The Jataka collection found in the Pāli Canon’s Khuddaka Nikāya comprises 547 tales of the Buddha’s former lives (sometimes rounded up to 550 when three supplementaries are added). Each story casts the Bodhisatta in a different guise—elephant, monkey, fish—offering a vivid lesson in virtues like generosity, patience, and moral courage.

These centuries-old narratives are anything but dusty relics. A spring exhibit at the British Museum showcased Sri Lankan frescoes of the Vessantara Jataka, drawing art lovers and spiritual seekers alike. Meanwhile, a new podcast series launched this year unwraps one Jataka per episode, proving that bite-sized wisdom can thrive in the streaming era. On Instagram and Twitter, enthusiasts share beautifully illustrated snippets, turning age-old parables into today’s shareable inspiration.

Whether counted as 547 or given a friendly bump to 550, each tale stands alone as a sparkling gem. From the clever monkey who outwits brutal hunters to the selfless hare offering itself to feed a stranger, these narratives continue to resonate—like a box of chocolates, there’s always one that hits the spot. In a world hungry for quick fixes, the Jatakas remind that timeless values often arrive wrapped in the humblest of packages.