The groundbreaking Buddhist art, architecture, and literature parallel to the Hellenistic culture of the Roman world introduced a new evolution in South Asia. Emblematic symbols intersect mythologies and ancient Mysteries; divine humans transfigure through Inventive iconography and secret rituals. The author reveals the protective goddesses, astral motifs, and magic sigils through morphology, etymology, and Comparative religion. Throughout, enigmatic Jataka rebirth stories provoke new transformative Learning. Contents: Maps ix Preface xi Introduction xv Chapter 1 Manimekalai – Dancer with Magic Bowl 1 Chapter 2 Magical Maha Maya 35 Chapter 3 Cue to Hercules and Buddha 65 Chapter 4 Bipolar Stairway to Sukhavati 101 Chapter 5 Jatakam of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas 131 Chapter 6 Hariti and the Mistress of Animals 157 Chapter 7 Mythology – The Immortality Key 193 Bibliography 239 Index 247