Did Buddhism Influence Gnosticism? (Jesus, gospel, mysticism, tradition, evolution)

[allogenes]

It depends on what you mean by "Buddhism" and "Gnosticism." Historically, there were contacts between the Roman Empire and Buddhists in Afghanistan and possibly India, so we can never really be certain.

Manichaeism, however, a tradition considered Gnostic by many, revered Gautama Buddha equally with Jesus Christ (and Mani, their founder). Though this didn't occur until a few centuries after the Classical Gnostics of Alexandria, it's evidence enough that they have influenced one another in the years since.

I think a more valuable and pertinent question might be "*Will* Buddhism influence Gnosticism?" and vice-versa. I think they will influence one another, as many Buddhists I know are fond of Gnostic ideas, and most Gnostics also utilize Buddhist practice and theory.