Jataka Tales are a part of Indian literature that contain stories from the life of the Buddha in the human and animal forms. The stories in this collection are written in simple language that children would be able to grasp easily. Each tale teaches an important lesson. These books form a perfect window to the Indian tradition of story-telling for kids.
Unveil the enchanting world of Jataka tales, ancient folklore from India, in this collection retold by Ellen C. Babbitt. Witness the consequences of disobedience in 'Beauty and Brownie', the rise of a humble bowman in 'The Brave Little Bowman', and the triumph of friendship in 'The Elephant and the Dog'. Explore tales of bravery, cunning, and sacrifice, as characters like the foolhardy wolf, the penny-wise monkey, and the wise goat navigate their journeys. Let these timeless stories ignite your imagination and impart timeless wisdom through their timeless charm.
This is the extended and annotated edition including * an extensive annotation of more than 10.000 words about the history and basics of Buddhism, written by Thomas William Rhys Davids * an interactive table-of-contents * perfect formatting for electronic reading devices The Jatakas, or Birth-stories, form one of the sacred books of the Buddhists and relate to the adventures of the Buddha in his former existences, the best character in any story being identified with the Master. These legends were continually introduced into the religious discourses of the Buddhist teachers to illustrate the doctrines of their faith or to magnify the glory and sanctity of the Buddha, somewhat as medieval preachers in Europe used to enliven their sermons by introducing fables and popular tales to rouse the flagging interest of their hearers. This edition contains both Jataka books by Mr. Babbitt, "The Jataka Tales" and "More Jataka Tales". Contents: Publisher's Note The Monkey And The Crocodile How The Turtle Saved His Own Life The Merchant Of Seri The Turtle Who Couldn't Stop Talking The Ox Who Won The Forfeit The Sandy Road The Quarrel Of The Quails The Measure Of Rice The Foolish, Timid Rabbit The Wise And The Foolish Merchant The Elephant Girly-Face The Banyan Deer The Princes And The Water-Sprite The King's White Elephant The Ox Who Envied The Pig Granny's Blackie The Crab And The Crane Why The Owl Is Not King Of The Birds The Girl Monkey And The String Of Pearls The Three Fishes The Tricky Wolf And The Rats The Woodpecker, Turtle, And Deer The Golden Goose The Stupid Monkeys The Cunning Wolf The Penny-Wise Monkey The Red-Bud Tree The Woodpecker And The Lion The Otters And The Wolf How The Monkey Saved His Troop The Hawks And Their Friends The Brave Little Bowman The Foolhardy Wolf The Stolen Plow The Lion In Bad Company The Wise Goat And The Wolf Prince Wicked And The Grateful Animals Beauty And Brownie The Elephant And The Dog
It is found among the old, old histories of the Tibetans that a female demon living among the mountains in Northern India mated with a monkey from the forests of Tibet, and from this union sprang the Tibetan race of people. The greater part of their literature is of a sacred nature, telling of their creation, of the formation of the world, of Buddha and his miraculous birth and death, of his reincarnations and the revisions of his teachings. A kind of almanac, a little astronomy, plans for casting a horoscope, and many books filled with religious teachings and superstitions, including the worship of devils and demons, are about all that can be found. The 49 little stories in this book are told as the people sit around their boiling tea made over a three stone camp-fire. They are handed down from father to son, from mother to daughter, and though often filled with their superstitious beliefs, through them all run a vein of humor and the teachings of a moral truth which is quite unexpected. These tales were gathered by Dr. A. L. Shelton on his trips among the Tibetans, around their camp-fires at night, and in their black tents high up in the mountains. Every country has its folk-lore tales that have always been a joy and pleasure to the children, not only of their own land, but of other lands as well. May these stories add a little to this pleasure and enjoyment everywhere, in whatsoever tongue they may be translated or in whatever land they may be read. Flora Beal Shelton 1925
"Ellen C. Babbitt has collected, and retold, the best thirty-nine of the 547 Jataka Tales. These charming fables originated in India sometime around the fifth century, and have been teaching children valuable lessons ever since."
Jataka Tales are an important part of Indian folk literature and comprise stories about the previous lives of the Buddha, in both human and animal forms. The stories impart essential moral values and teach important lessons to children. This book is an ideal gift for children as it encourages a positive and responsible outlook towards life.
More Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt: This collection presents a series of enchanting and instructive Buddhist tales from the Jataka tradition. Each tale features various incarnations of the Buddha, showcasing his previous lives and the moral lessons embedded in these captivating stories. Key Aspects of the Book "More Jataka Tales": Buddhist Morality Tales: The book contains a collection of Jataka tales that serve as moral parables, imparting timeless ethical lessons. Reincarnations of the Buddha: Each tale presents a different incarnation of the Buddha, offering readers diverse perspectives on his wisdom and compassion. Cultural and Religious Significance: The Jataka tales hold significant cultural and religious value in Buddhist traditions, and this collection highlights their enduring relevance. Ellen C. Babbitt was an American author and editor who compiled and retold numerous folktales and fairy tales from different cultures, including the Jataka tales. Her work, More Jataka Tales, contributes to preserving and sharing these insightful Buddhist stories with a wider audience.
