{"product_id":"buddhist-myths-cosmology-tales-legends-9781838862268","title":"Buddhist Myths: Cosmology, Tales \u0026 Legends","description":"\u003cp\u003ePracticed today by more than 500 million adherents, Buddhism emerged from India between the sixth and fourth centuries BCE. Based around the original teachings of the Buddha, key texts emerged to promote a true understanding of Buddhist ethics and spiritual practices. \u003cbr\u003eThe Buddhist traditions created a vast body of mythological literature, much of it focused on the life of the Buddha. For example, the 550 Jataka Tales tell of Buddha's early life and renunciation, as well as his previous human and animal incarnations. The stories also tell of Gautama Buddha's family, such as his mother Mara, and her dream of a white elephant preceding his birth; as well as his cousin, Devadatta, a disciple monk who rebelled against Buddha and tried to kill him. Buddhist literature includes numerous parables - such as the Turtle Who Couldn't Stop Talking - as well as recounting scenes from the Indian epic the Ramayana. History and myth intermingle in texts such as Ashokavadana, where the Mauryan emperor Ashoka is portrayed as a model of Buddhist kingship. \u003cbr\u003eIllustrated with 120 photographs and artworks, \u003ci\u003e Buddhist Myths\u003c\/i\u003e is an accessible, engaging and highly informative exploration of the fascinating mythology underlying one of the world's oldest and most influential religions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMartin J. Dougherty is the author of \u003ci\u003eVikings: A History of the Norse People\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe Wars of the Roses\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eNorse Myths\u003c\/i\u003e, among many other books. A former defense consultant, he also writes on personal self-defense and modern military technology.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Amber Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51966995759378,"sku":"9781838862268","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_78c78eef-309c-4644-b8c3-88f43b7fd91b.jpg?v=1768918761","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/buddhist-myths-cosmology-tales-legends-9781838862268","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}