A Zen monk strides empty-handed into a tiger’s cage. An Indian master spontaneously empties a bag of gold dust into the air. A young woman lays down the burden of her dead child and asks the Buddha to accept her as his disciple.

These are some of the scenes evoked in Tales of Freedom. Drawn from the rich variety of the Buddhist tradition, these stories convey a sense of inner freedom. We see ordinary people liberate themselves from anger and grief, and great teachers remain free even in the face of death. Vessantara's commentary shows us how we can move towards that freedom in our own lives.

Stories have the power to transform us as we enter their world. The wisdom of these beautifully-told stories can teach us how to break out of our self-imposed mental prisons -- and roam free.