Introduction

As Buddhism spread beyond India, my ruling also spread with it. I was one of the connecting links between Buddhism and Hinduism, so my principles are accepted in both worlds. My name is Yama, and I am the God of Death, which brings order and justice to the world. As the God of Death, I also rule as the ultimate Judge of the Afterlife. Because of my titles, I have so many responsibilities in keeping order and justice in the Buddhist and Hindu world, and that world now reaches far beyond India. The Hindu people call me one of the "Guardians of the Directions," and that is precisely what I want to do in these stories. I will be recording important lessons and teachings on this website so all can learn from them. As you read, please take the time to learn how to live on the pious path with me.

Dharma, in the English language, cannot be defined by a single word-- it is defined by many. Living according to Dharma means living with virtues, duties, and conduct that makes life and the universe able to continue. My main goal for my people to live according to Dharma comes from the Buddhist and Hindu belief of how to live a righteous life. In your earthly life, there are many decisions you must make, and each will lead to your ultimate purpose in life. When this life ends, your judgment by me will begin on the basis of Dharma.

To illustrate Buddhist beliefs about Dharma, I will use the Jataka Tales. Many of my doctrines come from Buddhist beliefs in India, which are seen in the Jatakas. The Jataka stories, told many centuries ago by Buddha himself, are poems and tales that teach people the lessons of living honestly. Since Buddha told them to teach people about Dharma, the Jatakas give me a way to show the human world about what it means to live in accordance to Dharma.

Happiness and a righteous life can be attainable through living by Dharma, one of the four aims of a prosperous life, and these Jatakas will be useful to all.

Judge Yama and the Jatakas is a way for people of the earth to see Dharma through my eyes and how I will judge them (it is wonderful because I do not have to leave my home in the underworld).

The Jatakas I will tell come full-circle to Dharma, and I am here to guide you through an in-depth lesson about it. The Boasting Turtle is simply one example of how humility and pride will affect your life. Reading the God of Dharma and Death's feelings and words will teach you how to stay on the path of righteousness. I, Yama, will be guiding you through a journey full of teachings and interesting stories. During that time, I will explain how to live in accordance to my rules of Dharma. There is no better way to see these stories than to hear them through the words of the Great Judge himself.