The Institute for East-West Cultural Exchange(head of research group: Lee Jong-hwa, Professor of Myong-ji University) analyzed both Arabic and European literatures in the Middle Age, and argues that 'Buddha legend' spread from Persia to Georgia(Gruzhia) to Greece, and finally to Spain. Buddha was revered as a Christian saint in Medieval Europe. Kim Hun, a lecturer in Seoul National University, who took part in the research published the result in June-July issue of 'Anticus', a humanity-oriented magazine.
The original 'Buddha' or 'Bodhisatta' in Sanskrit, turned up as 'Bodisav' in 6-7th century Manichean literature in Ancient Persian, which in turn appeared as Budahsaf in 8th-century Arabic literature, which turned into 'Iodasaph' in 10th-century Georgian literature. In 11th-century Greek literature, it showed up as a Christian monk 'Ioasaph,' which finally became the Christian saint 'Josaphat' in Spain. The research team suspects that the name of the father of Jesus, 'Ioseph,' is also related to Buddha.
In the 'Legend of Barlaam and Prince Ioasaph,' the life story of Prince Ioasaph is the exact copy of Buddha's life. The legend is set in India. Born in a royal palace, Prince Ioasaph came across the blind, the sick and the old, awakened to realize the suffering of birth-aging-sickness-death and the emptiness of existence. Just like Budda, he also embarked for the journey of ascetic life and pilgrimage. The only difference is that he met his mentor Barlaam and converted to Christianity.
This legend spread to Spain in 15-16th century, and was translated into 'Barlaam and Josaphat.' In this story, Josaphat was revered as a saint(St. Josaphat,) who defended Christianity after a religious struggle against his father, King Abenner.
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