Maurya Emperor Ashoka and the example method carved in stone
(I)

A. In order to further understand the great historical role of the Emperor Asoka not only for the people-ethnic Indians, but also for humanity through the introduction of Buddhism to other countries, we should review a little bit about the face scene contemporary Indian history.

Indian history is very long existence, to the 5 thousand years. Conceptually, if civilization from the time of ancient Indus river valley in the northwest of the subcontinent, based on the archaeological findings at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, it appeared about 2, 500 years TTL this civilization lasted over a thousand years, was regarded as one of the oldest civilizations of mankind, along with civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia (today's Iraq). Many historians have indigenous Dravidian race, low stature, dark skin, wide nose, twisted hair, was erected civilization with religious ceremonies which develop, design and urban architecture planning primordial , bronze and brass used to know, know-woven wool and watermark.statuary etc ...

To about 1,500 years BC, with Aryan, large size, white, high nose, many whiskers, from Central Asia (in southern Russia today alongside) falls under invaded northwestern Iran (Punjab today). They transition from nomadic existence to settled agriculture, to value animals, especially horses and cows, said fabricated by animal-drawn vehicles, known as moon calendar, cult of the hermit and teacher sacrifice etc, Go around 800 TTL they were divided into several emirates ruled out northeastern and southern India. They took documents h? C, philosophical, religious, social organizations Indies reached its peak, creating civilization Vedas, Hinduism's core. Upanishads probably aggregation between the 8th century and 5th TTL.

But since then Indian society divided Dabi many different caste, also extends to the present day; great to have four castes (varnas) from high to low as Brahmans (Brahmin: including priests, false position), Kshatriyas (kings minister), Vaisyas (merchants, landowners) and Sudras (workers interstitial work, workers', artisans, servants). Three class above for the Aryan origin, is considered pure, is entitled to learn the Vedas to be reborn religious sense (born again). Tuesday class is for indigenous people, not pure and not learned the Vedas. We must add one more person miserable rank lowest caste not been put in yet, called Harijans or Paraiyans (Class disgusting), including interstitial profession cattle slaughtering, tanning.Remember that in every class there is the division of a lot of things kind (jati) tentatively called wards or union. According to statistics in 1901 had 2,378 wards to like.

To about the 6th century BC, when Buddha Sakyamuni was in this world, has emerged more demanding reform school notions unfair treatment in society stems from the Vedas and other Hindu challenge. Two new religious visionary and revolutionary lenient than has appeared: that Buddhism and Jainism (Janism).During this period, the Indian land has about 16 large and small countries; and the powerful kingdom are concentrated in northern India (Bihar now) as Avanti, Vaishali (Ve-sa-li), Kosala (Qiao-slap-la), Magadha (Ma-Jay-Da) etc ... . After the fratricidal wars of aggression, the reign of King Magadha Bambisara (Bimbisara, back there where the epidemic is Binh-Sa-United) of the clan Haryanka neighbors acquirer becomes an empire quite wide, closed the capital in Rajagrha (Rajagrha), a Patna today about 35 miles to the southeast.

Bambisara king ascended the throne at age 15, became a lay Buddhist at age 30, and enthusiastically supported Buddhism. Mr. reigned for 52 years, has built 16 monasteries in Rajgir and Germany offering garden Shakyamuni Buddha and architecture for large nguma sangha lie fallow. This garden is mentioned several times in the Tripitaka, which is Vihara Truc Lam (Venuvan-Arama). Many authors have studied Buddhism that Sakyamuni language sermon was known at the time of ordinary Magadhi.

To about 420 year reign TTL Haryanka lost at the hands of clan Nanda, Nanda but they only exist for 100 years before being overthrown Maurya clan.

Top of the 4th century BC, after defeating Persians in 326 BC, Alexander the Great extended the Greek Empire from the west to the Indian border and stopped at the river BES (now Lahore, Pakistan) . After Alexander died in Babylon in 323 BC, Chandragupta Maurya then overthrew the Nanda dynasty in 321 TTL repel invaders installments of Seleucus I Nicator, Alexander's successors in the Afghanistan, Baluchistan and Pakistan now, then expanding to the southwest border to Daccan Gujatt and valleys. King Chandragupta Maurya (from 321 to 298 ruled TTL) has moved the capital to Pataliputra (Thanh Hoa Thi; ie Patna today) was a solid fortress sits in the delta town's communication is two rivers Ganga (Hang Ha) and Sona river.

The living and ruling style centralization and skilful diplomacy of Chandragupta Maurya dynasty was recorded in the book Arthasastra by Kautilya (Chanakya also known as), as prime minister of his reign.Also several sections of a report issued by the envoys of King Seleucus named Megathenes record exists so far through the cites of the Greco-Roman historians. To the king Bindusara Maurya (reigned from 298-273 TTL) This empire is also expanding further from Kashmir in the north to the south Karntaka, and from the Ganges delta in the east to south and east to chronic Made in Afghanistan now. Maurya Empire was known for big cities like Takshasila prosperity, Ujjain, Vidisha, Tosali, and Suvarnagiri.

Emperor Asoka Maurya to life (also recorded as Ashoka, translated as Asoka, or A-du-Ca: means Infinite Offer), the third king of the Maurya dynasty, the next he hegemony, and acquired most of the subcontinent.His empire mighty peak and he left to posterity a perennial witness stone materials, as the example method, because otherwise things about Asoka known only through legends recorded in proceedings are written by Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka and India as the Divyavadana, Asokavadana, etc .. Mahavamsa

Maurya Emperor Ashoka was born in 304 BC, was crowned at the age of 35 years 269 TTL, reigned 38 years and died in 232 TTL expectancy 73 years. He is the greatest king of India, and was the first emperor who ruled a vast Indian empire.

Based on the Mahavamsa (Great History) has been compiled by the Sangha in Sri Lanka, immediately after his father's ice Bindusara in 273 BC, there was a fight for the throne is intense among the princes of 4 male.This period is the time not Use Record king (Interregnum). Asoka Ultimately, with the support of several powerful lords in the capital Pataliputra (Pataliputra), succeeded to the throne in 269 and TTL.

Eight years after his father's successor, Emperor Asoka conquer Kalinga their troops along the coast doang romance, this is the land of Orissa because of its wealth of ore fat occurs in abundance thanks to the granary, located vavi Maritime Hotel benefits resulting Krishna valley full of gold and precious stones.Campaign successful but bloody. According to the law due to his wrong example etched into stone, the invasion has made 150 thousand people were enslaved or exiled, 100 thousand soldiers killed, the number of civilians killed was much higher.

Kalinga battle two years ago, it seems that Asoka became a Buddhist monk after listening to portable Nigrodha (Ni-the-art) sermon, but not very enthusiastic (see example 1 Legal Sub jelly) , until after witnessing traumatic tragedy of this campaign Clarion too emotional and very remorseful, and from there decide the war worth invasive and recollection to become a Upasaka (Pros-she-rules: residents -Si Buddhists) devout. His whole life was persistently remaining applications water treatment Buddhism in a compassionate way that he called dhammavijaya (conquer approach), and was supported Buddhism extensive development not only throughout his empire rule but also spread to neighboring countries. These events occurred about two centuries after the death of Buddha Sakyamuni.

The Mahavamsa - which is written in the spirit of religion with myth to life intentionally wanted uphold commandments Asoka became a Buddhist since have abandoned past full of evil, from a Candasoka (Ashoka tyrant ) became Dhammasoka (Ashoka grave France) - this should have stated that in the struggle for the throne, Asoka has killed 99 people out of 100 his brother, only to leave a single man named Tissa.Actually there is no credible evidence of this, and again during the Great French fossil was given the example of 5 to 11 years after he was crowned king Asoka also found mention of his brothers and sisters.Scholars believe that the only controversy this house had a brother (or children) were murdered only.Further to his reign, in addition to the two events are competing for the throne and the invasion of Kalinga in the first 8 years, during the remaining 30 years of his commercials have become a benevolent emperor Dharma brought out applications in life, not brutal like Nero or the Head of the Roman masterpiece, Qin Shi Huang of China, so he accorded Candasoka assigned to watch the lack of facilities. Many serious scholars even compare him with other great men such as Hammurabi of Babylon, Charlemagne's empire post-Roman Western Europe or the Mughals Akbar.

Many in ancient Sri Lanka recorded the event is due to application Asoka policies peaceful conquest by Dhamma which he cleverly stable political life and many times throughout the quelling of the rebellion that bloodless; which significantly is the rebellion of the people in the region of Gandhara Takshasila against the harsh oppression of the local rulers. Later Gandhara became popular Buddhist sites, from which the Mahayana developed over the East.

To understand the main subjects of the policy reform in the new rule and the moral principles he laid out based on the core Dharma created a society full of humanity and more justice, Asoka ordered this example carved in stone method - sometimes called the Word recorded Dharma (dharmalipi), sometimes called ordinances (dharma-Shravana) - to proclaim and widely across the country. The rock dukhac legal Asoka is illustrated an image of kings always zealous enforcement of the Buddha Dhamma to bring hundreds of them a peaceful life, prosperity and welfare, but not for for more information about his life.

The opening of the French market example of Asoka is considered only just recently. The first researcher to be a Catholic priest, the father Tieffenthaler pieces of legal survey office in Delhi to Meerut in 1756, but did not understand the content. Until 1837 the new law Asoka example archaeologists James Prinsep the code referring to the first time, and from there the instance is legal translation and printing of promotional everywhere.

Initially Prinsep found that this example has been given by a king called himself "King Piyadasi, Thien death" (adapted from "Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi") or "Devanampiya Piyadasi, Thien death , the view From Down with Heart "(" Beloved-of-the-Gods, He who Looks On with Affection "). Scholars surmise King Asoka Piyadasi may be, is often hailed by the Buddhist legends. It was not until 1915, when a law other example is found with the name Asoka, people assert that both are one, it is the emperor Asoka, and from there, after more than two thousand years forgotten , the law on this rock dukhac of Asoka suddenly shed more light on a great man in the history of India and the whole of humanity, rather than as a character known only through legend. One question on the rock record reflects Asoka spiritual dimension: "All my subjects are children. Because my son, they must be fully provide security and welfare in this life and the next life , as we have always look forward. "

Professor Romila Thapar on ancient Indian History at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, the texts of the French system of this example is considered to be the earliest of Indian literature can study. Van older system that was discovered in Harappa civilization of the Indus river valley is only figurative drawings on signs carpentry, ceramic ornaments and vases that nobody has yet understood the meaning.

The stone carving of legal Asoka example marking the transition from oral to written word Indian society as they are ideograms rather sound like ancient hieroglyphics. Delve into the inscriptions, one sees the Emperor Asoka to record four French literature for example by three different languages. The important part, and the majority of the inscriptions is Prakrit language - language that time was ordinary conversation Magadhi origin, that is the official language during the reign of Asoka, and the rest of the Greek language and Aramaic .

Prakrit language the text is written in two forms Brahmi and Kharoshthi system (close to the Sanscrit). The majority of the legal literature example written in Brahmi, spread throughout the empire. Many scholars argue that literature Brahmi Maurya dynasty by creativity by Business in the rule a vast empire. It is a transitional form between Sanscrit came from northwestern India (commonly used in the world of theology, philosophy, or mystical) and modern languages ​​of the Indo-European Indo. Brahmi literature, though also slightly deformed under pronounce in each locality, for example, to write Tamil literature in the southern capital arranger from Brahmi system.

The use of the French language Prakrit example also shows that the Dharma Asoka want to bring the application to everyday life, not just for some clergy to discuss Sanscrit language. Office users can talk very affordable understandable and often repeated, as if the Emperor wants to directly talk to the masses, not fussy frills like other contemporary monarchs or use. Through that many scholars have seen the true candor of Asoka.

Few inscriptions written language system Kharoshthi and Greek and Aramaic. These sheets are only found in northwest Afghanistan now, where many people speak two languages ​​does. It is uncertain whether the French example of this type have been court ordered or by local rulers made as a translation for the residents of the region, mixed multiethnic capital. On one of the regional law in this instance, Emperor Asoka after the names of five kings and western countries have diplomatic relations, so that helped a lot for the study used for comparison. It was the king Antiyoka (English: Antiochus II Theos in Syria: 261- 246 TTL), Turamaya (Ptolemy II of Egypt Philadelphos: 285-247 TTL), Antikini (Antigonus Gonatas of Macedonia: 278-239 TTL), Maka (Magas of Cyrene: 300-258 TTL) and Alikasudara (Alexander of Epirus: 272-258 TTT).

Based on the inscriptions in Greek this vaAramaic Western researchers understand the same in the Prakrit word. But so has caused quite a lot of misconceptions, for example, from  dharma  does not have a single word and Aramaic original Greek (and English today) homologous to translate and even in the texts in Greek this vaAramaic no where mentions Buddha. So many translators to interview translated as: mercy (piety), virtue (virtue), a sacred duty (sacred duty), or use the original language is  dharma  taught by the Buddha (the  dharma  Taught by the Buddha ). In the inscription in Greek is recorded  eusebeia , with a very general sense as just mentioned.

Because this is based on the misperception that many Western scholars suspect that the word  dharma  used Asoka not carry a meaning that the Buddhist Dharma is the ethical exhortations, society in general.Someone also told that because the inscriptions on Asoka did not see mention of the fundamental teachings of Buddhism as (samsara), Liberation (Mokkha), Nirvana (Nibbana), No-self (anatta) , the Noble Eightfold path (atthangika-magga), or the Four Noble Truths (ariya-saccani Cattari) should have literal interpretation dharma  according pagan inference his subjective. It is a pity, because they forget that although Asoka became a Buddhist resident-artist but he had ruled a vast empire as a military intelligence, to be fair with diverse subjects capital and multi-faith, in a society has a culture of tolerance, not fanaticism unique, monotheism. Asoka can not use words to pure Dharma subjects covered by example.

But through a few methods for example sub-fossil Sangha legal example example of France 3, also known as Bairat example, there were no doubt about Asoka the Buddhist faith. In this example the following health to the Sangha, he identified his great faith in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. He said that all measures by the Buddha preached Dhamma is true and he wanted it to be permanent. He also recorded the names of seven of the Sangha to practice regularly.

These measures are generally aimed instance stone carvings on many components that reign officials, presented the Sangha, and subjects. For the first component, then he cares about the well-being and welfare of the people, and called on the authorities to uphold the moral and social duties for better civilian rule. In between, he ingredients are interested in increasing their own practice and the administration of the monastery. In the following components, he only encourage eating in accordance with the Dharma (Dharma).

Asoka also frequent travelers weeks galaxies, called the trip French acts (dhammayatras) to teach the Dharma to everyone. He also ordered his ministers should also do so. Emperor Asoka assume the responsibility to interpret, publish and preach Dharma (Dharma). With super Vietnamese sanity, Asoka has pointed out in everyday life, it is the interaction of many ethical life: It reflects the responsibilities and duties of man, depending on their position in society; it reflects the order in the universe and truth in the sense that order; it is the bond by people in the family, society, religion, and country; it is the basic knowledge as a foundation for understanding and peaceful, which is expressed by different cultures and religious differences; it is the direction for action and self-conscious and happy; it only achieved by action, develop more in practice, and protected by law, and thus it forms the basis for policy, education and justice;it was discovered by self-consistent, meditation, and metabolism, and it brought down to giving up things that do not adapt to it. During her reign, he has persevered to exercise their trust for life when he identified with the concept  chakraqvartin , (Dharmaraja); proving themselves as a military operation is the Dharma Wheel everywhere to preserve the security and welfare for everyone.

Poses a tube called "The Dharma enforcement or the French Ministry of Administration", appointed his ministers called dharmamahamatras (France lords) in TTL 257 (according to example No. V, 13 years after he was house) oversees all the work of specialized social welfare of the people, concerned about the essential needs of women, of people living in the frontier, to the different religious communities and should be impartial in the exercise Justice. Clarion also government officials example should convince people at all levels in the application of dharma in daily life rather than coercion with communication command.Clarion also delegate more power to the judges everywhere to prevent the work of negligence, as well as avoiding the brutal treatment to the animals and quickly resolve the difficulties encountered. French example also lists the wild animals are not protected imperial hunting. He also ordered that the emergency must be submitted to reach him immediately.

These remarkable achievements are being praised far as the construction of hospitals for people and animals, as well as for planting herb gardens, spacious building a road system with multiple trees and mango looms on the sidelines, with wells and roadside motels in regular intervals for each traveler. This transport system has made the commercial and administrative development of the Maurya Empire multifaceted advantages.

For less enlightened subjects, the Emperor Asoka to encourage the application of Dharma into daily life by practicing the true virtue (SACE), compassionate, peaceful (daya), kind to everyone ( samya pratipati) rather than a show ritual usually pray blessings; so often alms (dana) to poor (kapana VALAKA), for the Dominicans, friends, relatives etc ..; restrictions kill, do not torture animals (avihisa bhutanam); no luxuries, not taking bridges, heal and avoid evil (apa apa vyayata bhadata) [titles under biblical teachings least A-levels Increase (Anguttara Nikaya, II: 282)]; to respect elders as a parent, grandparent, teacher, and also for friends, servants and brahmin priest would [like teachings of the Buddha in Digha (Digha Nikaya) Paragraph 31]. He taught that if you do that, it will bring immeasurable merit.

He did not set out and began to follow a domineering religious ceremonies, but only with the theory of its own Buddhist Sangha gender only. For contemporary religions, including Hindu, Jain and professor specializing Ajivika ascetic, he was very fair and encourage virtuous life (bhava sudhi), enthusiasm (usahena), respect each other, promote inner values ​​(Bahu sruta), homemade (sayame) and prohibits the religious conflict. He was constantly learning to converse with the religious man of religion.

Formally, the French example was classified by the surface has been carved: the mountain rock, stone pillars and caves. Even the surface of the material and place also the use of its content, so the content of the French example also corresponding changes. Based on this example that measures one can predict the events of the century during the reign of Asoka.

Can distinguish two phases of the inscriptions are created. The first phase, 11 years after Ashoka ascended the throne, the French carved on cliff example crudely, and short-term depending on the content, but also split the French example Thach University (Major Rock Edicts) and Elementary French Thach example (Minor Rock Edicts). The French Thach this example is often engraved on the large rock foundation so far has been damaged a lot. Take the case Sopara inscriptions, just some pieces of leftover VIII and IX. Thanks to other documents are well preserved that people read the passages lost in damaged legal instance.

Until now it was discovered 14 fossil legal age brings example contents widely from killing limiting services to provide welfare and health, then the war in Kalinga and its effects. Two additional measures Kalinga example Mam sold in 259 BC, has also called legal scholars 15 and 16. example (whose content is similar to 3 measures were damaged example, is the method of example XI: talking about the relief and solidarity of humanity, No. XII: talk about religious tolerance and XIII: talking about the war in Kalinga, the recollection of Asoka). This example also two French words for the new rulers occupied areas, talking about ethical issues, justice, relieve stress problems with neighbors and improving inter-state peace.

Fourteen contemporary example above legal fossil was found in six different places including two places near the western border of the Maurya Empire Arabian Sea is the state of Bombay and Girnar Sopara in the state Saurahtra; second place is near the northwestern border in west Shahbazgarhi Mansehra and Pakistan;a place in the north is Kalsi of Uttar Pradesh and one in the south of Andhra Pradesh Erragudi. Eleven great example with 2 jelly legal measures Kalinga example also found in Dhauli and Jaugada of Orissa, near the east coast of the Bay of Bengal.

The Sub Thach French example could have been issued in the year 260 and is the French TTL first instance, along with visits to France acts began. They are concentrated mostly in the middle and south of the Empire including France Elementary Thach first instance, found in northern India and 7 places in Hyderabad: is Bairat, Gavimath, Maski, Palkigundu, Gujarra, Rupnath and Sahasram. Thach French elementary example II was found in five places in the south is Brahmagiri, Jatinga-Ramesvara and Siddaoura state of Mysore, and Rajula-Mandagiri Erragudi of Andhra. Thach French elementary example III (for example Sangha measures were issued in the 12th year after the throne) is found in Bairat.

In a later phase, in year 27 to 28 during the reign of Emperor Asoka, the new law is engraved onto example of scrub column shiny stones, erected in many important cities in the valley of the Ganges and the major roads in the empire, commonly known as the French office Thach example (pillar Edicts). Initially probably have a lot of law offices were set up, but so far only left with 10 offices only. The average head-high prey ranges from 12 to 15 feet, weigh up to 50 tons. On top of each pillar are sculpted intricate figures as roaring lions, oxen or horses holy spirit etc .. All exploded jelly taken from the gong in Chunar, Varanasi and dragged south to places erected, sometimes hundreds of miles away from both. Though after so many centuries between rain and sun exposure so that water wind shiny dew still bright as a mirror, say enough great quality of stone carving art of the Indians at the time.

Two Chinese Ambassador Western pilgrims architecture (AAN) is France Show (Fa Hien: 401-410 TL.) Scored the law saw the 6 cylinder, and Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang or Yuan Chwang: 629-645 TL), the saw 15, and of these only 2 days remaining true according to Xuanzang described in the memoir. The fossil legal office in Meerut and Topra building was Sultan Shah moved to Delhi Driuz in the 14th century in Kausambi Head (Kosam in the state of today) has been moved to Allahabad king Akbar in the 16th century Some other major might have been buried, covered with dense forest downs over time, supplies a remarkable turn.

The French office Thach this example includes 7 instance where content is relatively simple: start with two cylindrical talk about the essence of dharma, to talk about the three pillars applications on taming Dharma karma and craving, the propagation of virtue and justice, and the regulations on the killing of animals and public parties, and ending with an instance method (or 2 as in the case of cylindrical Topra) about preaching methods virtue. The cylindrical quartz France this example was found scattered in over 30 cities throughout the Maurya empire realms including India, Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan today, as of Utter Pradesh Meerut and Kausambi, Lauriya-Araraj, Lauriya-Nandangarh and Rampurva of Bihar. One other offices with the 7th example is found in the eastern region of Punjab Topra. The text of the inscriptions on the pillars Thach France this instance identical.

Allahabad pillar back is engraved with 2 other example. The first instance, sometimes called primary fossil du legal office I, also observed in the state of Bhopal Sanchi and Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh in. The inscription should not be preserved text inscriptions on pillars in three places have changed.

Head at Sarnath (where the deer garden: Deer Park) even more sequel carved on pillars example Allahabad, also known as primary legal jelly example II office. Today the Indian government used the formation where the lion carved four back together agar Sarnath pillar as the national symbol. Second remaining example Allahabad pillar sometimes called sub-office legal jelly example III, is a gift from a queen of King Asoka, so also known as the Queen's French example.

The two pillars found in Nepal is marked shrine office, a Rummindei within the territory or in Lumbini, where Buddha's birth, a large lake Nigali Sagar, near the ancient towers of Buddhist relics Kanakamuni.

The example method cave (The Cave Edicts) were found in 3 out of 4 Barabar caves in the mountains of Bihar. In two previous cave inscriptions of Emperor Asoka scored in the 12th, the third row after recording his 19th year on the throne, gave the caves as shelter for the religious ascetics belonging Ajivika, that cardinals is Gosala German contemporaries Shakyamuni In the 4th cave inscriptions recorded TL 5th century later. Elsewhere the hill with 3 caves anymore Nagarjuni containing inscriptions dedicated to priests Ajivika of a king used the title "Heavenly Prince", but by King Dasaratha, nephew of Emperor Asoka to erect.

Location of Emperor Asoka of glorious Buddhist truth is, we can say that every household is revered to Holiness. His merits are often Buddhists worship praise is pleasing and they excel his Buddhist. Asoka construction for many enshrines relics of the Buddha (Stupa), many monasteries (vihara). Business books are also recorded at 84 thousand 84 thousand viharas town, and the biggest house in the immediate capital Asokarama to King often to worship. He did provide food for hundreds of thousands of monks and nuns, so at that time there were many bad guys abusing priests joined caps increase comfort them for life. This has lead to the degeneration of the Dharma practice. Knowing the evils, Asoka ordered a purge old and already ranks increased to 60 thousand interstitial remove disguise identity and battens before Congress Buddhist Council (Sangiti) 3rd in the capital Pataliputra by Mr. patronize.

He often went on pilgrimage to worship the Buddha built and erected the stone pillars of praise, but many of the archaeologists recently discovered in Lumbini where Lord Gautama was born, or in Gaya (Bodh Gaya) which at that time was called Sambodhi or Vajirasana. Plaster own office in Gaya has carved French example VIII were issued in the 10th year after his coronation. He also set out a program for religious believers hioc Buddhism. He also built the stone pillars inscribed his Dhamma realization (like jelly on legal Elementary instance). He often directly arbitrate the debates between sects and resolutely prevent the differentiation of the Sangha.

Also thanks to his guardian that Buddhism was spreading throughout the Maurya empire, and to neighboring countries. According to the Mahavamsa the Sri Lankan Sangha Council contest the decision in the country wants to spread Buddhism abroad, Asoka active instant help, and even the prince dispatched Mahinda and Princess Sanghamitta, (and later Sumana even grandchildren) on missions to Sri Lanka in the sixth year of his reign, and send the other delegations to South-East Asia and Central Asia. He also thanked the envoys (Duta) to 5 countries under imperialist west until the Greek Mediterranean Sea (meditéranean) from Syria to Macedonia, as specified in the example method XIII.

While the missionaries through the west unsuccessful, the preaching of the sangha by Prince and Princess Mahinda south Sanghamitta guide to success. From the beginning until now Buddhism became the state religion of Sri Lanka. There are legends that the sect Ven also be transmitted to Myanmar from Sri Lanka during the reign of Asoka, but everyone knows that only imported Burmese Buddhism around the 5th century TL.

Unfortunately, after his death in the year 232, the empire Maurya TTL also extensive disintegration under 50 years, and then be replaced Shungas clan; and the social welfare activities initiated by him nor last long unless the law carved into stone example and influenced the spread of Buddhism over Eastern.END=NAM MO AMITABHA BUDDHA.( 3 TIMES ).VIETNAMESE TRANSLATE ENGLISH BY=THICH GIAC TAM.THE MIND OF ENLIGHTENMENT.VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST NUN=GOLDEN AMITABHA PURELAND=AUSTRALIA,SYDNEY.1/12/2016.