Jatakalike

Jatakalike is a term used in the context of Buddhist literature, particularly in the Pali Canon, to refer to a type of story that is similar to the Jataka tales. The Jataka tales are a collection of 547 stories found in the Pali Canon, which recount the previous births of the Buddha. These stories are often used to illustrate moral lessons and to provide insight into the teachings of Buddhism.

Jatakalike stories share many characteristics with the Jataka tales. They typically involve a protagonist who, through their actions or inactions, experience a series of rebirths until they achieve enlightenment. These stories often emphasize the importance of right conduct, right speech, and right livelihood as paths to liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

The term "jatakalike" is used to describe stories that are similar to the Jataka tales in structure and theme, but may not necessarily be part of the Jataka collection itself. These stories can be found in various Buddhist texts and are used to teach similar moral lessons and to illustrate the Buddhist path to enlightenment.

In summary, jatakalike stories are a type of Buddhist narrative that share similarities with the Jataka tales, focusing on the theme of rebirth and the path to enlightenment through right conduct and understanding.