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Jataka Tales

The Buddha’s birth-stories — compassion and wisdom in every life

The Jataka tales recount the previous births of the Buddha — as monkey-king, wise elephant, golden deer and more — each life a lesson in compassion, courage and selflessness. They are among the world’s oldest and most-loved story collections.

🌳The Banyan DeerJataka No. 12 — Nigrodhamiga JatakaCompassion that offers itself for the weak can soften the hardest heart.🦜The Brave Little ParrotJataka TaleEven the smallest effort, made with a fearless heart, can move heaven itself to help.🦀The Crane and the CrabJataka No. 38 — Baka JatakaHe who lives by cheating others will one day meet someone too clever to cheat.🏹The Deer KingJataka No. 483 — Sarabhamiga JatakaThe noble heart repays cruelty with kindness and saves even its own hunter.🐘The Elephant and the DogJataka No. 27 — Abhinha JatakaTrue friendship knows no difference of size or station, and no heart is happy apart from its friend.🦌The Golden DeerJataka No. 482 — Ruru JatakaKindness forgives even betrayal, but gratitude should never be forgotten.🌕The Hare in the MoonJataka No. 316 — Sasa JatakaThe truest gift is given from the heart, holding nothing back.🐊The Monkey and the CrocodileJataka No. 57 — Vanarinda JatakaAlert eyes and a calm mind can outwit the strongest trap.🐒The Monkey KingJataka No. 407 — Mahakapi JatakaA true leader puts the safety and happiness of others before his own comfort.🐂The Ox Who Envied the PigJataka No. 30 — Munika JatakaDo not envy easy luxury; honest work and simple food are the safer blessing.🐢The Talkative TortoiseJataka No. 215 — Kacchapa JatakaKnow when to keep silent; a tongue that cannot rest invites its own fall.🐦The Wise QuailJataka No. 33 — Sammodamana JatakaIn unity there is strength; in quarrelling, ruin.

Explore more: Puranic stories · Chanakya Niti · Bhagavad Gita