Prashad posted:It was not only the Indians that were Buddhists in Afghanistan. It was also the Greeks that became Buddhists and helped in the spread of Buddhism in Afganistan. Chandra Gupta who was a powerful Indian King was a Buddhist. His wife was a Greek Princess. Buddhism started in Afghanistan around 25O BC. In 610 AD the Angel Gabriel appeared to the Prophet. This was a long time between the two religions.
Indeed, Buddhism was being practiced in Afghanistan long before Siggy Lord and Savior appeared in Bethlehem. It survived many different eras of external rule as well as after the Muslims arrived there around 642, just 10 years after the passing of Muhammad. Islam is the world's youngest major religion which has had its good and bad elements. I think its good far outweigh its bad but I would not in any way seek to diminish the effects it had on those who sees its bad elements. Only those affected by something are best able to describe it. I like Islam and will always do. Not only because I was born into it but I have experienced its beauty. The tranquility one feels as they prostrate feeling all their worries flow to the carpet below them. That is an experience I will never forget. I have also witness beauty of other religions also. No doubt I fight with Siggy because Siggy fights with me but I would not tell Siggy to stop doing what he is doing. That is between him and his God.