Gil Fronsdal has practiced Zen and Insight Meditation since 1975 and has a PhD in Buddhist Studies from Stanford University. He has trained in both the Japanese Soto Zen tradition (San Francisco Zen Center with Suzuki Roshi) and the Insight Meditation school of Theravada Buddhism from Southeast Asia. Gil was trained as a Vipassana teacher by Jack Kornfield and is part of the Vipassana teachers' collective at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. He was ordained as a Soto Zen priest at the San Francisco Zen Center, and in 1995 received Dharma Transmission from Mel Weitsman, the abbot of the Berkeley Zen Center. He has been the primary teacher for the Insight Meditation Center, in Redwood City, California, since 1990. He is a husband and father of two boys.
At last a translation of the Dhammapada that combines academic precision in the translation of Pali terms, literary sensitivity to phrasing and meter, and a heartfelt commitment to Buddhist practice. Gil Fronsdal's version of this classic text will set a new standard for scholars and practitioners alike. -Stephen Batchelor, author of Buddhism without Beliefs and Living with the Devil The language is clear, precise, and inspiring, the phrasing spare and elegant, and the depth of these wisdom teachings apparent on every page. Gil's wonderful work brings these timeless passages of the Buddha right into our hearts. Highly recommended. -Joseph Goldstein, author of One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism The wish-fulfilling gem of clarity reveals itself; ancient teachings resonate with today's awareness. What a blessing! -Edward Espe Brown, Zen Priest, author of The Tassajara Bread Book and editor of Not Always So A fine new translation of an ancient classic. Fronsdal's balance of fidelity to the text and sensitivity to its spirit is perfect. A book to be treasured. -Carl Bielefeldt, Stanford University