Significance of Jataka stories
Synonyms: Folk stories
In Dutch: Jataka-verhaal; In Finnish: Jataka tarina
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Jataka stories'
Jataka stories in Buddhism are a collection of tales that recount the Buddha's past lives, often featuring animals and moral lessons, illustrating virtues, spiritual fulfillment, and the overall embodiment of moral and ethical teachings.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Buddhist tales that recount the previous lives of the Buddha, often illustrating the practice of virtues like metta.[1] (2) Narratives that illustrate the lives of past Bodhisattas and their experiences related to renunciation and spiritual fulfillment.[2] (3) Tales depicting the previous lives of the Buddha that illustrate the embodiment of Perfections and moral lessons he exemplified.[3]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) An extensive work in verses recounting the previous existences of Gotama Buddha, traditionally involving five hundred and forty-seven stones.[4]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) An ancient collection of stories about previous lives of the Buddha, including references to the Khandha paritta.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Narratives describing the past lives of beings, shared by the Buddha to convey moral lessons and the consequences of actions.[6] (2) A collection of anecdotes focusing on the past lives of the Buddha, often featuring animals and moral lessons.[7] (3) A collection of traditional tales in Buddhist literature that convey moral lessons, including the story of the Vase of miracles.[8]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) Narrative tales recounting the former births of the Buddha, generally comprising an introductory story, prose narrative, stanzas (Gatha), commentary, and connection.[9]
The concept of Jataka stories in local and regional sources
Jataka stories are rich Buddhist narratives detailing the previous lives of the Buddha, often conveying moral lessons. They are integral to understanding Buddhist teachings, educational subjects, and the cultural significance of land donations in ancient traditions.
From: Formal Education System in Ancient India
(1) Buddhist tales that provide insights into the subjects studied in institutions like Takshasila.[10] (2) Narratives that describe the experiences of wandering scholars attending royal courts and learning.[11] (3) A collection of tales that provide insight into Buddhist teachings and the educational subjects emphasized during the period.[12] (4) Stories that mention the donation of land, highlighting its significance in ancient traditions.[13]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Buddhist 'birthstories' that date back to at least the Fourth century B.C., considered one of the earliest collections of tales.[14] (2) Buddhist narratives about the previous lives of the Buddha, featured in the sculptures described from the Stupa.[15] (3) A collection of narratives concerning the previous lives of the Buddha, which are sometimes depicted in Buddhist art.[16]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A collection of tales that includes the story of the Jackal and Lion, indicating a moral or lesson related to the actions of these animals.[17]