The Jataka tales of the Buddha’s previous births are educational tools for Buddhists. What do they mostly teach?
A proper ritual practice
B the lives of different bodhisattvas
C ethics
D proper recitation of scripture
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C) ethics.
The Jataka tales are stories from Buddhist tradition that recount the previous births of the Buddha, before he achieved enlightenment. These tales illustrate the Buddha’s actions as a bodhisattva, a being destined for Buddhahood who shows great compassion and wisdom. The stories typically emphasize moral lessons and ethical behavior, focusing on qualities such as kindness, generosity, patience, humility, and selflessness. The Jataka tales serve as teaching tools to inspire and guide Buddhists on how to lead a virtuous life and cultivate positive qualities.
Each tale highlights different moral dilemmas and how the bodhisattva (the Buddha in his previous lives) overcame them through virtuous conduct. For example, in some tales, the bodhisattva might sacrifice his own safety or well-being for the benefit of others, showing the importance of compassion and selflessness. In others, the stories explore the value of patience, honesty, and the ability to act with wisdom in challenging situations.
The Jataka tales are intended to encourage Buddhist practitioners to follow the example set by the Buddha and to cultivate these ethical virtues in their own lives. They provide guidance on how to navigate the complexities of life while maintaining a strong moral compass. These stories are often read or shared during religious ceremonies or teachings as a way to inspire personal transformation and ethical growth.
While the Jataka tales also contain elements of Buddhist cosmology and teachings about the bodhisattva path, the core message is one of ethical conduct. Therefore, they are primarily seen as a tool for teaching ethics to Buddhists rather than focusing on ritual practice, the recitation of scripture, or the lives of other bodhisattvas.