compare and contrast between ashoka dhamma and buddhism
Answers
Buddhism was the predominant religion at that time and its had been specified in the eightfold path what in social behaviour constituted right and what did not.
Ashoka has an important place in Indian history because he was the first king to initiate policies of peace rather than of war and aggression. Ashoka is considered as one of the greatest kings in Indian history for his militaristic activity as he his admired for his policy of Dhamma. The Kalinga war in 262 BC had a major influence on Ashoka where a large number of people were killed or imprisoned. Perhaps this bloodshed moved his heart and he decided to abandon the policy of military expansion and declared that he would in future favor dhammaghosha (drum of dhamma) than bherighosha (war drum).
By the later half of Ashoka’s rule, expansion of the empire was almost complete. His empire now comprised of people having different cultural, social and religious beliefs. In order to save the empire from political tensions arising out of these differences he had two ways. He could either increase the size of armed forces to seek military intervene to solve these conflicts, which in turn would have meant increased taxes and more resistance. Another way was a peaceful resolution of these conflicts by taking everyone along (sab ka saath sab ka vikas) by cementing and welding divergent groups. Ashoka chose the peaceful way in order to promote harmony and peace in his kingdom.
What is Dhamma?
Dhamma was a code of conduct or ideal social behavior common to all religions of the world, which he appealed to his subjects to follow.
According to some scholars, Ashoka was a follower of Buddhism, however, he never discriminated against other faiths, or religion. Moreover, he never forced his subjects to convert into the religion he followed.
What is Buddhism?
Dukkha is a central concept of Buddhism and part of its Four Noble Truths doctrine, and a central characteristic of life in this world. Dukkha is most commonly translated as "suffering," which is an incorrect translation, since it refers not to literal suffering, but to the ultimately unsatisfactory nature of temporary states and things, including pleasant but temporary experiences.
Dukkha - Life is unsatisfactory, disjointed, suffering.
Samudaya - There is a cause of suffering, which is attachment or desire (tanha).
Nirodha - There is a cessation of suffering, which is to eliminate attachment and desire.
Marga - The path that leads out of suffering is called the Noble Eightfold Path.
Buddha taught that in order to realize enlightenment, man must free himself from his ego, and give up all desires. Buddha taught that by having so many desires (such as wanting pleasure, wealth, happiness, security, success, long life, etc.), man condemns himself to suffering, and will never escape the cycle of rebirths.
Therefore Buddhism believes that suffering is self-created.
The Eightfold Path
1. Right Understanding (or Right View, or Right Perspective)
2. Right Thought (or Right Intention, or Right Resolve)
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort (or Right Endeavour)
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration
Now lets get back to Dhamma
A closer look at his edicts shows that the basics of Dhamma included compassion (daya), charity (dana), truthfulness, purity and gentleness. Some contents of the Rock Edicts are:-
Rock Edict I call for a ban on animal sacrifice and social gatherings like samaj.
Rock Edict II declares measures to be taken to built roads, inns, wells, hospitals, and planting of shade giving trees.
Rock Edict III,IV, AND XIIth ask people to respect parents, relatives, brahmanas and shramanas (monks).
He had appointed special type of officials called dhamma mahamatras whose main duty was to supervise the peaceful function of the principles of Dhamma. 12th rock edict is especially important since it says “the king of Piyadassi, the beloved of Gods, respected all sects whether ascetics or householders and he honors them with gifts and honors of various kinds…let an alien sect also be respected on every occasion.”
Thus it is absolutely clear that Dhamma was not Buddhism and Ashoka was not trying to convert people to Buddhism. He was however, trying to create a welfare state.
Though it seems that some of his ideas flow from the Eightfold path, these are common in all religions (eg 10 commandments) and it seems he adopted some aspects from the Eight fold path in order to give guidelines to his subordinates and the people to follow on social behaviour. He did this to rule his kingdom peacefully as he did not want to use military force.
Buddhism was a religious faith began by Gautam Buddha during the Sixth Century BCE. However, the Dhamma of Ashoka was a series of edicts. The concept of Dhamma was given by the faith Buddhism whereas Ashoka Maurya expound the policy of Dhamma by issuing edicts. While Buddhist monks and nuns went place to place to preach the faith and policy of dhamma. On the other hand, through his edicts, Ashoka Mauryan used to communicate directly with the people of his empire.