Drawn from the rich variety of the Buddhist tradition, the 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.