Buddhist Diplomacy: History And Status Quo. - USC Center on ...

BUDDHIST DIPLOMACY: HISTORY AND STATUS QUO 15the formation of Manichaeism. 47 The <strong>Buddhist</strong> influence amongthe Western faiths likely occurred through its monastic-Universitycomplexes that attracted students from Greece, Persia and otherparts of the world. Mani (216–276 CE), the founder of Manichaeism,visited the Kushan Empire, where Mahayana Buddhism prospered. 48Factors conducive to effective <strong>Buddhist</strong> diplomacy in the ancientworldThe history of <strong>Buddhist</strong> diplomacy shows that a number offactors contributed to its wide spread in the ancient world. Thesefactors include the salient messages of Buddhism as a philosophical,ethical and practical system, the Sangha as disciplined and trainedmessengers, establishment of monasteries and universities aspropagation institutions, translation of the Tripitaka, spread of<strong>Buddhist</strong> paraphernalia, conversion of opinion leaders such as kingsand princes, and localization. The following is an elaboration onsome of these factors.1. The universality of the <strong>Buddhist</strong> messages:In human history, Buddhism is perhaps the first sophisticatedfaith system that was not linked to blood, racial, ethnic, or nationalgroups. This was a revolutionary idea for societies that worshipedlocal gods and where only elites had access to sacred knowledge.Such features make it a universal religion that welcomes all whobelieve. 49 Besides its fundamental teachings such as the Four NobleTruths, The Eightfold Path, and its highly individualized teachingstyle, some of the key messages of Buddhism, such as equality,non-violence, and idealized rulers, as well as its dialogical approachare particularly conducive to its spread across different societies,cultures, and civilizations. The principles of Buddhism include thefollowing:a. Equality—For Buddhism, all living beings are equal andshould be respected. The Buddha indiscriminately preached tokings, queens, and princess, prostitutes 50 and beggars. 51 He rejectedthe idea that the Brahmans are the superior caste and any other