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Significance of Vessantara Jataka

The Vessantara Jataka in Theravada Buddhism is a narrative about the Buddha's previous life, illustrating the themes of generosity and sacrifice. This tale, recounted at Kapilapura, emphasizes the significance of selfless giving and the impact of past actions. It serves as a moral lesson, demonstrating how acts of generosity can shape one's future and spiritual journey.1
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Synonyms: Jataka tale

In Dutch: Vessantara Jataka; In Finnish: Vessantara Jataka; In Spanish: Vessantara 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 'Vessantara Jataka'

Buddhism Books

The Vessantara Jataka is a Buddhist tale recounting the Buddha's past life, emphasizing the virtues of generosity and sacrifice, as narrated at Kapilapura, highlighting the importance of selfless actions and moral teachings.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) A tale of the Buddha's previous life that was recounted at Kapilapura, illustrating themes of generosity and sacrifice.[1] (2) A previous life story shared by the Buddha that illustrates themes of generosity and past actions.[2]

From: Patipada (path of practice)

(1) The story where Lady Madri is mentioned, and is related to the mother's experience of seeing Lady Madri in the sala.[3]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

The concept of Vessantara Jataka in local and regional sources

History Books

The Vessantara Jataka is a significant Jataka tale illustrating a past life of the Buddha, prominently featured in sculptures at Goli, which depict various scenes from this narrative emphasizing themes of generosity and sacrifice.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A Jataka tale that describes the previous life of the Buddha, notably illustrated in the sculptures found at Goli, with multiple scenes depicting the story.[4]