Dhammapada
Original Language: Pali
[1] Overview
Collection of sayings of the Buddha in verse form. Central text of Theravada Buddhism containing 423 verses on the path to enlightenment.
Origin
Ancient India (oral), Sri Lanka (written)
Dating
3rd century BCE (oral), 1st century BCE (written)
Authorship
Attributed to Gautama Buddha; compiled by disciples
Structure
26 chapters (vaggas), 423 verses
423 verses/entries
[2] The Numerology System
Pali Numerology
How It Works
Pali numerology uses the romanized values of Pali terms. While less formalized than Hebrew gematria, significant numbers recur in Buddhist cosmology and practice.
Example Calculation
Dhamma (teaching): D(4) + H(8) + A(1) + M(13) + M(13) + A(1) = 40 (Pythagorean)
[3] Key Numbers in This Tradition
| Number | Significance |
|---|---|
| 3 | Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha); Three Marks of Existence |
| 4 | Four Noble Truths - foundation of Buddhist teaching |
| 5 | Five Aggregates (skandhas); Five Precepts |
| 8 | Noble Eightfold Path - the way to liberation |
| 12 | Twelve links of dependent origination |
| 108 | Sacred number - mala beads, defilements to overcome |
[4] Search This Text
Search for words, phrases, or concepts in the original text or translation.
[5] Calculate Gematria
[6] Scholarly Sources
- Fronsdal, Gil. 'The Dhammapada: A New Translation' (2005)
- Norman, K.R. 'The Word of the Doctrine' (1997)
- Buddharakkhita, Acharya. 'Dhammapada: A Practical Guide' (1985)
This information is presented for educational purposes. Interpretations vary among traditions and scholars.
[7] Cross-Tradition Connections
Numbers that appear across multiple sacred traditions: