Dandamis

Dandamis (presumably Greek rendering of "Dandi-Svami")[1] was a philosopher, swami and a gymnosophist, whom Alexander encountered in the woods near Taxila, when he invaded India in 4th century B.C. He is also referred to as Mandanes.[2]

Dandamis
Theological work
Era4th century B.C.
Tradition or movementKalanos

Biography

When Alexander met some gymnosophists, who were of trouble to him. He came to know that their leader was Dandamis, who lived in jungle, lying naked on leaves, near a water spring.[3]

He then sent Onescratus to bring Dandamis to him. When Onescratus encountered Dandamis in forest, he gave him the message, that Alexander, the Great son of Zeus, has ordered him to come to him. He will give you gold and other rewards but if you refuse, he may behead you. When Dandamis heard that, he did not even raise his head and replied lying in his bed of leaves. God the Great King, is not a source of violence but provider of water, food, light and life. Your king cannot be a God, who loves violence and who is mortal.[4][5] Even if you take away my head, you cannot take away my soul, which will depart to my God and leave this body like we throw away old garment. We, Brahmans do not love gold nor fear death. So your king has nothing to offer, which I may need. Go and tell your King : Dandamis, therefore, will not come to you. If he needs Dandamis, he must come to me[4]

When Alexander, came to know what Dandamis' reply, he went to forest to meet Dandamis. Alexander sat before him in forest for more than an hour. When Dandamis asked him, why he has come to him because - I have nothing to offer you. Because we have no thought of pleasure or gold, we love God and despise death, whereas you love pleasure, gold and kill people, you fear death and despise God.[4] Alexander, informed that I heard your name from Calanus and have come to learn wisdom from you[4] The conversation that followed between them is recorded by Greeks as Alexander-Dandamis colloquy.[6]

See also

References
  1. Sen, Sailendra Nath (1999). Ancient Indian History and Civilization By Sailendra Nath Sen. p. 128. ISBN 9788122411980.
  2. Warner, Arthur George; Warner, Edmond (2001). The Sháhnáma of Firdausí By Arthur George Warner, Edmond Warner. pp. 61–62, 422, 430. ISBN 9780415245432.
  3. Prabudhha Bharata by Vivekannda Swami, page 30 & 386
  4. Stoneman, Richard (2012). The Legends of Alexander the Great By Richard Stoneman. pp. 43–47. ISBN 9781848857858.
  5. Niehoff, Maren (2001). Philo on Jewish identity and culture By Maren Niehoff. p. 154. ISBN 9783161476112.
  6. Classica et mediaevalia , Volumes 34-35. Société danoise les études anciennes et médiévales. 1983. pp. 78, 81, 87.
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