Poetry with a Purpose: Aśvaghoṣa’s Buddhacarita and Buddhist Propagation

One of the most important works of Buddhist literature is the Buddhacarita, a Sanskrit epic composed by the poet Aśvaghoṣa. In addition to providing a wealth of biographical information, this work, which tells the story of the Buddha is essential to the spread of Buddhism across national and cultural boundaries. The Buddhacarita played a crucial role in introducing Buddhist ideas to a wider audience by blending elements of traditional Sanskrit literature with Buddhist teachings. Through its narrative style, appeal to both lay and scholarly audiences, and its influence on the development of Buddhist art and thought, this article explores how the Buddhacarita functioned as both a literary and theological instrument in the dissemination of Buddhist philosophy. This research highlights the poem's dual function: as a cultural artefact that has shaped the portrayal of Buddhism in India and beyond, and as a medium for conveying core Buddhist values.