catastrophe of climate change. The word discipline is not very popular in current culture and seems to imply an unwelcome imposition. However for most of us, when we stop and review our life we find that our ego-self is frequently wild and untamed. When this is replicated in the billions of inhabitants of the earth it is not surprising that chaos is pervasive. However here we have a chance to listen to the deep and soothing words of the Buddha offering support and guidance for those who wish to live in harmony with others and with the world we all inhabit. May it bring happiness to all!’

I have read a number of different translations of this text, some more accessible than others, but for me James’ accompanying notes opened wide the door to receptivity.

The depth of his study and practise brings out the richness and depth in what might otherwise sometimes seem dry or hard to relate to… and clearly elucidates the meaning of ‘difficult’ verses.

Some people I have spoken with are not much interested in this text but James’ instructions to me when started trying to teach included being ‘non-sectarian’ and ‘non-dogmatic’. I had to look those words up in my comprehensive dictionary to see exactly what he meant by this.
Now, clearly, holding any fixity as to ‘superior’ ‘inferior’, my kind of thing/not my kind of thing increases the strength of the sense of definition and separation…from which suffering arises!
In the notes James clearly shows how the ‘ending teachings’ and ‘beginning teachings’ within the book are intimately related and relevant.

Whether or not you are already familiar with this text in a different setting I think you will find this particular translation, together with James’ explanatory notes, a revelation.

You will find that, in the book, the notes to the verses are grouped together at the end of the text giving a clear, uncluttered look…and the poetic flow of the original text is uninterrupted.
However it occurred to me that in an audio-recording the notes could more easily follow the relevant verse, allowing the words and meaning to come together as you listen… I hope this works for you.

If you’d like an audio with just the text it will be quite a bit of work but if that would be helpful let me know.

This idea of making these recordings originally arose as an idea to be helpful for those in my group for whom reading is not so easy or did not have the book…audio may be preferable for one reason or another.
Having the books and downloads of what is helpful to you…on your laptop or memory stick… is anyway likely to be a good idea as the constructs of the internet manifests their impermanence.

For purchasing the book (with parts one two and three!) please check the link below for current publishers and availability… Barbara is keeping tabs on the situation and updating the information.