The cautiousness of the wise may be looked upon as over cautiousness by the foolish. This tale tells us of how true wisdom comes only through experience.

***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.

This story will show you the plight of a poor bird that resorted to deceit that didn't get him anywhere.

A lesson of courage and benevolence may come from the most unlikely of sources and this story certainly does prove that!

The age old question of ‘brain or brawn' finds its solution in this enchanting tale.

It doesn't matter how small you are the ‘Clever Monkey' shows you that its how quick and smart you are that matters!

A vicious boy, a wise sage and a seedling……. This is the story of the lessons we can learn from nature if only we open our eyes!