A History of Indian Literature v2.c19.s7.29

v2.c19.s7.29

There is a far more striking similarity between the legend of Asita and that of Simeon in St. Luke. In spite of some differences, which, here too, are undeniable, I regard it as fairly probable that the author of the Christian narrative was acquainted with the Buddhist legend.³ It is possible, too, that there is a connection between the legend of Buddha who, as a boy, goes apart from his companions, and after being missed by his family, is found absorbed in deep meditation, and the story of the twelve-year old Jesus who, instead of returning to Nazareth with his parents, remains behind in the temple in Jerusalem and converses with the teachers.⁴ I also consider it within the realm of possibility that the beatification of the mother of the Lord by a woman in St. Luke XI, 27f. is connected with that in the Nidāna-Kathā.¹