THE EFFECT OF THE GREEK GOD DIONYSOS IN BUDDHISM

The influence of the Greek culture and Religion in Buddhism has been evident throughout History. Among the other Greek Gods and Goddesses that became known in Asia, Dionysos, the Great God of ecstasy, stands out as he inspired many Buddhist artists of Central Asia and Gandhara. In this article, we bring Greek and Buddhist depictions side by side, as indication of the obvious influence of Dionysos, not only in art, but also in the lifestyle of that era.

 He is the God who taught Indians how to cultivate vine- and He is often shown on Buddhist reliefs with Ariadne drinking wine prepared by his companions,such as Sileni, Satyrs and Pan. Festivals and celebrations, in which wine is the main protagonist,are influenced by the Dionysian Mysteries and rites. 

Wine brings ecstasy, which is the primary property of Dionysos. There are many Buddhist depictions which demonstrate the purely Greek spirit of such festivities in Asia.

In an upcoming article, we shall discuss the influence of the Dionysian theatre on Buddhism.