Overview

The jataka tales-stories of the Buddha's past lives (in both human and animal form)-were first said to have been told by the Buddha himself 2,500 years ago. Five hundred and fifty jataka tales comprise part of the oldest Buddhist text, the Pali Canon. From this wealth of folklore, award-winning author and storyteller Rafe Martin has chosen ten tales that illustrate the ideals of the Buddhist paramitas, or ""perfections"" of character- giving, morality, forbearance, vitality, focused meditation, wisdom, compassionate skillful means, resolve, strength, and knowledge. Artist and designer Richard Wehrman helps bring the spirit of these stories alive with rich illustrations that open each chapter. Endless Path presents these ancient stories, usually reduced to children's tales in the West, for adults, reconnecting modern seekers with the more imaginative roots of Buddhism. The jatakas help readers see their own lives, their failures and renewed efforts, in the same light as the challenges the Buddha faced-not as obstacles but as opportunities for developing character and self-understanding. Endless Path demonstrates the relevance of these tales to Buddhist lay practitioners today, as well as to those more broadly interested in Buddhist teaching and the ancient art of storytelling.

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9781556439322

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Endless Path: <br> Oh, such stories and commentaries! They stand side by side with the koans, the words and doings of the Zen masters of old and new, and together with them help us rise above narrowness and know a life of greater selflessness and affection, bringing peace to ourselves and the world. Svaha! Nine bows to Rafe Martin. <br>--Danan Henry Roshi, founder and spiritual director of the Zen Center of Denver <br> Rafe Martin's retelling of the ancient jataka tales, and his insightful commentaries that relate the stories to our daily lives and the paramitas, is an inspiration. We hear a new voice here from the old storyteller and it brings great joy! <br>--Susan Ji-on Postal Sensei, teacher and spiritual director of the Empty Hand Zen Center, New Rochelle, NY <br> Endless Path is a gem. Martin's enthusiasm for the jatakas leaps off each page, bringing the reader into a realm where the deepest truths are revealed by even the most humble creatures. This book should bet

Endless Path: <br>&ldquo;Oh, such stories and commentaries! They stand side by side with the koans, the words and doings of the Zen masters of old and new, and together with them help us rise above narrowness and know a life of greater selflessness and affection, bringing peace to ourselves and the world. Svaha! Nine bows to Rafe Martin.&rdquo;<br>&mdash;Danan Henry Roshi, founder and spiritual director of the Zen Center of Denver <br>&ldquo;Rafe Martin&rsquo;s retelling of the ancient jataka tales, and his insightful commentaries that relate the stories to our daily lives and the paramitas, is an inspiration. We hear a new voice here from the old storyteller and it brings great joy!&rdquo;<br>&mdash;Susan Ji-on Postal Sensei, teacher and spiritual director of the Empty Hand Zen Center, New Rochelle, NY <br>&ldquo; Endless Path is a gem. Martin&rsquo;s enthusiasm for the jatakas leaps off each page, bringing the reader into a realm where the deepest truths are revealed by even the

Author Information

Rafe Martin maintains an active schedule of appearances at libraries, schools, and Zen centers across the country. His works have been cited in Time, Newsweek, and USA Today. He was the 2008 recipient of the Empire State Award from the New York Library Association. The author of over 20 books including Birdwing, The Rough-Face Girl, and One Hand Clapping, he lives in Rochester, NY.

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