Written most probably in the fourth century A.D., the Jatakamala is generally considered the masterpiece of Buddhist literature in Sanskrit. In elegant, courtly style, Arya Sura retells thirty-four traditional stories about the Buddha in his previous incarnations, human and animal. Whether as a king, a brahmin, a monkey, or a hare, the Great One is shown in assiduous pursuit of virtue and compassion. Though primarily intended as exemplary tales illustrating the Buddhist virtues, these stories also provide a vivid picture of life at a high point in ancient Indian culture—city life in ordinary households or at the royal court, and country life against a backdrop of mountain, desert, and jungle.

Fresh study of the Sanskrit manuscripts, now scattered in libraries all over the world, has enabled Peter Khoroche to make this new translation faithful to the original in both style and content. His explanatory notes will assist student and general reader alike in appreciating this classic from an ancient and exotic civilization.

Written most probably in the fourth century A.D., the Jatakamala is generally considered the masterpiece of Buddhist literature in Sanskrit. In elegant, courtly style, Arya Sura retells thirty-four traditional stories about the Buddha in his previous incarnations, human and animal. Whether as a king, a brahmin, a monkey, or a hare, the Great One is shown in assiduous pursuit of virtue and compassion. Though primarily intended as exemplary tales illustrating the Buddhist virtues, these stories also provide a vivid picture of life at a high point in ancient Indian culturecity life in ordinary households or at the royal court, and country life against a backdrop of mountain, desert, and jungle.

Fresh study of the Sanskrit manuscripts, now scattered in libraries all over the world, has enabled Peter Khoroche to make this new translation faithful to the original in both style and content. His explanatory notes will assist student and general reader alike in appreciating this classic from an ancient and exotic civilization.

“The general reader will be highly grateful for this new translation which, besides being beautifully printed, is rounded off with a very informative and reliable introduction.”Renate Söhnen-Thieme, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies 

“One would be a fool not to welcome the chance to read this book.”Richard Gombrich, Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society

Preface

Introduction

Prologue

1. The Tigress

2. Sibi

3. The Dumpling

4. The Merchant

5. Avisahya the Merchant

6. The Hare

7. Agastya

8. Maitribala

9. Visvamtara

10. The Sacrifice

11. Sakra

12. The Brahmin

13. Unmadayanti

14. Suparaga

15. The Lord of the Fish

16. The Young Quail

17. The Jar Full of Spirits

18. The Man without an Heir

19. The Lotus Stalks

20. The Royal Treasurer

21. Bodhi

22. The King of the Geese

23. Bodhi the Wandering Ascetic

24. The Great Ape

25. The Ibex

26. The Antelope

27. The King of the Monkeys

28. Ksantivadin

29. The Inhabitant of Highest Heaven

30. The Elephant

31. Sutasoma

32. Ayogrha, the Prince in the Iron House

33. The Buffalo

34. The Woodpecker

Abbreviations

Notes

Bibliography