Buddhism - Ashoka Flashcards
Intro (Mini Bio)
Ashoka guides adherents in their search for meaning and purpose through he’s erection of stone edicts and restructuring of the Sangha through the third Buddhist council. Ashoka was the emperor of the Mauryan empire, known for his ruthless and bloodthirsty reputation. However, after witnessing the destruction of Kalinga, Ashoka re-evaluated his morality and converted to Buddhism.
Rock edicts
He went on to spread Buddhism through various rock edicts. One such edict (edict 11) states “There is no gift comparable to the gift of the Dharma, the sharing of the Dharma, fellowship of the Dharma.” displaying Ashoka’s complete devotion to the Dharma (Gautama Buddhas teachings). On edict 13 it is written “the city magistrates should at all time times ace to it that men are never imprisoned or tortured without good reason”. This edict shows Ashokas recognition of Sangha, as he decrees that officers and magistrates should act as role models to guide Buddhist adherents towards enlightenment, this displays Ashoka’s understanding and action towards Prajna (wisdom and understanding) and Sila (conduct/living - practice).
Third Buddhist council
The third Buddhist council was set to purge the Sangha of Heresy, Ashoka believed that the Sangha had been infiltrated by greedy men attracted to the order by his generous support and costly offerings. Many of the monks in the Sangha had views that conflicted with traditional Buddhist teachings. To get rid of these heresies Ashoka questioned monks and expelled any that he believed to be heretic. In this way Ashoka was driven by his belief of the four noble truths and the sanctity of the Dharma. Through the third Buddhist council Ashoka ensured that the Sangha and the Dharma was kept pure and just. The council additionally sent a missionary and successfully converted Sri Lanka, further spreading Buddhism and the Dharma throughout Asia.
