Viewpoints of Ala, al- Dawla Simnani on Buddhism and Buddhists

Ala’ al-Dawlah Simnani, one of the most famous Sufis of the eight-century (A.H.) Iran, who spent over ten years of his life as a courtier at the Ilkhanid court, and who, since his teenage years, was a cherished companion of the emperor Arghun, had the proper opportunity of being in direct contact with Buddhists, particularly their priests, as well as of getting familiar with their beliefs and practices. Moreover, due to his perfect knowledge of Turkish and Mongol languages, he could refer to the Buddhist sources directly. Bearing these factors in mind, it is expected that one finds Simnani’s knowledge on Buddhism and Buddhist practices reflected in his works. Considering the fact that the examination of Buddhism in the works of Simnani is an unprecedented task, and so far, it has been discussed insufficiently in very few works, the present research, through the examination and analysis of Simnani’s words on and references to Buddhism and Buddhists in his works, aims to study Simnani’s viewpoint and position toward Buddha, Buddhists and their beliefs, as well as to make clear certain aspects of the unclear story of Buddhism and Buddhists in Iran.