Significance of Jataka
In Dutch: Jataka; In German: Jataka; In Finnish: Jataka; In Spanish: Jataka; In Swedish: Jataka; In Malay: Jataka; In French: Jataka
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'
Jataka in Buddhism comprises narratives detailing the Buddha's previous lives, emphasizing moral lessons and virtues such as compassion and sacrifice, and serving as moral teachings to inspire ethical behavior among followers.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A genre of Buddhist literature that recounts the previous lives of the Buddha and teaches moral lessons, exemplified through the story of Utpalavarna.[1] (2) A type of story that refers to the previous lives of Buddha and his teachings.[2] (3) Stories where the Bodhisattva, such as Sutosoma, demonstrates moral virtues.[3] (4) A genre of storytelling that features moral lessons, often involving animals and highlighting themes such as kindness and ingratitude.[4] (5) A genre of stories that recount the previous lives of the Buddha and moral lessons associated.[5]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A type of tale that recounts the previous lives of the Bodhisattva and imparts moral lessons.[6] (2) A traditional narrative format in Buddhist literature that recounts the previous lives of the Buddha, often containing moral lessons.[7] (3) Stories relating to the past lives of the Buddha, often included in the Mahavastu to illustrate virtues.[8] (4) Stories about the previous lives of the Buddha, often using parables to teach moral lessons.[9] (5) Buddhist tales of the previous lives of Gotama the Buddha, which are often linked to incidents in his life.[10]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) Stories of the previous lives of the Buddha, often depicted through sculptures and paintings in Buddhist art.[11]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Jataka refers to stories about the previous lives of the Buddha, illustrating his moral virtues and the fulfillment of the Perfections.[12] (2) Stories narrated by the Buddha, used as parables to convey moral lessons and promote peace during his intervention at the conflict site.[13] (3) Stories recounted by the Buddha to illustrate moral lessons related to Devadatta and his past lives.[14] (4) A collection of stories about the previous lives of the Buddha, included in the Khuddaka Nikaya.[15]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) Stories of the previous lives of the Buddha that serve to inspire faith and moral conduct among followers.[16] (2) Jataka stories are moral tales relating to the previous lives of the Buddha, used to convey Buddhist teachings.[17]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Stories of the previous lives of the Buddha, emphasizing moral lessons and the development of virtues.[18] (2) A collection of birth stories of the Buddha that illustrate moral lessons and the concept of rebirth and karma.[19]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks� rules)
(1) Stories about the previous lives of the Buddha that sometimes inform the understanding of monastic regulations.[20]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) The Jataka is one of the texts in the Khuddaka-nikaya that contains stories of the Buddha's previous lives.[21]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) A collection of stories about the previous lives of the Buddha, which includes narratives about Andhaja Patisandhi.[22]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) A collection focused on the Buddha's previous existences starting from the time of Sumedha, in contrast to Cariya Pitaka's narrower focus.[23]
Hindu concept of 'Jataka'
Jataka in Hinduism refers to a collection of ancient Buddhist tales illustrating moral lessons and the previous lives of the Buddha. These narratives often feature motifs like elephants, snakes, and the virtue of truthfulness, reflecting cultural traditions.
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A collection of stories and teachings in Buddhist literature, where betel-chewing is referenced, indicating its cultural significance prior to 200 B.C.[24] (2) A collection of stories from the ancient Buddhist texts that illustrate moral lessons often featuring motifs similar to those discussed.[25] (3) Ancient Indian texts that include tales, one of which describes the reprimanding of disciples for wishing long life after sneezing.[26] (4) A collection of tales containing stories about the previous lives of the Buddha, often featuring moral lessons, including those involving snakes.[27] (5) A collection of stories in Buddhist literature that often feature moral lessons and the motif of 'Act of Truth' demonstrating virtue or truthfulness.[28]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Buddhist folklore narratives that reflect aspects of life and moral lessons pertinent to Buddhist teachings.[29] (2) A collection of stories that provide insights into the architectural traditions, technical knowledge, and construction practices of ancient India.[30]
The concept of Jataka in local and regional sources
The Jataka refers to a collection of tales about the Buddha's previous births, emphasizing moral lessons, cultural significance, and educational themes, showcasing the ethical teachings that are deeply rooted in Buddhist tradition across various cultures.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Stories relating to the previous lives of the Buddha, indicating a cultural significance in the Simhala kingdom.[31] (2) Stories of the previous births of Buddha that are significant in Buddhist literature.[32] (3) Stories of Buddha's previous lives, illustrating moral lessons, and mentioned during Buddha's teachings.[33]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A reference to a collection of stories that includes the tale being narrated, highlighting moral lessons.[34] (2) A collection of stories featuring the previous lives of the Buddha, indicating the presence of similar narratives in different cultures.[35] (3) A collection of stories including moral lessons from Buddhist tradition that parallels the themes in the narrative.[36]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A collection of fables and narratives from ancient India, often reflecting moral lessons and aspects of Buddhist philosophy.[37] (2) Stories of the previous births of the Buddha, illustrating moral lessons and his virtues throughout various incarnations.[38] (3) The stories associated with the previous births of the Buddha, believed to be places where stupas were constructed to commemorate these events.[39]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is a book on nativity, and it is mentioned that several authors, including Parashara and others, composed books with this title.[40]