Jataka Stories in Theravada Buddhism

by Naomi Appleton

Jataka stories (stories about the previous births of the Buddha) are very popular in Theravada Buddhist countries, where they are commonly used in sermons, children's books, plays, poetry, temple illustrations, rituals and festivals. Buddhist tradition tells us that the stories illustrate the gradual path to perfection exemplified by the Buddha in his previous births, when he was a bodhisatta (buddha-to-be). This book explores the shifting role of the stories in Buddhist doctrine, practice, and creative expression, finally placing this integral Buddhist genre back in the centre of scholarly understandings of the religion.

186 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2010

Reviews

[Fabio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jataka are a very fascinating subject. If you need to know more about its origin, structure, development and meaning I suggest to buy this book