About Jātaka Tales
Chronicled in the Sutta Piṭaka of the Tipiṭaka (the Pāli Canon), the Jātakas are a collection of 547 stories about the Buddha’s past lives. In previous births, the Buddha was known as the Bodhisatta (Buddha-to-be). The Bodhisatta’s great compassion and deep wisdom is displayed throughout these inspirational stories. These are also incredible stories of growth and development as the Bodhisatta cultivated the Ten Pāramīs (Great Qualities & Perfections) in tremendous ways. Life after life He selflessly gave all things including His life, limbs and all belongings to accumulate the requisites for Buddhahood.
In these Jātakas stories, many characters that associated with the Bodhisatta also appeared during the Buddha’s time. After countless eons of growing and cultivating the Ten Pāramīs, the Bodhisatta took his final rebirth in Lumbini, Nepal in 563 BCE as Prince Siddhattha. Later at the age thirty-five, He became the Buddha, the fully Self-Enlightened One.
The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths and Noble Eightfold Path to devas (heavenly beings) and people all over the Indian sub-continent. His boundless love and wisdom helped so many on the spiritual path to inner peace and happiness. Many of his disciples would also develop psychic powers, deep wisdom and attain Nibbāna (enlightenment, end of all suffering and rebirth, the highest everlasting happiness).
Each Jātaka story includes 3 parts:
The story of the present (during the Buddha's time)
The story of the past (during the Buddha’s previous rebirths as the Bodhisatta)
The “birth identification” (when the Buddha connects the people in the past life story to the people in the present life)
With these inspirational stories, the Buddha shows how to apply great wholesome powers in daily life and the path to Nibbāna (ultimate happiness). All have hope to change and improve. With the Buddha’s gradual training, each person can begin at one’s own level and continue in spiritual healing, growth and happiness. Enjoy!
In these Jātakas stories, many characters that associated with the Bodhisatta also appeared during the Buddha’s time. After countless eons of growing and cultivating the Ten Pāramīs, the Bodhisatta took his final rebirth in Lumbini, Nepal in 563 BCE as Prince Siddhattha. Later at the age thirty-five, He became the Buddha, the fully Self-Enlightened One.
The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths and Noble Eightfold Path to devas (heavenly beings) and people all over the Indian sub-continent. His boundless love and wisdom helped so many on the spiritual path to inner peace and happiness. Many of his disciples would also develop psychic powers, deep wisdom and attain Nibbāna (enlightenment, end of all suffering and rebirth, the highest everlasting happiness).
Each Jātaka story includes 3 parts:
The story of the present (during the Buddha's time)
The story of the past (during the Buddha’s previous rebirths as the Bodhisatta)
The “birth identification” (when the Buddha connects the people in the past life story to the people in the present life)
With these inspirational stories, the Buddha shows how to apply great wholesome powers in daily life and the path to Nibbāna (ultimate happiness). All have hope to change and improve. With the Buddha’s gradual training, each person can begin at one’s own level and continue in spiritual healing, growth and happiness. Enjoy!
Jataka Picture Books Series 1
Jataka Picture Books Series 2
