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Studies of Religion > Asoka and Buddhism > Flashcards

Asoka and Buddhism Flashcards

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1
Q

Who was King Bindusara?

A

Asoka’s father

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2
Q

Who were the Ajivakas?

A

A Hindu sect (group)

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3
Q

Why was Asoka exiled (kicked out) by his half-brothers?

A

They were jealous of his skills as a leader and warrior

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4
Q

Who healed the wounds that Asoka received in battle?

A

Buddhist monks

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5
Q

What did Asoka do when King Bindusara died?

A

He returned to the palace and killed anyone who could take the place of king

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6
Q

What empire was Asoka the ruler of?

A

The Mauryan Empire

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7
Q

When did Asoka become the ruler of the Mauryan Empire?

A

268 BC

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8
Q

Where was the Mauryan Empire mainly located?

A

Modern day India

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9
Q

What is a series of battles called?

A

A campaign

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10
Q

Which kingdom did Asoka launch a campaign against?

A

Kalinga

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11
Q

What is our source of evidence for the war against Kalinga?

A

Rock Edict 13

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12
Q

What made Asoka renounce (reject) violence?

A

The number of people who had died in the wars he fought

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13
Q

What is a journey to an important religious site called?

A

A pilgrimage

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14
Q

What was Asoka’s view of other religions?

A

He allowed them, except for religions that claimed to be the only ‘true’ way

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15
Q

How did Asoka show care for the people and environment in his empire?

A

He built hospitals for people and animals, and also planted forests

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16
Q

Where did Asoka create the Buddhist council?

A

Pataliputra

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17
Q

What do we call a person who travels to spread the teachings of a religion?

A

A missionary

18
Q

Name 2 places where Asoka sent missionaries

A

Greece, Malaya, Syria, Egypt and Macedonia

19
Q

What is a community of Buddhist monks and nuns called?

A

A sangha

20
Q

What do we call the messages that Asoka had carved in rock?

A

Rock Edicts

21
Q

What was Asoka known as after he converted to Buddhism?

A

Dharmasoka, which means Asoka the Just or Asoka of the Teachings

22
Q

What is ahimsa?

A

An ethical guideline, which demands that no sentient life form be harmed

23
Q

What is a sentient life form?

A

A life form that can perceive (be aware) or feel things

24
Q

What is dana?

A

Generosity

25
Q

What did Asoka believe Buddhism was useful for?

A

Governing his kingdom. He encouraged his officials to be kind and impartial (treat everyone equally)

26
Q

How did Asoka promote harmony in his empire?

A

He believed in peaceful coexistence of religions. He believed that individuals should be able to choose the religion that suits them best.

27
Q

How did Asoka teach educated members of his empire about Buddhism?

A

He erected (built) pillars and created rock carvings (edicts)

28
Q

How did Asoka teach about Buddhism to people with no education?

A

Storytelling, poetry, sculpture, Buddhist symbols and paintings

29
Q

What is shown here?

A

A stupa - a Buddhist shrine (holy place)

30
Q

According to legend, how many monasteries and Stupas did Asoka build?

A

84 000 of each, but this is exaggerated. Asoka did build monasteries and Stupas, but the exact number is unknown.

31
Q

Why did Asoka record Buddhist teachings in different languages? Give 2 examples of these.

A

So that Buddhist teachings could be understood throughout the empire and by foreigners. Two examples include Greek and Aramaic (a language spoken used in ancient Syria)

32
Q

Why was missionary work so successful during the reign of Asoka?

A

He provided financial support to missionaries

33
Q

What are viharas?

A

Shrine rooms. A shrine is a place associated with a sacred person, e.g Buddha. Asoka built many of these in monasteries.

34
Q

Who was Asoka’s son?

A

Mahendra

35
Q

Which Sri Lankan king converted to Buddhism during the reign of Asoka

A

King Tisya

36
Q

What principles (ideas) were Asoka’s policies based on?

A

Tolerance, coexistence and acceptance of differences

37
Q

How did Asoka provide for the social welfare of his people?

A

He planted medicinal herb gardens, as well as shade trees for pilgrims

38
Q

How did Asoka use Buddhist teachings in his system of law and punishment?

A

Criminals could plead (argue) for mercy or make a donation to receive a better life after death

39
Q

What is shown here? What does it represent?

A

Lotus flower. In Buddhism, it represents the growth from materialism to enlightenment.

40
Q

What symbol is shown? What does it mean and how was it used by Asoka?

A

The Asoka-Chakra or dharmachakra. It represents cosmic law and order and dharma (the ‘truth’ or teachings of Buddha). Asoka used this symbol throughout his empire to encourage people to accept the teachings of Buddha.

Studies of Religion (6 decks)

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