Ashoka by Gupta Subhadra Sen

Author:Gupta, Subhadra Sen [Gupta, Subhadra Sen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9788184758078
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Published: 2009-09-07T18:30:00+00:00

What is dhamma?

The word dhamma or dharma in Sanskrit is not easy to translate. Some historians call it the laws of piety, others the rules of virtuous living. Basically they are simple, practical rules of an ethical and moral life and are nothing very religious, complex or philosophical. In fact the laws of dhamma are not unique to Buddhism; every religion talks of such basic values.

Ashoka’s dhamma began at home. You respected and obeyed your elders and your teachers. Everyone was to be treated with courtesy and kindness, including servants and the poor, and people were expected to be kind and generous to others. Unlike what the Hindu Brahmin said, he wasn’t asking people to perform religious rites, go to temples or take part in animal sacrifices. As a matter of fact he banned such cruel practices as animal sacrifices and hunting as a sport. Also interestingly, dhamma was for people of every religion. Ashoka wasn’t trying to convert his subjects to Buddhism, he just wanted them to try and become good human beings.

Beginning with the family this moral behaviour of generosity and compassion was to be spread into society. You were to be tolerant of other religions and not criticise anyone who followed a different faith. Ashoka himself instructed his ministers of religious affairs—the dhamma mahamatras—that they were to support the activities of all religions. And we have proof of that. In the Barabar Hills in Bihar there are caves that were built for the sadhus of the Hindu Ajivika sect and an inscription there says that they were a gift of Ashoka. On his birthday prisoners were released every year.

Ashoka believed in ahimsa, non-violence, in not just ending wars but also in every aspect of life. In many ways he was like a modern environmentalist and respected all forms of life. At one time, like all kings, he went hunting but now he gave it up and all animal fights and sacrifices were banned. Forests were not to be set on fire as the living creatures living in it could be killed. Even the number of animals and birds being killed in the palace kitchens were restricted. Interestingly, among the birds that used to be slaughtered for the royal dining table were peacocks! Now instead of hunting or pleasure trips, he went on religious tours, visiting various parts of the empire to spread the words of dhamma among his people.

One wonders what the aggressive and warlike Chandragupta would have thought about his peace-loving grandson. Chandragupta had wanted to conquer the whole of the Indian subcontinent but now the extreme south—the land of the Cholas and Keralaputras was left unconquered, with Ashoka professing a policy of friendship with them. You can be sure Chanakya would not have approved. In his book the Arthashastra he declares firmly that the duty of the king was to keep on extending his empire so that he could amass more and more wealth. After all you could translate the word ‘Arthashastra’ as the theory

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