batch.motif.buddhist-jataka-birth-stories-rhys-davids-gutenberg-l3004-l3127
---
record_id: batch.motif.buddhist-jataka-birth-stories-rhys-davids-gutenberg-l3004-l3127
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
passage_locator:
label: PLACES AT WHICH THE TALES WERE TOLD. / TABLE VII. / THE BODISATS. / TABLE
VIII.; lines 3004-3127
start: '3004'
end: '3127'
translation: Buddhist birth stories; or, Jataka tales, Volume 1
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: The passage catalogues Jātaka stories illustrated in bas-relief on ancient
monuments, especially Bharhut, and notes further identified and unidentified Jātaka
or Nidānakathā scenes at Bharhut, Sanchi, and Afghanistan. It then begins the
Nidānakathā, presenting the Jātakas as accounts of the Buddha-to-be’s many existences
and defining three narrative epochs of the Bodhisatta’s career.
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: A table lists twenty-two bas-relief examples from the Bharhut stūpa, pairing
titles inscribed on stone with corresponding titles in the Jātaka Book.
category: object
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: The passage says there are many other untitled or unidentified scenes that
are considered likely illustrations of Jātaka stories.
category: object
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:3
text: The passage gives examples of monument scenes associated with the Nidānakathā,
including worship in heaven of the Buddha’s head-dress, the Palace of Glory, the
Descent of the Blessed One, Māyā Devi’s Dream, and the Presentation of the Jetavana
Monastery.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:4
text: Bas-reliefs on the Sanchi Tope are said to have been identified as illustrations
of the Sama, Asadisa, and Vessantara Jātakas, with other Jātaka scenes not yet
identified.
category: relationship
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:5
text: Drawings of bas-reliefs discovered in Afghanistan are said to include two
identified as illustrations of the Sumedha Jātaka and another as illustrative
of a later-described scene.
category: relationship
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:6
text: The introductory verses describe the Jātakas as births in which the Teacher
and Leader, desiring the salvation of mankind, fulfilled the conditions of Buddhahood
over a long period.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:7
text: The commentary is framed with reverence to the Great Sage, the Law, the Clergy,
and the Three Gems.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:8
text: The passage divides the Bodhisatta narrative into Distant, Intermediate, and
Proximate Epochs.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:9
text: The Distant Epoch runs from the Bodhisatta’s resolution at the feet of Dīpankara
to his rebirth in Tusita heaven after the Vessantara existence.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:10
text: The Intermediate Epoch runs from the Bodhisatta’s leaving Tusita heaven to
his attainment of omniscience on the throne of Knowledge.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:11
text: The Proximate Epoch is located in the various places where the Bodhisatta
or Buddha sojourned during his ministry on earth.
category: setting
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: Buddha / Bodhisatta / Great Sage / Teacher and Leader
description: The central sacred figure described as the Great Sage, the Teacher
and Leader, the Bodhisatta whose existences are narrated, and the Blessed One
represented in monument scenes.
role_refs:
- role:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:5
- ev:6
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: Dīpankara
description: The figure at whose feet the Bodhisatta formed a resolution to become
a Buddha.
role_refs:
- role:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: Māyā Devi
description: Named in connection with Māyā Devi’s Dream, illustrated by a scene
titled the Descent of the Blessed One.
role_refs:
- role:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: Atthadassin, Buddhamitta, and Buddhadeva
description: Monastic figures named as requesters or supporters of the commentary’s
recitation.
role_refs:
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: recension-makers of the Scriptures
description: Those said to have collected the birth narratives and added them to
the canon under the name of the Jātaka.
role_refs:
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
roles:
- id: role:1
label: future Buddha and subject of the birth narratives
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: The passage presents the Jātakas as accounts of the Bodhisatta’s existences
and of the Teacher and Leader fulfilling the conditions of Buddhahood.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:6
- id: role:2
label: sacred predecessor before whom the Bodhisatta makes his resolution
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: The Distant Epoch begins when the Bodhisatta forms his resolution at Dīpankara’s
feet.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: role:3
label: dream-associated mother figure
assigned_to:
- fig:3
basis: The passage names Māyā Devi’s Dream in connection with the Descent of the
Blessed One.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: role:4
label: monastic requesters of the commentary
assigned_to:
- fig:4
basis: The passage says the commentary is recited at the personal request of these
named monks or elders.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: role:5
label: canonical compilers and reciters
assigned_to:
- fig:5
basis: The passage says the birth narratives were collected, added to the canon,
and rehearsed by those who made the recension of the Scriptures.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: bas-relief scenes on ancient monuments
literal_form: Stone bas-reliefs illustrating Jātaka or Nidānakathā scenes
associated_figures: []
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:4
- id: sym:2
label: Buddha’s head-dress
literal_form: The Buddha’s head-dress worshipped in heaven after its reception there
associated_figures:
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: sym:3
label: Palace of Glory
literal_form: Heavenly mansion inscribed Vejayanto Pāsādo
associated_figures: []
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: sym:4
label: Descent of the Blessed One
literal_form: Scene title Bhagavato Okkanti, glossed as The Descent of the Blessed
One
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: sym:5
label: Three Gems
literal_form: The Three Gems invoked in the act of veneration and honour
associated_figures:
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: sym:6
label: Tusita heaven
literal_form: Heaven from which the Bodhisatta departs and in which he is reborn
after the Vessantara existence
associated_figures:
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: sym:7
label: throne of Knowledge
literal_form: The throne on which omniscience is attained
associated_figures:
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Bharhut Jātaka bas-relief catalogue
summary: The passage lists named bas-relief scenes on Bharhut plates and correlates
them with Jātaka Book titles.
figure_refs: []
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: scene:2
label: Heavenly worship of the Buddha’s head-dress
summary: A monument scene is described as the worship in heaven of the Buddha’s
head-dress after its reception into heaven.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
symbol_refs:
- sym:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: scene:3
label: Palace of Glory
summary: A heavenly mansion is identified as the Palace of Glory and is inscribed
Vejayanto Pāsādo.
figure_refs: []
symbol_refs:
- sym:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: scene:4
label: Descent of the Blessed One and Māyā Devi’s Dream
summary: A scene titled Bhagavato Okkanti, translated as The Descent of the Blessed
One, is said to illustrate Māyā Devi’s Dream.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:3
symbol_refs:
- sym:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: scene:5
label: Presentation of Jetavana Monastery
summary: A plate is described as a representation of the Presentation of the Jetavana
Monastery.
figure_refs: []
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: scene:6
label: Compilation and devotional framing of the Jātaka
summary: The births are said to have been collected into scripture, and the commentary
begins with homage to the Great Sage, the Law, the Clergy, and the Three Gems.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:5
symbol_refs:
- sym:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: scene:7
label: Three Epochs of the Bodhisatta narrative
summary: The narrative is divided into Distant, Intermediate, and Proximate Epochs,
from the resolution before Dīpankara through departure from Tusita and attainment
of omniscience to places of earthly ministry.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
symbol_refs:
- sym:6
- sym:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: many births as progressive fulfillment of Buddhahood
taxonomy_refs:
- wisdom
basis: The passage says the Teacher and Leader fulfilled the conditions of Buddhahood
through many former births and later attained omniscience.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:6
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage is introductory and programmatic; it does not narrate individual
birth episodes in detail.
- id: motif:2
label: vow or resolution to become a Buddha before Dīpankara
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: The Distant Epoch begins when the Bodhisatta forms a resolution to become
a Buddha at Dīpankara’s feet.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
confidence: high
cautions: The passage states the event only as a chronological boundary and does
not give the full narrative.
- id: motif:3
label: descent from heaven associated with sacred birth dream
taxonomy_refs:
- sacred_birth
basis: A scene titled The Descent of the Blessed One is said to illustrate Māyā
Devi’s Dream, and the Intermediate Epoch begins with leaving Tusita heaven.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:6
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage names the descent and dream but does not recount the dream’s
contents or birth episode.
- id: motif:4
label: sacred object received and worshipped in heaven
taxonomy_refs:
- ascent
basis: The passage describes a scene of worship in heaven of the Buddha’s head-dress,
whose reception into heaven is mentioned.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
confidence: medium
cautions: The ascent is of an object associated with the Buddha rather than an explicit
bodily ascent of the figure.
- id: motif:5
label: epochal structuring of a sacred life narrative
taxonomy_refs:
- departure
basis: The Bodhisatta’s story is organized into Distant, Intermediate, and Proximate
Epochs, including his departure from Tusita and movement toward omniscience and
earthly ministry.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
confidence: medium
cautions: Only the outline of the epochs is supplied in this passage.
comparison_claims:
- id: claim:1
claim: The passage explicitly correlates Bharhut bas-relief inscriptions with Jātaka
Book titles, presenting the stone scenes as visual counterparts to textual Jātaka
narratives.
claim_level: visual_similarity
target: Bharhut bas-reliefs and the Jātaka Book
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
counter_evidence_refs:
- ev:2
confidence: high
limitations: Some identifications are marked uncertain or doubtful, especially Nos.
12 and 13, and many scenes remain unidentified.
- id: claim:2
claim: The passage reports that Sanchi Tope bas-reliefs have been identified as
illustrations of specific Jātakas also known from the Jātaka tradition.
claim_level: visual_similarity
target: Sanchi Tope bas-reliefs and the Sama, Asadisa, and Vessantara Jātakas
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
counter_evidence_refs:
- ev:3
confidence: medium
limitations: The claim is reported through Mr. Fergusson’s identifications, and
the passage notes that other Sanchi Jātaka scenes are not yet identified.
- id: claim:3
claim: The passage reports that Afghan bas-reliefs have been identified as visual
illustrations of Jātaka or related narrative scenes.
claim_level: visual_similarity
target: Afghanistan bas-reliefs and the Sumedha Jātaka or a later-described scene
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
counter_evidence_refs: []
confidence: medium
limitations: The passage gives only brief identification information and does not
describe the imagery of the Afghan reliefs.
- id: claim:4
claim: The passage treats certain monument scenes as illustrations not only of Jātaka
stories but also of Nidānakathā episodes, including the Descent of the Blessed
One and the Presentation of Jetavana.
claim_level: same_function
target: monumental relief scenes and Nidānakathā episodes
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
counter_evidence_refs: []
confidence: medium
limitations: The passage names the scenes and textual locations but does not narrate
the episodes themselves.
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: lines 3004-3058
quote_or_summary: Table VIII lists Jātakas illustrated in bas-relief on ancient
monuments, arranged from Cunningham’s Stūpa of Bharhut, with twenty-two entries
comparing stone inscriptions and Jātaka Book titles.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: lines 3060-3072
quote_or_summary: The passage notes numerous untitled or unidentified Jātaka scenes
and several Nidānakathā scenes, including worship in heaven of the Buddha’s head-dress,
the Palace of Glory, the Descent of the Blessed One illustrating Māyā Devi’s Dream,
and the Presentation of Jetavana; it also says some identifications are doubtful.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: lines 3074-3078
quote_or_summary: Mr. Fergusson is said to have identified Sanchi Tope bas-reliefs
illustrating the Sama, Asadisa, and Vessantara Jātakas, with other Sanchi Jātaka
scenes still unidentified.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: lines 3080-3083
quote_or_summary: Mr. Simpson’s drawings of Afghan bas-reliefs are said to include
two identifiable as illustrations of the Sumedha Jātaka and another as a scene
described later in the volume.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:5
type: summary
locator: lines 3088-3107
quote_or_summary: The opening of the Nidānakathā describes the former births recounted
by the Great Sage, the Teacher and Leader who desired the salvation of mankind
and fulfilled the conditions of Buddhahood; it mentions collecting these births
into the canon as the Jātaka and invokes the Great Sage, the Law, the Clergy,
and the Three Gems.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: lines 3115-3127
quote_or_summary: 'The commentary is to be expounded through three Epochs: the Distant
Epoch from the Bodhisatta’s resolution at Dīpankara’s feet to rebirth in Tusita
after Vessantara; the Intermediate Epoch from leaving Tusita to omniscience on
the throne of Knowledge; and the Proximate Epoch in the places of his earthly
ministry.'
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:7
type: summary
locator: lines 3102-3109
quote_or_summary: The narrator says the commentary is recited at the request of
the elder Atthadassin, Buddhamitta, and the monk Buddhadeva.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: medium
notes: The passage is mainly a catalogue and introductory framework rather than
a full mythic episode. Monument-text identifications are explicit, while motif
labels are necessarily broad and should be reviewed.
reviewer_status:
status: needs_review
reviewer: ''
reviewed_at: ''
notes: Machine-generated draft from OpenAI Batch; not human-reviewed.
extracted_by: openai_batch:gpt-5.5
extracted_at: '2026-04-28'
notes: |-
No unsupported external identifications were added. Available taxonomy references were used only where directly supportable from the passage wording.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:buddhist-jataka-birth-stories-rhys-davids-gutenberg__l3004-l3127
passage_sha256=ef04ba177102f7c7a85338a6d83026d9febc8781c5ec59bf2da4f73d5a1d598c