According to some scholars, the Jataka, a huge body of mythic literature and folklore, has origins preceeding written language by hundreds or even thousands of years. The Jataka tales are now mostly associated with Buddhism and have been integrated into almost all Buddhist cultures around the world. The stories vary considerably from one region to another since they tend to assimilate the cultural characteristics of the societies that adopt them. These seemingly simple teaching stories are imbedded with meanings within meanings, and are wonderful sources of contemplation and discussion for adults as well as children.

INDEX

The Girl Monkey and the String of Pearls

The Woodpecker, Turtle, and Deer

The Three Fish

The Cunning Wolf

The Golden Goose

The Tricky Wolf and the Rats