Illustrator: M. N. Nangare

ISBN: 81-7508-025-6

Vol. No: 617

The Jataka tales are a veritable treasure of Indian folklore, legend and fable. Each time these popular stories are told, they acquire a new colour and fresh dimension. Besides being entertaining, the Jataka tales give us invaluable information about ancient Indian civilization, culture and philosophy. The Jataka tales recount the stories of the previous incarnations of Bodhisattva before he became the Buddha, the Enlightened One. The Bodhisattva has come in many forms – man, monkey, deer, elephant and lion. Whatever his mortal body, he has spread the message of justice and wisdom, tempered with compassion. This wisdom of right thinking and right living is preserved in the Jataka tales.