Asoka and the Expression of Buddhism Flashcards
How is Buddhism expressed?
Beliefs, sacred texts, rituals, structures and symbols
According to Asoka, who was Buddhism good for?
All people - not just educated people
What are ethics?
Moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour
What are morals?
Ideas about right and wrong behaviour
What did many of Asoka’s writings describe?
The importance of living a good life as a Buddhist
What is dharma?
Cosmic law and order. Also the ‘truth’ or teachings of Buddha. Asoka believed dharma was an important part of ruling his empire.
What was the most important ethical precept (rule) for Asoka?
Ahimsa - showing respect towards living things and avoiding violence towards others
What restrictions did Asoka introduce for the people of his royal court?
Hunting was banned. All members of the court became vegetarians. Animal sacrifices were forbidden.
What was Asoka’s Buddhist council known as?
The Third Buddhist Council or the Third Rehearsal of the Tripitaka.
How did the Third Buddhist Council contribute to the writings of Buddhism?
They wrote the third book of the Abhidharma Pitaka - a collection of teachings about Buddhism
Name 2 significant places Asoka went on pilgrimages to
Lumbini, where Buddha was born. Also Bodh Gaya where Buddha was enlightened
How did Asoka encourage people to have greater contact with sanghas?
He built many new sanghas, particularly at pilgrimage sites
How did Asoka influence the sanghas?
He decided which teachings were correct and most important
How did Asoka encourage pilgrimages?
He built new pilgrimage sites and planted shade trees for the pilgrims
How did Asoka reinforce the importance of dharma throughout his empire?
He used the symbol of the Ashoka Chakra (or dharmachakra) which represented the teachings of Buddha
