Question

1) How did the Kalinga war bring about a change in Ashoka’s attitude towards war?
2) Identify the parts of Ashoka’s message that you think are relevant today.

Answer 1

Answer:

1. After ascending throne, Ashoka wages war against Kalinga in 261 BC. He conquered it after a bitter struggle. The victory over Kalinga did not bring any joy to Ashoka.
3. Asoka had suggested a moral life that was convenient to follow: Being human We all should follow the moral life. Moral life refers to non-violence, equality in the society.
4. He included a number of ideals and practices like stop scarfing animals for prayer(yug).
5. Abstinence from killing, respect to elder moderation in behavior, etc. were the ideals that could be follow- by all people.
6. Tolerance was insisted upon as an absolute duty, which is very much necessary for multi-religious country India.
7. The Major Rock Edict XI contains an elaborate explanation of the dhamma, apart from dealing with charity and kinship of humanity.
8. Prohibition of animal sacrifices and festive fathering’s.
9. Plantation of medicinal herbs and trees and digging of wells along the roads.

Answer 2

The answers for the first one are correct, except for the fact thag ashoka was actually already a buddhist, even before the Kalinga War