Dhammapada literally means 'the path of Dharma' or 'words of Dharma'. Both are true in the case of this anthology of inspiring statements, ascribed to Lord Buddha, in 420 Anushtubh verses, the most popular text of the Buddhist canon. It is of universal application like the Bhagavadgita and the Tirukkural , a perennial source of inspiration and practical wisdom, showing the path to right living.