Greco-Buddhism

The Graeco- Buddhism is the result of a cultural syncretism between the Classical Greek culture and Buddhism, in the land that today includes Afghanistan and Pakistan, has evolved over a period of 800 years. The Greek philosophy influenced thereby the development of Mahayana Buddhism, which spread from the 5th century in the Imperial China, Korea and Japan, where he exercised great influence on art and culture.

History

The interaction between Hellenism and Buddhism began when Alexander the Great from 334 BC resumed his campaign in Asia and later came into direct contact with India, the birthplace of Buddhism. Alexander founded a number of cities in the conquered countries, whereby the intense cultural exchange and trade was established.

After Alexander's death in 323 BC, his generals established their own kingdoms, including Seleucus I, who established the Seleucid Empire, which initially maintained the extension to India. Bactria - - Later, the eastern part of the Seleucid Empire Greco- Bactrian Kingdom as broke away ( 3rd-2nd century BC), where the Indo- Greek Kingdom ( 2nd to 1st century BC), and finally the Kushan Empire ( 1st century BC to the 3rd century ) followed.

Ashoka, Emperor of Hindustan ( united Altin Tue - 2nd century BC) brought a Greek translation of the Buddhist canon into circulation by sending teachers to the Greek islands. There are some good arguments for a mutual influence of Greek philosophy and Buddhism (see philosophy of the Alexandrian school).

This fusion of Greek and Buddhist culture is vividly illustrated by the many statues of the rich Greco- Buddhist art of Gandhara as creative centers that reflect the blend of Greek and Buddhist influences. They lasted for several centuries until it was interrupted in the 5th century with the invasion of the White Huns and finally the Islamic conquest.

Influences

The resulting Hellenized form of Buddhism expanded from the 5th century to North Asia, China, Korea and Japan, and formed the basis of Mahayana Buddhism, which in turn is the origin of Zen.

The image of the Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism is an example of Greco- Buddhist fusion with its Greco-Roman toga -like flowing robe, both shoulders covered, Mediterranean curly hair and the Apollo -like soft and pitying expression, everything artistic in the strict realism of Greek art.

Other Buddhist Deities are direct adaptations of Greek gods, such as Hercules as an inspiration of Vajrapani (执 金刚 神Shukongōshin in Japan), the enraged and muscular guardian god of Buddha, who today as a statue at the entrances of many Buddhist temples in the appearance of a fearsome wrestler (for example, Nikko, Japan) is.

The influence of the Graeco- Buddhism in the cultural facilities north Asian countries, especially Korea and Japan, although clearly visible in the art and religion, could have also used in the intellectual realm. Central concepts of Hellenistic culture as well as virtue, excellence or quality may have been taken over by the culture of Korea and Japan after a long diffusion among the Hellenized cities of Central Asia, to become part of the military and work ethic.

Epicurus' philosophy has clearly Greco- Buddhist elements.