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Vessantara Collection

Vessantara is a significant figure in Buddhist mythology, known for his extraordinary acts of generosity and compassion

Background imageVessantara Collection: Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 8 (The Royal Children), 1830-1860. Creator: Unknown

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 8 (The Royal Children), 1830-1860. Creator: Unknown
Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 8 (The Royal Children), 1830-1860

Background imageVessantara Collection: Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 4 (The Forest Edge): Vessantara, Maddi, Jali, and Kanha, 1830-1860 ()

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 4 (The Forest Edge): Vessantara, Maddi, Jali, and Kanha, 1830-1860 (). Creator: Unknown
Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 4 (The Forest Edge): Vessantara, Maddi, Jali, and Kanha, 1830-1860 ()

Background imageVessantara Collection: Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 2 (Himavanta Forest), 1920-1940. Creator: Unknown

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 2 (Himavanta Forest), 1920-1940. Creator: Unknown
Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 2 (Himavanta Forest), 1920-1940

Background imageVessantara Collection: Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 10 (Indra's Realm), 1850-1870. Creator: Unknown

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 10 (Indra's Realm), 1850-1870. Creator: Unknown
Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 10 (Indra's Realm), 1850-1870. The deity Indra fears that a dishonorable person will ask for Maddi

Background imageVessantara Collection: Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 3 (The Gift), c1850-1870. Creator: Unknown

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 3 (The Gift), c1850-1870. Creator: Unknown
Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 3 (The Gift), c1850-1870. After his banishment from the kingdom, Vessantara is accompanied into the forest by his wife, Maddi, and their two children

Background imageVessantara Collection: Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 2 (Himavanta Forest), c1850-1870. Creator: Unknown

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 2 (Himavanta Forest), c1850-1870. Creator: Unknown
Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 2 (Himavanta Forest), c1850-1870. In this scene, we see Prince Vessantara giving his prized white elephant to a group of brahmins from a neighboring kingdom

Background imageVessantara Collection: Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 8 (The Royal Children), 1920-1940. Creator: Unknown

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 8 (The Royal Children), 1920-1940. Creator: Unknown
Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 8 (The Royal Children), 1920-1940. Jujaka visits Vessantara in his cottage in the forest and asks for the children

Background imageVessantara Collection: Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 3, c1920-1940. Creator: Unknown

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 3, c1920-1940. Creator: Unknown
Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 3, c1920-1940

Background imageVessantara Collection: Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 11: Jujaka Treats Jali and Kanha Poorly; While Jujaka... c1875-1925

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 11: Jujaka Treats Jali and Kanha Poorly; While Jujaka... c1875-1925. Creator: Unknown
Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 11: Jujaka Treats Jali and Kanha Poorly; While Jujaka Sleeps the Children are Cared For, c1875-1925

Background imageVessantara Collection: Jali and Kanhajina are Brought Before Their Grandfather King Sanjaya... 19th century

Jali and Kanhajina are Brought Before Their Grandfather King Sanjaya... 19th century. Creator: Unknown
Jali and Kanhajina are Brought Before Their Grandfather King Sanjaya Along with Their Captor, the Ugly Brahmin Jujaka, Scene from Vessantara Jataka, 19th century

Background imageVessantara Collection: Maddi Faints at Loss of Children; Vessantara Revives Her... between c1860 and c1890

Maddi Faints at Loss of Children; Vessantara Revives Her... between c1860 and c1890. Creator: Unknown
Maddi Faints at Loss of Children; Vessantara Revives Her, Scenes from a Vessantara Jataka, between c1860 and c1890

Background imageVessantara Collection: Reunion of Vessantara and Maddi with Their Children and Parents... between 1820 and 1840

Reunion of Vessantara and Maddi with Their Children and Parents... between 1820 and 1840. Creator: Unknown
Reunion of Vessantara and Maddi with Their Children and Parents, Scene from the Vessantaraataka, between 1820 and 1840

Background imageVessantara Collection: Prince Vessantara Gives Away His White Elephant, Scene from Vessantara... between c1860 and c1890

Prince Vessantara Gives Away His White Elephant, Scene from Vessantara... between c1860 and c1890. Creator: Unknown
Prince Vessantara Gives Away His White Elephant, Scene from Vessantara Jataka on Generosity, between c1860 and c1890



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Vessantara is a significant figure in Buddhist mythology, known for his extraordinary acts of generosity and compassion. According to the Jataka tales, Vessantara was a prince who gave away everything he owned, including his kingdom and family, in order to attain enlightenment. His story serves as a powerful example of selflessness and the importance of charity in Buddhism. The tale teaches us about the virtues of detachment and altruism, showing that true happiness comes from giving rather than receiving. Despite facing numerous challenges and hardships along his journey, Vessantara remained steadfast in his commitment to helping others. Through his actions, Vessantara embodies the ideals of kindness and empathy that are central to Buddhist teachings. His story continues to inspire people around the world to practice generosity and cultivate a spirit of compassion towards all beings. In times of uncertainty or struggle, reflecting on the story can provide solace and guidance on how to navigate life's challenges with grace and humility. May we all strive to embody the noble qualities exemplified by this legendary figure in our own lives.