Reading Notes: Jataka Tales Part B

 The Wise and Foolish Merchant - Don't be foolish like the merchant. Be wise and always observe

The Elephant Girly-Face - Shows the innocence of children, or even someone who doesn't know better in adulthood.

The Banyan Deer - Always show mercy, even if you are the king or most powerful in your herd.

The Princes and the Water-Sprite - I don't know if it's supposed to be known what good fairies are like, but the oldest prince knows. Because of this we know he's the wisest of the three. We can learn about the power of wisdom from this story.

The King's White Elephant - I'm not quite sure there's a moral to this story here, other than simply working hard. The White Elephant was beautiful, and it seemed to workout for him once he became the king's.

The Ox Who Never Envied the Pig - In my opinion this is giving the advice to treat your body right. Don't envy others who have everything given to them, because it doesn't always work out in a good way - just as it didn't with the pig.

Grannie's Blackie - I think this is supposed to reflect the lives of children in how our parents take care and nourish us from birth. Once our parents grow old we are to take on that responsibility and look out for them in a way.

The Crab and the Crane - This is supposed to teach not to be foolish in a way. I say in a way because the fish are innocent and have no idea the crane's intention, but it ends up killing them. 

Why the Owl Is Not King of the Birds - Simply do not argue and create enemies, because the only thing it will do is create turmoil and harm for both sides. Eventually a third party will come in to take the job the two sides are fighting for.

The War on the Crows and Owls. Storieo.com

Bibliography:

Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Introduction to Preston's Biochemistry Experience

Week 3 Story: Super Mario Bros