Greco-Buddhism

[Vangelis]

A period of Ancient Greek history that is not well known amongst the Greek community is the influence that the Greeks had on Buddhism especially through their art and also the influence that Buddhism and other ascetic systems in India had on Greek philosophy. You can read all about it in this article: Greco-Buddhism

 

[greggd12]

Wow this is maybe one of the most surprising. things I have learned about Greece and Greek Culture!! We are so much more influenced of other cultures than we know, we should embrace it

 

[Hash]

A period of Ancient Greek history that is not well known amongst the Greek community is the influence that the Greeks had on Buddhism especially through their art and also the influence that Buddhism and other ascetic systems in India had on Greek philosophy. You can read all about it in this article: Greco-Buddhism

A period of Ancient Greek history that is not well known amongst the Greek community is the influence that the Greeks had on Buddhism especially through their art and also the influence that Buddhism and other ascetic systems in India had on Greek philosophy. You can read all about it in this article: Greco-Buddhism

Thank you

A period of Ancient Greek history that is not well known amongst the Greek community is the influence that the Greeks had on Buddhism especially through their art and also the influence that Buddhism and other ascetic systems in India had on Greek philosophy. You can read all about it in this article: Greco-Buddhism

Sas Efgharisto polee for this, yasou apo mena from Thailand Vangelis,I have been searching for this information which I have read somewhere else in my books...and I have so many of them... especially about the beginnings of the statute and the fabulous artistic side of this!

Below is an extract from your link that I just quickly read! Amazing reading!

Greek artists were most probably the authors of these early representations of the Buddha, in particular the standing statues, which display "a realistic treatment of the folds and on some even a hint of modelled volume that characterizes the best Greek work. This is Classical or Hellenistic Greek, not archaizing Greek transmitted by Persia or Bactria, nor distinctively Roman."[39]

The Greek stylistic influence on the representation of the Buddha, through its idealistic realism, also permitted a very accessible, understandable and attractive visualization of the ultimate state of enlightenment described by Buddhism, allowing it to reach a wider audience:

One of the distinguishing features of the Gandharan school of art that emerged in north-west India is that it has been clearly influenced by the naturalism of the Classical Greek style. Thus, while these images still convey the inner peace that results from putting the Buddha's doctrine into practice, they also give us an impression of people who walked and talked, etc. and slept much as we do. I feel this is very important. These figures are inspiring because they do not only depict the goal, but also the sense that people like us can achieve it if we try.
— 14th Dalai Lama[40]

 

[JayJayT]

Thank you for sharing this. It is fascinating how the Ancient Greeks influenced all kinds of cultures. I had no idea there was such a thing as Greco-Buddhism and I am surprised I haven't bumped into it before.

Hash, I agree. The quote by the Dalai Lama is incredibly fascinating!

 

[Vangelis]

@Hash Since you live in the country of Theravadin Buddhism, the oldest extant form of Buddhism in the world today, you might be aware of the Milinda Pañha which is the debate between King Menander and the ascetic Buddhist monk, Nāgasena. Even though this was written much later, it is usually included as part of the Theravadin Buddhist canon. If you are interested, you can read excerpts of the english translation here: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/miln/miln.intro.kell.html or alternatively, you can download an abridged pdf translation here: http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/milinda.pdf

 

[Hash]

Thank you for sharing this. It is fascinating how the Ancient Greeks influenced all kinds of cultures. I had no idea there was such a thing as Greco-Buddhism and I am surprised I haven't bumped into it before.

Hash, I agree. The quote by the Dalai Lama is incredibly fascinating!

I registered to have a chat on Zoom with Dalai Lama a few weeks ago, totally forgot about it .... and I vaguely remember time difference too!...I would love to ask him directly,he has a great sense of humour,I have watched many of his conversations with various people around the world... good fun!.... Kalley Mera....let us develop this part of cultural heritage and how intertwined our beings have been for centuries!.

 

[Hash]

@Hash Since you live in the country of Theravadin Buddhism, the oldest extant form of Buddhism in the world today, you might be aware of the Milinda Pañha which is the debate between King Menander and the ascetic Buddhist monk, Nāgasena. Even though this was written much later, it is usually included as part of the Theravadin Buddhist canon. If you are interested, you can read excerpts of the english translation here: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/miln/miln.intro.kell.html or alternatively, you can download an abridged pdf translation here: http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/milinda.pdf

Thank you so much Vangelis, have downloaded for later on....I have that website too!... Let us develop this subject and see where it takes us!... Kalley Mera su!

 

[cubrinj]

Thank you so much Vangelis, have downloaded for later on....I have that website too!... Let us develop this subject and see where it takes us!... Kalley Mera su!

Very interesting links @Vangelis. The role of devils advocate is very western and it makes me think how westerners always want concrete answers to questions. Sometimes we just don't know, and that's okay. The universe is the universe and not everything is black and white