Grammatical Analysis
Dhammapadaṭṭhakathā: [f.] The Commentary on the Dhammapada. Formed by dhammapada (Verses of Truth) + aṭṭhakathā (commentary).
Orthodox Definition
The Dhammapadaṭṭhakathā is arguably the most culturally influential book in Theravāda Buddhism after the Jātakas. Attributed to Venerable Buddhaghosa (or his school), it provides the specific historical backstory for every single one of the 423 verses in the Dhammapada.
Without this commentary, the verses of the Dhammapada are beautiful but isolated poems. This text explains why the Buddha spoke the verse. It contains nearly 300 stories involving jealous queens, miserly merchants, warring kings, and simple monks struggling in the forest. These narratives have formed the bedrock of sermons given by monks to laypeople for over 1,500 years, masterfully demonstrating the inescapable, immediate workings of karma.
Textual References
- Subject Matter: Commentary on the Dhammapada.
- Key Features: The massive, sweeping biographies of Visākhā (the chief laywoman) and King Udena.