this world is on fire.

Greco-Buddhism: It’s a term that you probably have never heard of. For me, it was anecdotally referenced in one of the many, many podcasts I listen to. The term was simply mentioned as a passing statement, a side note in relation to the main topic, but it captured my attention.

The thought of the respective aesthetic sensibilities of Hellenistic and Buddhist cultures having historically been amalgamated into something grander sent my hippie heart running. I decided that further investigation was warranted, nay, required.

A quick Google search yielded the fascinating history surrounding the forays of Alexander the Great into India and the cultural implications that were subsequent. The blending of traditional Hellenistic beliefs and Buddhism lead to captivating developments in varying fields. Of course, one can’t expect any cultures to remain separate when being (for sore lack of better term) smushed together by invaders, but the combination of two such artistically and philosophically prevalent religions was uniquely interesting to me.

Following the expansion of Greek power into Asia, the followers of the two religions were introduced to each other, producing what was possibly the singular peaceful meeting of religions ever recorded. The Buddhists, who are famously front-row proponents of peace among modern religions, showed no interest in converting the arriving Greeks, who returned the favour. This lead to the perfect storm in which two cultures could amalgamate and be influenced by each  other in a (relatively) conflict-free environment.

Considering the method through which history is most easily recorded is art or scripture, it is not surprising that the most well-known influence of Greco-Buddhism, is art. Interestingly, the Buddha had never been portrayed in any way before Greek influence. It was the carvings produced by Buddhist monks of Grecian descent that marked the first rendering of the deity in human form (as opposed to simply being symbolised by a wheel or dome). There are also examples of Grecian philosophers, such as Pyrrho, visiting India and returning with distinctly Buddhist philosophies on the brain. 

The melding and reforming of these two cultures in a conflict-free manner is an occurrence that lead to developments in art and the expansion of philosophical minds. It is a little-known section of history, marked only by its lack of flashy wars and death, but remains captivating none the less. If anything, it is a testament to what might be achieved through cooperation rather than conflict.

“We have to get out of this darn country, Bokkie! Look at the state of it - violence and crime and corruption and Malema… Immigration, Liefie! It’s the only way.”

For as long as I can remember, outbursts such as these have been running rampant through many South African households. Talk of immigration, of escaping to a distant utopia in the north, have become nothing short of established fireside discourse at the weekly braai. However, since it was launched on the 7th of September earlier this year, a spectre seems to be haunting South African Facebook - the spectre of optimism.

In case you remain cautiously unaware of what I’m talking about, allow me to introduce you to the #ImStaying Facebook group. The description identifies the group’s raison d’être as wanting “to honour all those who still believe that we as a nation can turn things around.” Participants of the group attempt to achieve this goal by posting and sharing inspirational stories about South Africa, its inhabitants and its “good vibes” on the daily. With over 700 000 members as of mid-October, the assembly of this group seems to prove that the promotion of positivity on the modern internet is not just an urban legend.

By conducting a quick scroll-through of the page’s recent activity, it is clear that South Africans truly have taken to sharing the positive stories they have about life in our country. With tales of success, love and acceptance of diversity crowding your dash, it is hard to avoid a smile or two. In Worcester, a little girl has been cancer-free for three years. In Soweto, a hungry man down on his luck was bought a 10 kg bag of mieliemeel to feed his family. There’s a proud mother in Ekasi celebrating her daughter’s completion of a Master’s degree in engineering and a young nurse was just hired in Kempton Park. Forget a smile - some might even say this warrants a misty eye.

But despite the unbridled cheer, the viral internet page is not without its criticisms. For one, #ImStaying was accused of perpetuating a “white saviour” narrative. This complaint was first ledged by public speaker Brett “Fish” Anderson in a blog update after many posts on the Facebook page had started following the standard outline of “poor, impoverished person of colour helped in time of need and is now forever grateful to white benefactor.”

Many participants have in turn labelled this as overzealous nitpicking - if South Africans are starting to take some pride in their country for the first time since 1994, why can’t we let them? Others agreed with Anderson and added more critiques to his original sin-counter for the page, such as the accusation of sugarcoating the dire situation that our country finds itself in.

However, opinions are said to be generally akin to armpits: ever present, but not exactly something of great particular importance to anyone besides the owner. Either way, the constructive impact of this group is undeniable. Amongst the scores of delightful anecdotes, several posts explain how the page has helped individuals find a new sense of hope for our country - a sense of hope that they can now channel into the betterment of South Africa as a whole. Whatever your perspective is, the fact remains that if everyone leaves, no one will be left to fix the above-mentioned problems. The violence, the crime, the corruption and even the Malema will remain unless there are people to address it, and for that reason, #ImStaying.