Untitled Quiz

Asoka's Policy of Dhamma

• Asoka Maurya ruled around 269 BCE; considered a great king
• Dhamma (Prakrit form of Dharma) is a policy, not a religion
• Dhamma promoted moral behavior and social harmony
• Dhamma was explained through edicts across the empire
• Edicts articulated principles of Dhamma, promoting socially responsible conduct
• Asoka's edicts emphasized welfare activities, compassion, and religious tolerance
• Asoka saw himself as a Buddhist and an Emperor; distinction key
• Dhammamahamatras were officers to supervise/implement Dhamma

Historical Background

• Mauryan period saw economic changes, with urban centers rising
• Iron use led to surplus production, shifting from simple rural economies; this created tensions
• Use of coins, state involvement in trade routes, and rise of urban areas indicates significant economic change
• Emergence of commercial classes and urban culture led to social adjustments; integrating diverse peoples
• Brahmanical social order responded by making the caste system more rigid, creating lower-class resentment
• Emergence of heterodox sects (Buddhism, Jainism) challenged Brahmanical authority, further creating social tensions

Distribution of Inscriptions

• Asoka used inscriptions (edicts) to communicate his Dhamma policies.
• Major, Minor Rock Edicts, and Pillar Edicts were distributed throughout the empire.
• Inscriptions were placed for easy access, enabling direct communication with the people
• Inscriptions cover various topics, including aspects of Dhamma principles as practiced in daily life
• Different Edicts addressed various aspects of Dhamma

Dhamma - Causes

• Dhamma was an attempt to harmonize a complex society
• Asoka's policy reflected perceived social issues and personal beliefs/perceptions.
• Mauryan Empire was diverse; comprised varied cultures, faiths, beliefs, and practices
• Asoka sought a common standard of conduct
• Asoka hoped to reduce violence and societal conflict through tolerance in the empire
• Asoka sought to address tensions among different communities; fostering harmony
• Asoka's policy attempted to resolve existing social pressures in the empire.

Contents of Dhamma

• Dhamma promoted tolerance, acceptance, and consideration; to different religions and social views
• Importance of nonviolence (stopping animal sacrifices, avoiding war)
• Support for those in need social welfare initiatives, like wells and tree planting; concern for the poor and animals
• Dhamma aimed at fostering a sense of peace and harmony across all sections of society
• Officers called Dhammamahamattas were responsible for implementing the ideals of Dhamma
• Dhamma stressed non-violence and kindness to all living beings
• Asoka attempted to instill a common moral code, promoting respect for elders and promoting peaceful coexistence

Asoka's Dhamma and the Mauryan State

• Asoka's Dhamma wasn't just pronouncements, it was part of his state policy; reflected in administration
• Edicts addressed animal sacrifices, social interaction, religious coexistence, and other social elements
• Asoka's administration took care of the welfare of all people
• The Dhamma policy aimed to regulate the relationship between the rulers and the ruled
• Dhammayatras were royal tours enabling direct contact between Asoka and people
• Asoka saw Dhamma as a means to maintain social harmony and reduce conflict; promoted tolerance and non-violence

Dhamma - Interpretations

• Debate on Asoka's Dhamma; viewed either as Buddhist-oriented or as a broader concept encompassing tolerance
• Asoka's Dhamma was a collection of principles from various faiths rather than a specific religious doctrine;
• Some scholars equate Dhamma with a specific religious approach
• Others view Dhamma as a general set of principles encompassing ethical principles drawn from different religious traditions; tolerance and non-violence;