A Ruler Guided by Dhamma

Emperor Ashoka stands as a timeless example of how the Dhamma can be lived not only in personal life, but also in the way one relates to society and the world. His life reflects a deep commitment to compassion, ethical living, and the welfare of all beings.

An Inspiration for This Offering

This platform is inspired by the spirit with which Emperor Ashoka embraced and shared the Dhamma. He saw the Dhamma not as something to be imposed, but as a universal path that could benefit all, beyond differences of belief, culture, or identity. In the same spirit, this offering seeks to share the Dhamma as a way of understanding life and cultivating inner peace.

The Way He Shared the Dhamma

Ashoka encouraged a way of living rooted in:

• Compassion toward all beings
• Respect for all religions and traditions
• Ethical conduct in thought, word, and action
• Care for both individual and collective well-being

A Message of Harmony

One of the most remarkable aspects of Ashoka's vision was his emphasis on harmony among different traditions. He encouraged people to honor their own path while respecting and understanding others. In a world often divided by differences, this message remains deeply relevant. The Dhamma, as reflected in Ashoka's life, is a path that brings people together through tolerance, understanding, and ethical living.

Ashoka's Edicts - The Voice of Dhamma

From the many edicts of Emperor Ashoka, a few are shared here to reflect the spirit of Dhamma: compassion, harmony, and the welfare of all beings.

Rock Edict V: Doing Good

In the past, kings used to go out on pleasure tours during which there was hunting and other entertainment. But ten years after Beloved-of-the-Gods had been coronated, he went on a tour to Sambodhi [site of Buddha's enlightenment] and thus instituted Dhamma tours. During these tours, the following things took place: visits and gifts to Brahmans and ascetics, visits and gifts of gold to the aged, visits to people in the countryside, instructing them in Dhamma, and discussing Dhamma with them as is suitable. It is this that delights Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, and is, as it were, another type of revenue.

Rock Edict VIII: Dhamma in Practice

Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, speaks thus: To do good is difficult. One who does good first does something hard to do. I have done many good deeds, and if my sons, grandsons, and their descendants up to the end of the world act in like manner, they too will do much good. But whoever amongst them neglects this, they will do evil. Truly, it is easy to do evil.

Rock Edict X: True Glory and Purpose

Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, does not consider glory and fame to be of great account unless they are achieved through having my subjects respect Dhamma and practice Dhamma, both now and in the future. For this alone does Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, desire glory and fame. And whatever efforts Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, is making, all of that is only for the welfare of the people in the next world, and that they will have little evil. And being without merit is evil. This is difficult for either a humble person or a great person to do except with great effort, and by giving up other interests. In fact, it may be even more difficult for a great person to do.

Rock Edict XI: The Gift of Dhamma

There is no gift like the gift of the Dhamma, (no acquaintance like) acquaintance with Dhamma, (no distribution like) distribution of Dhamma, and (no kinship like) kinship through Dhamma. And it consists of this: proper behavior towards servants and employees, respect for mother and father, generosity to friends, companions, relations, Brahmans and ascetics, and not killing living beings. Therefore, a father, a son, a brother, a master, a friend, a companion or a neighbor should say: “This is good, this should be done.” One benefits in this world and gains great merit in the next by giving the gift of Dhamma.

Rock Edict XII: Harmony Among All Traditions

Growth in essentials can be done in different ways, but all of them have as their root restraint in speech, that is, not praising one's own religion, or condemning the religion of others without good cause. And if there is cause for criticism, it should be done in a mild way. But it is better to honor other religions for this reason. By so doing, one's own religion benefits and so do other religions, while doing otherwise harms one's own religion and the religions of others. Whoever praises his own religion, due to excessive devotion, and condemns others with the thought 'Let me glorify my own religion', only harms his own religion…One should listen to and respect the doctrines professed by others.