This is absolutely wild. Ancient Greek Buddhists
yes, it's the case. there was a lot of travel and traffic to and from the far east in the ancient world. they were quite cosmopolitan.
i've been convinced for quite awhile that Jesus encountered these teachings somewhere, and had a lived experience that he was trying to bring to his people.
he didn't have to travel far to meet buddhist practitioners.
@holon42 I know that Jesus being influenced by Buddhism was a theory that was all over my pre-seminary studies back in College.
I first read the Dhammapada when I was 21 or 22, and carried a copy in my pocket for years.
yes, it's been touted for quite awhile.
i encountered buddhism young as well, at 19, in Vancouver's Yoga Vedanta bookstore. at that point i was living hippy style.
@holon42 It was one of my first refuges when I left the evangelical church and has been a part of my life since.
It's only been recently, through the help of people like @Vozy talking with me that I've realized that I can fully embrace the philosophy while holding on to my own faith.
It has actually led me to a renaissance in my faith practice, as well as my day to day life.
