Saint John of Damascus's Book and Story
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Barlaam and Ioasaph
A well known example of hagiographic novel is the tale of an Indian prince who learns of the world's miseries A well known example of hagiographic novel is the tale of an Indian prince who learns of the world's miseries and is converted to Christianity by the monk Barlaam. Barlaam and Josaphat (Ioasaph) were believed to have reconverted India after her lapse from conversion to Christianity. They were numbered among the christian saints. Centuries ago likenesses were noticed between the life of Josaphat and the life of the Buddha. The resemblances are in incidents, doctrine and philosophy. Barlaam's rules of abstinence resemble the Buddhist monk's.