Gautama Buddha a Saka?

**Severian Huizi** · 02-21-2007, 07:27

I've heard some speculation that Gautama Siddhartha descended from the Saka.

As most probably know, one of his formal titles was "Sakyamuni", "The Sakya Sage." Some have theorized that Sakya is synonymous with Saka. Does EB's well-read crew have any insight on this?

I was reminded of this theory when I noticed the Saka can build the same stupas as the Baktrians.

**keravnos** · 02-21-2007, 21:53

There are certain things planned for Buddhism in both Saka and Baktria, none of which I can speak of. Thanks for that, though.

**Elthore** · 02-22-2007, 00:04

oh shiiit, buddha retinue!
wisdom +10!

**Boyar Son** · 02-22-2007, 03:22

Siddhatha? by Hermann Hesse?

hhhmmm...

**Atilius** · 02-22-2007, 06:22

Originally Posted by Severian Huizi

I've heard some speculation that Gautama Siddhartha descended from the Saka.

As most probably know, one of his formal titles was "Sakyamuni", "The Sakya Sage." Some have theorized that Sakya is synonymous with Saka. Does EB's well-read crew have any insight on this?

The Gautama family belonged to the Sakya clan. The Sakyas were indigenous to the region around Kapilavastu, where the Buddha was born, traditionally in 563 BC. The similarity of the names Saka and Sakya is purely coincidental.