Buddhist Mythology
April 25, 2011 10:05 AM Subscribe
Recommendation for a book of Buddhist mythology?
A short essay by Jorge Luis Borges in Seven Nights included some snippets of stories about the Buddha and early Buddhist teachers that captured my imagination, e.g., the Buddha was once crossing a desert and several gods offered him parasols to use to shade himself; he didn't want to offend any of them, so transformed himself into many duplicate beings. I'm interested in reading more Buddhist mythology/stories. Would love to find something that's both beautifully-written and based on traditional sources.
A short essay by Jorge Luis Borges in Seven Nights included some snippets of stories about the Buddha and early Buddhist teachers that captured my imagination, e.g., the Buddha was once crossing a desert and several gods offered him parasols to use to shade himself; he didn't want to offend any of them, so transformed himself into many duplicate beings. I'm interested in reading more Buddhist mythology/stories. Would love to find something that's both beautifully-written and based on traditional sources.
I can't recommend a specific book, but you might be interested in the Jataka tales.
posted by desjardins at 10:26 AM on April 25, 2011
posted by desjardins at 10:26 AM on April 25, 2011
The children's author/illustrator Demi has written about the Buddha. This one in particular might be interesting, though I know you're not asking specifically for children's lit.
In the same vein, you might enjoy John Muth's Zen Shorts, Zen Ghosts, Zen Ties, The Three Questions, and Stonecutter.
Of the two, I would say Muth probably holds more interest for grownups. He's telling koans and other thought-provoking stories in ways that will reach kids, but still challenge adults.
Also, Demi is more conventional Buddhist while Muth is very explicitly talking about Zen.
posted by richyoung at 11:52 AM on April 25, 2011
In the same vein, you might enjoy John Muth's Zen Shorts, Zen Ghosts, Zen Ties, The Three Questions, and Stonecutter.
Of the two, I would say Muth probably holds more interest for grownups. He's telling koans and other thought-provoking stories in ways that will reach kids, but still challenge adults.
Also, Demi is more conventional Buddhist while Muth is very explicitly talking about Zen.
posted by richyoung at 11:52 AM on April 25, 2011
Rafe Martin is a wonderful storyteller who holds retreats based around the Jataka tales. I'm just starting to read his Endless Path now, based on the recommendation of, oh, basically our entire sangha. Strongly recommended!
posted by mendel at 11:57 AM on April 25, 2011
posted by mendel at 11:57 AM on April 25, 2011
Does Roger Zelazny's Lord of Light count? Probably not? Oh but it should.
posted by xqwzts at 5:05 PM on April 25, 2011
posted by xqwzts at 5:05 PM on April 25, 2011
Lots of the Jataka tales mendel mentions are online at sacred-texts.com. These sound like exactly what you're looking for.
posted by No-sword at 5:36 PM on April 25, 2011
posted by No-sword at 5:36 PM on April 25, 2011
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posted by Hanuman1960 at 10:12 AM on April 25, 2011