Ashvagosha

Aśvaghoṣa, whose name translates to 'Horse-Cry,' was a significant Indian Buddhist figure, active around the 2nd century CE. He is recognized as a philosopher, dramatist, poet, musician, and orator, born in Saketa (modern Ayodhya). Considered the first Sanskrit dramatist and a preeminent Indian poet before Kālidāsa, Aśvaghoṣa likely served as a spiritual advisor to King Kanishka. He distinguished himself by composing Buddhist literature in Classical Sanskrit, a departure from the earlier use of Pāli and Prakrit. His philosophical leanings may have been with the Sarvāstivāda or Mahāsaṅghika schools, with later research suggesting possible affiliations with Yogācāra or Sautrāntika.

Traditional accounts describe Aśvaghoṣa as a wandering ascetic who was eventually converted by the elder monk Pārśva through a debated challenge. This conversion led to his ordination as a bhikṣu. A notable legend explains his name 'Horse-Cry' when horses were reportedly entranced by his preaching of the Dharma. He traveled widely, disseminating Buddhist teachings and earning great respect. While his works like Buddhacharita and Saundarananda are well-documented, the authorship of other texts, such as Vajrasuchi, remains a subject of scholarly discussion.

Aśvaghoṣa is celebrated as a pioneering Sanskrit dramatist and one of India's foremost poets, predating Kālidāsa. He was a prominent member of a group of Buddhist court writers whose epics rivaled the Ramayana. A significant aspect of his work is the use of Classical Sanskrit for Buddhist literature, moving away from earlier Prakrit and Pāli traditions. This shift facilitated wider accessibility and literary sophistication within the Buddhist canon. His philosophical background is thought to align with either the Sarvāstivāda or Mahāsaṅghika schools, though more recent scholarship suggests potential links to Yogācāra or Sautrāntika based on his use of texts like the Yogācārabhūmi in his kavya poems.

According to traditional biographies, Aśvaghoṣa began as a formidable wandering ascetic skilled in debate. He issued a challenge to Buddhist monks, which was eventually met by the elder Pārśva. Through a debate before the king and his court, Pārśva emerged victorious, and Aśvaghoṣa became his disciple, subsequently ordained as a monk. Initially skeptical, Aśvaghoṣa's faith solidified when Pārśva demonstrated mastery of the spiritual powers known as ṛddhipādāḥ. Pārśva then instructed him in fundamental Buddhist teachings, which Aśvaghoṣa eventually mastered. This narrative highlights a significant conversion that shaped his subsequent Buddhist career.

The distinctive name Aśvaghoṣa, meaning 'Horse-Cry,' is attributed to two primary legends. One account states that during his birth, all the horses in the country simultaneously cried out, an auspicious sign that led to his naming. A more elaborate story details his capture by the Kuṣāna king's army as tribute. During his captivity, the king arranged an assembly for him to preach the Dharma. It is said that even starved horses, presented with their favorite food, were so captivated by his sermon that they listened intently, moved to tears. This profound effect on the horses led to him being given the name Aśvaghoṣa, signifying the 'Cry of the Horse' in recognition of his powerful oratory.