Stories from Buddhism

There are a number of Stories from Buddhism, illustrating compassion, wisdom, and the need for renunciation, among many other topics.

I read these to my kids when they were little. They’re very good for children.

See Jataka Tales for stories of the Buddha’s past lives and moral teachings for children.

Stories from Buddhism Traditions

A collection of captivating Stories from Buddhism that illuminate core concepts in a relatable way. Here are a few gems to introduce you to this storytelling tradition:

1. The Blind Men and the Elephant:

This popular tale explores the concept of impermanence and the limitations of perception. Several blind men encounter an elephant for the first time. Each touches a different part of the elephant – the leg, the trunk, the tail – and forms a distinct impression. They argue about what an elephant truly is, highlighting the importance of acknowledging different perspectives and the limitations of our individual experiences.

2. The Mustard Seed:

This story from the Lotus Sutra emphasizes the power of hidden potential. A woman approaches the Buddha seeking a way to create merit for her deceased son. The Buddha tasks her with finding a mustard seed from a specific family, but with the condition that no one in the household has ever experienced anger, hatred, or grief. The woman’s search proves futile, as everyone has experienced some form of negativity. This reveals that negativity is a universal human experience, and even the smallest seed of good has the potential to blossom into something vast.

3. The Monkey and the Honeycomb:

This Jataka tale, a genre of stories about the Buddha’s past lives, teaches the dangers of greed. A cunning monkey discovers a honeycomb and devises a plan to steal the honey. He flatters a bear guarding the honeycomb, convincing him to step aside. Once the bear leaves, the monkey greedily devours the honey, gets stuck in the pot, and is eventually captured by the villagers. This story serves as a cautionary tale against the pitfalls of unchecked desire.

4. The Rich Man and the Ferryman:

This story from the Dhammapada highlights the importance of letting go of attachment. A wealthy man encounters a ferryman who used to be his servant. The man boasts about his wealth and success, but the ferryman remains unfazed. He explains that he has found contentment and inner peace, which true wealth cannot buy. The story emphasizes the impermanence of material possessions and the value of inner peace.

5. The Fish Trap:

This Zen parable illustrates the concept of liberation. A young man encounters an old master who is setting fish traps. The young man asks why the master continues to set traps when he is already old. The master replies that he sets traps out of habit, but if someone came along who knew how to escape the traps, he would be happy to show them. This story signifies that suffering is a habit we can break, and liberation is possible with the right guidance.

These are just a few examples of the many Stories from Buddhism traditions. By exploring these tales, you gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist values and how they apply to daily life.

5 more Stories from Buddhism

Here’s another selection of captivating Buddhist stories to delve deeper into this rich tradition:

1. Angulimala and the Buddha’s Unwavering Compassion:

Angulimala, a notorious bandit known for wearing a necklace of fingers from his victims, encounters the Buddha on his path. Despite Angulimala’s violent threats, the Buddha remains calm and compassionate. Realizing the futility of his actions and touched by the Buddha’s unwavering kindness, Angulimala repents and becomes a monk, ultimately achieving enlightenment. This story highlights the transformative power of compassion, even in the face of negativity.

2. The Envious Man and the Jealous Neighbor:

This story from the Dhammapada serves as a reminder of the dangers of envy. A wealthy man boasts about his possessions to his neighbor, only to discover that his neighbor is secretly envious and plotting his downfall. This story encourages contentment and highlights the destructive nature of envy.

3. The Milkmaid’s Daydream:

This Jataka tale portrays the impermanence of worldly desires. A young milkmaid, while carrying a pail of milk on her head, daydreams about selling the milk, buying cows, and becoming wealthy. Lost in her fantasies, she stumbles and spills the milk, shattering her dreams. This story emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and letting go of clinging to desires.

4. The Raindrop and the Ocean:

This Zen parable illustrates the concept of selflessness. A single raindrop falls on a traveler seeking shelter from the storm. The traveler complains that the raindrop is useless, as it cannot stop the rain. The raindrop replies that it simply offers itself, and when all the raindrops come together, they create the ocean. This story emphasizes the importance of individual contributions to a greater good.

5. The Two Arrows:

This story from the Buddha’s teachings deals with the concept of suffering. The Buddha explains that life inevitably involves pain, like the first arrow of suffering. However, dwelling on that pain, like the second arrow of self-criticism or blame, only creates more suffering. The story encourages accepting the first arrow but avoiding the second, focusing instead on the path to alleviate suffering.

These Stories from Buddhism offer valuable lessons on compassion, contentment, impermanence, selflessness, and dealing with suffering. As you delve deeper into Buddhist storytelling, you’ll discover a treasure trove of wisdom applicable to your own life’s journey.

May all beings be happy

May all beings be peaceful

May all beings be safe

May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature

May all beings be free