Endless Path: Awakening Within the Buddhist Imagination: Jataka Tales, Zen Practice, and Daily Life

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Rafe Martin Richard Wehrman

Endless Path

Awakening Within the Buddhist Imagination: Jataka Tales, Zen Practice, and Daily Life

Rafe Martin, Richard Wehrman

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English

North Atlantic Books,U.S.
01 January 2011

Oriental & Indian philosophy; Buddhism; Zen Buddhism

This selection of jataka tales (stories of the Buddha's past lives) told with a Zen twist will appeal not just to Zen students and the Buddhist community but to fans of myth and storytelling, whether in it just for a good yarn or for rich insights into the aspirations and foibles of human nature.
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*WINNER, 2011 Storytelling World Resource Award - Best Storytelling Collection

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.

By: Rafe Martin
Illustrated by: Richard Wehrman
Imprint: North Atlantic Books,U.S.
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 215mm, Width: 140mm, Spine: 15mm
Weight: 390g
ISBN: 9781556439322
ISBN 10: 1556439326
Pages: 288
Publication Date: 01 January 2011
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

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.

Reviews for Endless Path: Awakening Within the Buddhist Imagination: Jataka Tales, Zen Practice, and Daily Life

Endless Path: 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. --Danan Henry Roshi, founder and spiritual director of the Zen Center of Denver 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! --Susan Ji-on Postal Sensei, teacher and spiritual director of the Empty Hand Zen Center, New Rochelle, NY 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