Delightful Tales
From ancient times, people who lived in
both the East and the West shared a great interest in relating and
listening to stories. These stories were handed down from generation
to generation orally, and later evolved into great children's
literature. Stories that existed orally were absorbed into the Jataka
Tales. They were originally in Pali verse, but later elaborated as
Jotaka Atthakatha and translated into Sinhala. All these tales were
well known in India, but after being translated to Sinhala, became
stories of Sri Lankan Buddhists. No other book has influenced
Buddhists in Sri Lanka as much as the Jataka Tales. People gathered
in hundreds at the temples to listen to the Jataka Tales. These tales
depict the life of a Bodhisatva. Therefore, all virtues that should
embody a noble character, such as energy, firmness, wisdom,
loving-kindness, generosity, and honesty, are give prominence in
these stories. These tales not only increase the wisdom of the reader
or listener, but also help to discipline and inspire him. In Sri
Lanka, many Jataka Tales have been dramatized and illustrated as
wall-paintings in temples.
In Delightful Tales, many Jataka Tales
are simplified so that children of all ages can read, listen to, and
understand them. From five hundred and forty-seven tales, I have
chosen twenty-one stories that I believe will trigger the imagination
and interest of a child. They deal with animals, human beings, and
sometimes even supernatural beings. The animals are very human in
their approach to life. Every tale carries an underlying message,
though it may not be emphasized. I hope every reader, whether young
or old, will enjoy reading these stories as much I as I did writing
them.
Precious Tales I and II
Precious Tales I and II are about the Buddha's mission of compassion in this world and the way he dealt with the problems of all beings. These stories are illustrated and written in simple language so that children will be able to read and understand them.
No comments:
Post a Comment