Penguin launch new Dhammapada translation by Dr Valerie Roebuck

Penguin Classics are to launch one of the best-known and best-loved works of Buddhist literature - a new translation of The Dhammapada by Dr Valerie Roebuck on 14 September 2010 from 3-7pm at Cardiff University. Beginning with a Symposium at 3pm, Dr Roebuck will talk about 'Translating the Dhammapada: Problems and Pleasures'. Other speakers will be Dr Elizabeth Harris from Liverpool Hope University, Dr Mahinda Deegalle from Bath Spa University and Dr Naomi Appleton from Cardiff University. The book launch from 6-7pm is free and open to anyone who would like to attend. Contact Naomi Appleton on, AppletonN1@cf.ac.uk  to reserve a place for either or both parts of the event. Although the official launch takes place on 14 September, the book is already on sale now.

The Dhammapada forms part of the oldest surviving body of Buddhist writings and is traditionally regarded as the authentic teaching of the Buddha, spoken by him in his lifetime, memorised and handed on by his followers after his death. A collection of simple verses gathered in themes such as 'awareness', 'fools' and 'old age', The Dhammapada is accessible, instructional and mind-clearing, with lessons in each verse to give ethical advice and to remind the listener of the transience of life. Valerie Roebuck has previously translated The Upanishads (Penguin India 2000; Penguin Classics 2003). She graduated from the University of Cambridge with a BA(Hons) in Oriental Studies and a Ph.D for a thesis on South Indian Bronzes. She is a freelance scholar and lecturer, an Honorary Research Fellow of the University of Manchester and an Associate Member of the Centre for the History of Religion in Asia at the University of Cardiff. She practises and teaches meditation in the Samatha tradition of Buddhism.