The “Jataka Tales” are a collection of stories telling of the bodhisattva’s efforts through many lifetimes to bring to fulfillment the ten paramis, or perfections of a buddha: generosity, morality, renunciation, wisdom, effort, patience, truthfulness, resolve, equanimity, and loving-kindness. Likewise, the effort in our own lives to develop these paramis should not be undervalued. They are the powerful causes of all spiritual accomplishment.