Asoka Dhamma

After converting to Buddhism, one of the greatest emperors of India, Ashoka disseminated the teachings and knowledge of the Buddhist scriptures. Ashoka always had belief in morals and principles and had high ideals in life. These came to be known as Dhamma of Emperor Ashoka. The word Dhamma is the Prakrit version of the Sanskrit word Dharma. Given here is further information about king Asoka's Dharma.

Ashoka's Dhamma is a philosophical entity that emphasizes on the high ideals in order to lead a successful life. He wanted everyone to live peacefully and co-exist in a harmonious environment. Some of his ideals were to shun war and spread peace, stop animal sacrifices, respect elders, masters treating slaves like humans, promoting vegetarianism, etc. These ideals if followed correctly lead one to a higher level of living. Ashoka wanted to spread peace and prosperity in his kingdom.

The true essence of Ashoka's Dhamma is present in the form of the various rock edicts. The principles of Ashoka's Dhamma are inscribed on those rock edicts in Brahmi language. These edicts are a code for how to lead life in a way that you become an inspiration for others. Ashoka believed that a king should treat his subjects the same way a father treats his children.

An able king should be courageous, responsible for his subjects, take up initiative in tasks like constructing roads, hospitals, rest houses, etc. Ashoka appointed Dhamma Mahamattas who were basically officers looking after the spread of these principles across the empire of Ashoka. Ashoka propagated the principles of Dhamma not just in India but countries like Sri Lanka, Burma and other South East Asian countries as well.