Gandharan Bodhisattva, ca. Late 1st-2nd century
"...it appears that the Greek monk Menander was an active follower of Buddhism: Jonah (Greek) Mahadhammarakkhitā (Sanskrit: महाधार्मरक्षिता) is thought to have come from "Alasandra" (Alexandria), a city founded by Alexander in the Caucasus. , near today's Kabul) came with 30,000 monks for the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Maha Thupa ("Great Stupa") at Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, during the 2nd century BC.
"Mahadhammarakkhitā (Sanskrit: महाधार्मरक्षिता, literally "Great Protector of the Dharma") was a Greek (in Pali: "Yona", literally "Ionian") Buddhist master who lived during the reign of Indo in the 2nd century BCE. Greek king Menander... In the Mahavamsa, a major Pali historical text, he is recorded as traveling from "Alasandra" (Alexandria in the Caucasus, about 150 kilometers north of today's Kabul, or possibly Alexandria). (Araquosians) came with 30,000 monks to the dedication ceremony of the Maha Thup ("Great Stupa") in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, when it was completed shortly after the death of the Sri Lankan king Dattagamani Abhaya (r. 161–137 BC) . .”
Namo Buddhaya 💙
Divya Roy ✍️
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