Buddhist Parables

The volume is organized into sixteen major chapters, moving from parables associated with the Buddha’s former births to teachings found in major canonical and commentarial traditions. Chapters I–IV concentrate principally on stories from the Jātaka, particularly narratives illustrating gratitude, unity, discipline, moral conduct, and varied aspects of human behavior. Chapters V–VII collect parables from early sources on miscellaneous themes, humorous narratives, and teachings concerning death. Chapter VIII draws upon the Dīgha Nikāya, especially discussions concerning life after death, while Chapter IX presents narratives from Buddhaghosa’s Legends of the Saints. Chapters X and XI deal respectively with doctrinal teachings and selections from the Milindapañha, including questions concerning personal identity, rebirth, mind, wisdom, Nirvāṇa, and liberation. Chapters XII–XV organize parables from the Dīgha and Majjhima Nikāyas around the religious life, obstacles, pleasure and pain, and moral conduct. Chapter XVI concludes with narratives centered on the Sacred Heart of Buddha, emphasizing compassion, self-sacrifice, generosity, and the Bodhisattva ideal.