Greek, Persian influences on Early Buddhism

Monks of the Mines (National Geographic) in ancient Afghanistan/Gandhara, Central Asia

Greek and Persian influence on Early Buddhism

Non-Jonesian Indology, Alexander (Ranajit Pal)

(Ajahn Sona) Premiered June 22, 2025: This video essay explores the influence of Western culture -- particularly those of ancient Persia (Aryan Iran) and Greece -- on Indian Buddhism in the first 500 years after the Buddha's passing [into final nirvana].

Focusing on the region of Gandhara (in present-day Afghanistan/Pakistan, Central Asia), this video traces how early encounters between these civilizations shaped the development of [Greco-] Buddhist art, writing, and the transmission of ideas [particularly along the Silk Road].

Through reflections on script, statuary, and cultural exchange, this documentary sheds light on the oft-overlooked role that Western thought played in shaping early Buddhism -- a legacy that still echoes to this day.

• 0:00:00 - Title
• 0:00:15 - Chapter 1: Two empires arrive in India
• 0:24:11 - Chapter 2: Roots of writing the Dhamma
• 0:52:23 - Chapter 3: Buddha statues and monasteries
• 1:22:48 - Photo/video credits
• 1:24:00 - About Ajahn Sona

Greco-Buddhist Relations in the Hellenistic Far East (Olga Kubica)

Gray schist seated Buddha, Gandhara, 2nd/3rd century (Christie's)

Early Buddhism = Gandhari

Other videos with Ajahn Sona on Greeks in Early Buddhism:

• June 25th Interview
• Earliest Western Buddhist Monks
• Hercules and the Buddha: The Legend...

Ajahn Sona's Podcast:

• AppleAjSona, SpotifyAjSona, PodbeanAjSona
• Who were the nomadic Scythians?
• The Buddhas of Bamiyan, Afghanistan
• Pillars of Ashoka: borrowing ideas to build empire
• Ajahn Sona, June 22, 2025; Dhr. Seven, Amber Larson (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly