Reading Notes: Jataka Tales, Part B

Jataka Tales, Part B

by Ellen C. Babbitt

The Wise and Foolish Merchant

• Lesson #1: Don't trust people so easily.
• Personal note: I feel that it is good to have faith in people. People are born good. However, there might be people who want to purposely trip you and that is when we have to be cautious. Trust your gut.
• Lesson #2: The good, observant being always wins. 
• We must always remember to look outside of ourselves and recognize what is going on around us. 

The Elephant Girly-face

• Lesson: We tend to listen to those around us. So, surround yourself with those who make you better and guide you in a good direction. 

The Banyan Deer

• Lesson: Others before self. 
• My favorite quote is "People change people: How can 'us' help 'them?'" This tale is a representation of how one king deer helped out another deer in need. 
• Personal note: Also, I have recently been watching the news a lot as I practice social distancing. I have watched a lot of Chris and Andrew Cuomo and I watched a video honoring their late father, Mario Cuomo. He taught people that one is defined by how they take care of others. I think this correlates very well to the tale. 

The Princes and the Water-Sprite

• Lesson: Know what the good do and also be kind.

The King's White Elephant

• Lesson: We should always help each other.

The Ox Who Never Envied the Pig

• Lesson: With patience comes good things.
• Personal note: Sometimes, we want to rush things, in order to get to the finish line or the top faster. However, we all have our individual path. We must be patient. 
• Sometimes rushing things will lead us in dangers places.

Grannie's Blackie

• Lesson #1: Recognize the constants in your life.
• Lesson #2: Do not forget to thank those who have helped you. (Thank others in the way you deem appropriate for the situation.)
• Lesson #3: There is greatness in a life of simplicity. 

The Crab and the Crane

• Lesson #1: Analyze your safety in any situation. 
• Lesson #2: Take precautions for your safety. 

Why the Owl is Not King of the Birds

• Lesson: If you try to knock another from the top in order to get there yourself, neither one of you will win. 

This image is from the Jataka tale "Grannie's Blackie." This tale was my favorite from Jataka Tales, Part B. Even though it is not a lesson in the forefront of the tale, I felt that the life Grannie and Blackie lived were simple, and that there is strength in simplicity. Grannie and Blackie really were the best of friends and really loved each other, even if it was never said, it was inferred through their actions. I want to live a life like this. 

Bibliography: Jataka Tales, Part B. Author: Ellen C. Babbitt. Illustrator: Ellsworth Young. 1912.