The Buddha broke out of the conventions of his time in order to speak to the condition of mankind and provide a path toward liberation from the wheel of birth, death and Karma. The Dhammapada encapsulates his basic teachings and provides guidelines for gaining insight and an understanding that goes beyond any single teaching or religion. One of the "great books" of humanity, The Dhammapada can provide benefit to seekers from any philosophic or religious or spiritual path with its timeless non-sectarian wisdom.