The Dhammapada, the Pali version of one of the most popular texts of the Buddhist canon, ranks among the classics of the world's great religious literature. The Dhammapada: sayings of Buddha was written in the fifth century B.C.. These teachings focus on "mastery and purification of the self, strength and sobriety of character, and the ultimate attainment of freedom and independence. These statements of ethical and spiritual principle are guides in finding inner tranquillity." The appeal of these epithets of wisdom extends beyond its religious heritage to a general and universal spirituality.