Tricycle Talks The Greek King and the Buddhist Monk with Maria Heim
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May 28, 2025 
Maria Heim, a Professor of Religion at Amherst College and translator of The Questions of Milinda, engages in a captivating dialogue about this foundational Buddhist text. She explores the philosophical exchanges between Indo-Greek King Milinda and the monk Nagasena, showcasing how their discussion illuminates concepts like no-self and the transient nature of identity. Heim highlights the significance of analogies in Buddhist thought, including the famous chariot metaphor, and demonstrates how literary qualities enrich our understanding of these profound teachings.
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Origins of The Questions of Milinda
- The Questions of Milinda is a dialogue between an Indo-Greek king and a Buddhist monk, blending history and philosophy.
- The text uniquely exists in Pali despite originating from a region where Gandhari Prakrit was prevalent, showing complex historical transmission.
Literary and Philosophical Blend
- Literary and philosophical qualities coexist in The Questions of Milinda, with an engaging backstory and frequent analogies.
- The text uses analogies to make Buddhist philosophy accessible and beautiful, enriching the reader's experience.
Literature Enhances Perception
- Treating Buddhist texts as literature can train our vision and deepen perception.
- Analogies in the text focus our attention on aspects that enhance clarity and insight, a deeply Buddhist approach.