Garland of the Buddha’s Past Lives (volume two of two)

By Āryaśūra Translated by Justin Meiland

Companion Volumes Garland of the Buddha’s Past Lives (volume one of two)

In this second volume of the “Garland of the Buddha’s Past Lives,” Arya·shura applies his elegant literary skill toward composing fourteen further stories that depict the Buddha’s quest for enlightenment in his former lives.

Here the perfection of forbearance becomes the dominant theme, as the future Buddha suffers mutilations from the wicked and sacrifices himself for those he seeks to save. Friendship, too, takes on central significance, with greed leading to treachery and enemies transformed into friends through the future Buddha’s miraculous virtue.

The setting for many such moral feats is the forest. Portrayed as home for the future Buddha in his lives as an animal or ascetic, the peaceful harmony of this idyllic realm is often violently interrupted by intrusions from human society. Only the future Buddha can resolve the ensuing conflict, influencing even kings to express wonder and devotion at the startling demonstrations of virtue they encounter.

About the Translator

Justin Meiland is Lecturer in Buddhist Studies at Mahidol University, Bangkok. He has also translated Maha·bhárata IX: Shalya volume one and volume two for the CSL.