Jatakas or Jataka tales
The Jatakas, also known as Jataka tales, are a collection of stories in Buddhist literature that recount the previous lives of Gautama Buddha, who later became the historical Buddha. According to Buddhist tradition, these tales illustrate moral lessons and ethical principles through the experiences of the Buddha in his various incarnations. The Jatakas portray the Buddha in different roles, such as animals, kings, merchants and ordinary people, demonstrating virtues like compassion, generosity and wisdom.
These stories service as moral guides, emphasising the importance of virtues and ethical conduct in one's journey towards enlightenment. The Jatakas are significant religious texts in Buddhism and valuable cultural and literary heritage, influencing art, literature and moral teachings across various Buddhist traditions and cultures.
