Poetry and Compositional Structure of the Sanskrit Buddhist Narrative Supriya Sarthavaha jataka in Bhadrakalpavadana

Soma Basu (Sikdar), Nicholas Kazanas

ISBN 10: 8195619843 / ISBN 13: 9788195619849

Published by The Asiatic Society, 2022

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: Poetry and Compositional Structure of the Sanskrit Buddhist Narrative Supriya Sarthavaha jataka in Bhadrakalpavadana
• Publisher: The Asiatic Society
• Publication Date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 8195619843
• ISBN 13: 9788195619849
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New
• Book Type: book

About this title

Synopsis

This particular work may be placed in the general context of Sanskrit Buddhist narrative literature. The Supriya story as told in the Supriya Sarthavaha Iitaka has a rather simplistic plot and very naive philosophy. The incidents repeat and repeat suggesting oral tradition. It has a very simple story telling structure with the usual magical or supernatural elements — deities, monsters, kinnaras and miracles. The means of salvation are magical jewels or medicinal herbs, whereas only effort to restrain one's negative sides (anger, greed, jealousy, pride and the like) can bring about serious change. Generosity is confined to the rich who have the wealth to do charity on this scale. Surely people are not saved by receiving the commodities they desire—since there is no end to desires. But perhaps simple folk require such simple tales. Sensuous desires are always the root of all sorrow and evil; so good people abstain from all desires and act in like manner for the welfare of the world.