Asoka

Asoka (c. 304 - 232 BC), also known as Asoka the Great, was the emperor of ancient India, a ruler of the Maurya Dynasty from his coronation about 269 BC until his death. Asoka is an anglicized name of Ashok, also spelled Ashoka. He was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya of Magadh. He became so disgusted by the cruelty of warfare that he renounced it for the rest of his life.

He ascended to the throne about 273 BC on the death of his father Bindusar, then the king of Magadha. However, after a four year struggle for the throne his coronation took place in c. 269 BC. He ultimately emerged not only as the most famous king of the Maurya dynasty, but is also regarded as one of the greatest king of India and the world. His empire covered the whole territory from Hindu Kush to Bengal and extended over Afghanistan, Baluchistan and the whole of India with the exception of a small area in the farthest south. The valleys of Nepal and Kashmir were also included in his empire.

He fought Kalinga war in 261 BC, which was the most important event his life and reign. The conquest of Kalinga (modern Orissa) proved to be the turning point of his life. The Kalinga war witnessed terrible manslaughter and destruction. The sufferings and atrocities of the battlefield lacerated the heart of Asoka. He made a resolve not to wage war any more. He realised the wickedness of worldly conquest and the beauty of moral and spiritual triumph. He was drawn to the teachings of Buddha and converted to Buddhism. He devoted rest of his life to the conquest of men's heart by the law of duty or piety. He evolved a policy of Dharma Vijaya, 'Conquest by Piety'. He did everything possible to propagate Buddhism and to establish Dhamma. He provided a welfare administration. Many Buddhist missions were sent by him to foreign countries. This ardent disciple of Buddha organised Buddhism, as Constantine did Christianity, into a State religion. He convened the third great council of the Church of that creed at Pataliputra (Patna); made a proclamation of this faith as far as his influence extended, evidence of which is still extant in pillars and rocks inscribed with his edicts in wide districts of Northern India. His inscriptions in rocks and stone pillars were in Prakrit.

Wisdom & Quotes

• When an unconquered country in conquered, people are killed. ... That the beloved of the Gods finds very pitiful and grievous. ...If anyone does him wrong , it will be forgiven as far as it can be forgiven. ...The beloved of the Gods considers that the greatest of all victories is the victory of righteousness.

- describing his conversion to Buddhism and new attitudes

• It is forbidden to decry other sects; the true believer gives honour to whatever in them is worthy of honour.

- decree to his subjects

• Here (in my domain) no living beings are to be slaughtered or offered in sacrifice.

- Dhamma edict

• All religions should reside everywhere, for all of them desire self-control and purity of heart. But people have various desires and various passions, and they may practice all of what they should or only a part of it. But one who receives great gifts yet is lacking in self-control, purity of heart, gratitude and firm devotion, such a person is mean.

- from one of the edicts

• Wherever medical herbs suitable for humans or animals are not available, I have had them imported and grown. Wherever medical roots or fruits are not available I have had them imported and grown. Along roads I have had wells dug and trees planted for the benefit of humans and animals.

- from one of the edicts

• Respect for mother and father is good, generosity to friends, acquaintances, relatives, Brahmans and ascetics is good, not killing living beings is good, moderation in spending and moderation in saving is good.

- from one of the edicts

• To do good is difficult. One who does good first does something hard to do. I have done many good deeds, and, if my sons, grandsons and their descendants up to the end of the world act in like manner, they too will do much good. But whoever amongst them neglects this, they will do evil. Truly, it is easy to do evil.

- from one of the edicts

• There is no gift like the gift of the Dhamma, (no acquaintance like) acquaintance with Dhamma, (no distribution like) distribution of Dhamma, and (no kinship like) kinship through Dhamma. And it consists of this: proper behavior towards servants and employees, respect for mother and father, generosity to friends, companions, relations, Brahmans and ascetics, and not killing living beings. Therefore a father, a son, a brother, a master, a friend, a companion or a neighbor should say: "This is good, this should be done." One benefits in this world and gains great merit in the next by giving the gift of the Dhamma.

- from one of the edicts

• Whoever praises his own religion, due to excessive devotion, and condemns others with the thought "Let me glorify my own religion," only harms his own religion. Therefore contact (between religions) is good. One should listen to and respect the doctrines professed by others.

- from one of the edicts

• Even those who do wrong should be forgiven where forgiveness is possible.

- from one of the edicts

• Father and mother should be respected and so should elders, kindness to living beings should be made strong and the truth should be spoken. In these ways, the Dhamma should be promoted. Likewise, a teacher should be honored by his pupil and proper manners should be shown towards relations. This is an ancient rule that conduces to long life. Thus should one act.

- from one of the edicts

• Dhamma is good, but what constitutes Dhamma? (It includes) little evil, much good, kindness, generosity, truthfulness and purity.

- from one of the edicts

• People see only their good deeds saying, "I have done this good deed." But they do not see their evil deeds saying, "I have done this evil deed" or "This is called evil." But this (tendency) is difficult to see. One should think like this: "It is these things that lead to evil, to violence, to cruelty, anger, pride and jealousy. Let me not ruin myself with these things." And further, one should think: "This leads to happiness in this world and the next."

- from one of the edicts

Plautus