The presence of Buddhism in Iran may date as far back as the 5th or 6th century B.C., during the life of the historical Buddha Sakyamuni. A Pali legend suggests that the spread of Buddhism to Balkh was initiated by two merchant brothers from Bactria (present-day Afghanistan).[1]
In turn, some people of the kingdom of Parthia, such as An Shigao, were later active in spreading Buddhism in China around the 2nd century A.D. Many of the earliest translators of Buddhist literature into Chinese were from Parthia and other kingdoms linked with present-day Iran.[2] The Mongol ruler Ghazan converted to Shi'a Islam in 1310 AD and made it the state religion of Iran - and in the process removed Buddhism as well.[3]
|
|||||||||||
  | History of the Buddhism in Iran - iranian.com: Buddhism in Iran, Mehrak Golestan |
|
|
Wikis
Quiz
Map
Search
