A Comparative Study of Jātaka and Avadāna

Abstract

There are narrative literatures for every religion to communicate their teachings. Birth and perfections of the Bodhisatva has cited by the jātaka literature which is the main narrative literature in Theravada Buddhism. Avadāna means exploit or heroic actions, which is like a Sanskrit Avadāna literature. But that is more equal to jātaka because of the discussion of bodhisattva. The main object of this study is identification of the differences of objects, structure, circumstances and manner of the two literatures. It has used primary and secondary sources of jātaka and avadāna for this research. Jātka has depended on ancient Indian literature and primary Buddhism. Viewpoint of the jātaka is representing behaviors of the bodhisattva underneath the Theravada Buddhism. That is famous as a miracle of fulfill the perfections. But we can see the flash back of Gautama Buddha. It has a respective structure which is mentioned past and future stories and the combination. Awadāna adjusted influence of Sanskrit literature. This is wondrous comment the bodhisattva character and highlighted him than the Buddha. Further in awadāna have past, future and advices. But that is not a method only a simple structure. Occasionally in awadāna, Buddha preach the future things behalf of the past story. According to that the bodhisattva concept in Mahayana tradition has commented. Kuddaka nikāya and some suttas in Theravada buddhism has assisted to awadāna, which had not disclosed the Mahayana theories. Pali jātaka also not highlighted the teravāda concepts or theories. According to that both literatures has wished to socialize base practices for spiritual life.