Aśvaghoṛa (c.80–150 CE) was an Indian philosopher, poet, and Buddhist scholar, among the earliest Sanskrit dramatists and a key figure in Mahāyāna Buddhism. His works significantly influenced Indian and Chinese Buddhist traditions.
Born in Saketa (modern Ayodhya, India,) Aśvaghoṛa was initially a Brahmin scholar before converting to Buddhism. As King Kanishka’s court poet, he helped spread Buddhist teachings through literature.
His most famous work, Buddhacharita (c.2nd century CE, Acts of the Buddha,) is an epic poem narrating Gautama Buddha’s life, blending history and mythology. Another major work, Saundarananda (c.2nd century CE, Handsome Nanda,) explores Nanda’s spiritual transformation, emphasizing renunciation and enlightenment.
Aśvaghoṛa also wrote philosophical treatises, including Vajrasūcī (c.2nd century CE, The Diamond Needle,) critiquing caste-based discrimination. His influence extended to Chinese Buddhism, where his works were translated and studied.
Modern studies on Aśvaghoṛa include Teitaro Suzuki’s The Awakening of Faith: The Classic Exposition of Mahāyāna Buddhism (2012) and Edward Byles Cowell’s The Buddha-karita of Aśvaghoṛa (1893, reprinted 2013.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Asvaghosa
Thoughts of themselves have no substance; let them arise and pass away unheeded. Thoughts will not take form of themselves, unless they are grasped by the attention; if they are ignored, there will be no appearing and no disappearing.
—Asvaghosa
Topics: Thought, Thinking, Thoughts
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