Lily Morris's profile

Jataka Tales - Senior Exhibition

Jataka Tales
In the Buddhist tradition, Jataka tales are stories that tell of the Buddha's past lives before he reached enlightenment in his final life. They are often told to children without a religious connotation in the same way we tell fantastical stories of princesses and dragons in western culture. This piece is a series of posters that illustrate the journey to enlightenment through a few of the hundreds of Jataka tales. The stories here share themes of sacrifice and selflessness, and are meant to showcase not only how Buddha has always been a virtuous figure, but how one should act and treat others. I am fascinated with religion as a subject and wanted to explore how storytelling often boils down to similar themes and lessons despite being from drastically different cultures.
This piece won Best in Show at the Fall 2019 Senior Gallery Exhibition. 
The Banyan Deer tells of a king deer that sacrifices himself to save the other animals of the forest.
The Selfless Hare tells of a hare that offers himself as food for a homeless person.
The Golden swan tells of a swan that gives away his golden feathers to help a poor family.
Jataka Tales - Senior Exhibition
Published:

Jataka Tales - Senior Exhibition

Illustration of the path to enlightenment told through Buddha's past lives

Published: