JATAKA TALES

Buddhism is independent of one tradition in one place. Since 95% of Buddhists are
"householders," many tales in Buddhist narrative literature teach being moral, making
good karma and tell children that the last moment of life should serve as a lamp and honor the gods. These tales, or Jataka tales, are stories that usually depict defining moments in the previous lives of the Buddha. Sometimes called "feet on the ground Buddhism," Jataka tales offer people of all ages insights into being generous and living a moral life.

Some of the following tales reference water. Read three of the following jataka tales and be able to discuss the importance of water in each:

"The Monkey-Lord Jataka"
"The Great Ape Jataka"
"The Dead Men's Foot"
"The Decayed Well"
"The Sujata"
"The Lotus Sutra"
"Golden Foot"
"What Happens When You Listen"

Do Buddhists like stories? Click here to see several animal forms of the Buddha. Which animals live in water? What role does water play in the life each animal? for the Buddha?

A good death for Buddhists would take place with their feet in the Ganges River. It is for this reason that platforms are located along the riverbanks for dying people and doctors are used to estimate people's time of death. A good death can ensure the last of good karma in this lifetime and send a person off to his/her next exciting life.

Sacred places... Where are the Buddhists' sacred places? Click here to find out!

Town Life and a traditional dancer in Cochin, Kerala, India