Author Description

In Dhammapada: A Sacred Path toward Liberation from Harm Cycles, Jason Storbakken provides a fresh and contextual interpretation of the sacred Buddhist text. Through his own spiritual journey and deep immersion in interreligious studies, Storbakken offers insightful commentary and actionable advice for navigating the complexities of modern life. The Dhammapada begins: “A person’s thoughts shape their perspective. One’s perspective shapes their lived experience. As the wheels of a wagon follow the ox that pulls it, harmful actions follow harmful rhetoric. Suffering follows an ill-informed perspective.” – Gautama Buddha (Dhammapada, v. 1) Akin to Thomas Merton’s translations of Chuang Tzu and Coleman Bark’s translations of Rumi’s poetry, Storbakken’s Dhammapada is a secondary translation and popular interpretation. This is a work borne from the heart as well as the intellect. Dhammapada: A Sacred Path toward Liberation from Harm Cycles aims to: Introduce a next audience to the wisdom of the Dhammapada; Provide a resource for interreligious engagement, specifically for Buddhists and Christians; Serve as a resource for those who are deconstructing their belief system; And, for those who are in the process of developing new spiritualities and (post)religious identities, may this work inspire boldness to inaugurate new divine forms. Key Themes: Trauma-Aware Perspective: Explore the Dhammapada through a trauma-aware lens, acknowledging the wounds we carry, personally and socially, and offering guidance on the path to liberation and transformation. Liberationist Interpretation: Discover a liberationist interpretation that serves as a resource to equip individuals and communities to break free from harm cycles and generational suffering, and live authentically. Interreligious Commentary: Gain valuable insights through interreligious commentary that highlights the shared values of compassion, justice, and inner transform