The Dhammapada: The Path of Perfection is a 1973 translation by Juan Mascaró of the Dhammapada, a Buddhist scripture consisting of 423 verses that form a practical guide to moral and spiritual life. It is a collection of aphorisms, or verses, organized by theme that illustrate the Buddha's teachings, with an emphasis on themes like self-control, good and evil, and watchfulness, aiming to guide individuals toward enlightenment or Nirvana.