Description
This monumental six-volume set represents one of the most treasured collections in Buddhist literature—the complete Jataka tales, chronicling 547 birth stories of the Buddha across countless lifetimes. Edited by the distinguished scholar E.B. Cowell and translated from the original Pali canon, these narratives blend moral wisdom, folklore, and spiritual insight into timeless parables that have guided seekers for over two millennia. Each story reveals how the Bodhisattva, in various forms—from noble kings to humble animals—cultivated virtues like compassion, honesty, and selflessness. Motilal Banarsidass’s hardcover edition preserves this scholarly treasure in three substantial parts totaling 1,990 pages, making it an essential acquisition for students of Buddhism, comparative religion scholars, literature enthusiasts, and anyone drawn to India’s rich spiritual heritage. Whether you’re researching Buddhist philosophy, seeking wisdom literature, or building a collection of sacred texts, this authoritative complete set offers unparalleled depth and authenticity.
- Publisher : Motilal Banarsidass Publishers; Sixth Reprint edition (1 January 2014); Motilal Banarsidass Publishers
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 1990 pages
- ISBN-10 : 8120807251
- ISBN-13 : 978-8120807259
- Item Weight : 2 kg 660 g
- Country of Origin : India
- Importer : Motilal Banarsidass Publishers
- Packer : Motilal Banarsidass Publishers
- Generic Name : Book
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Jataka tales and why are they important in Buddhism?
The Jataka tales are 547 stories from the Pali Buddhist canon that recount the previous births of Gautama Buddha before he achieved enlightenment. They’re considered sacred scripture in Theravada Buddhism and serve as moral teaching tools, illustrating virtues like compassion, wisdom, and selflessness through engaging narratives featuring animals, humans, and divine beings.
Who translated the complete Jataka stories in this 6-volume set?
This authoritative edition was edited by E.B. Cowell (Edward B. Cowell), a renowned Cambridge scholar of Sanskrit and Pali literature. The translation was completed by a team of experts working under his editorial guidance, translating directly from the original Pali texts. Motilal Banarsidass has published this scholarly edition for Indian readers and researchers.
How many pages are in the complete Jataka tales 6-volume set?
The complete set contains 1,990 pages across six volumes bound in three substantial parts. This hardcover edition from Motilal Banarsidass weighs approximately 2.66 kg and represents the most comprehensive English translation of all 547 Jataka birth stories available in print.
Is this Jataka set suitable for academic research on Buddhism in India?
Absolutely. This is the definitive scholarly edition widely cited in Buddhist studies, comparative religion courses, and research on Indian literature. The Cowell translation maintains academic rigor with annotations and references to original Pali sources, making it invaluable for university students, researchers, and serious practitioners of Buddhism.
Where can I buy the complete Jataka stories 6-volume set online in India?
You can purchase this authentic Motilal Banarsidass hardcover edition at The Bookish Owl for ₹4,000 with delivery across India. This price reflects the comprehensive nature of the six-volume set containing nearly 2,000 pages of translated Buddhist scripture, making it a valuable investment for any serious collection of spiritual or Buddhist literature.
