what are the main features of Ashoka's dhamma related to general code of conduct ?
Answers
The word Dhamma is the Prakrit form of the Sanskrit word Dharma.[4][5][6] There have been attempts to define and find equivalent English words for it, such as "piety", "moral life" and "righteousness" but scholars could not translate it into English because it was coined and used in a specific context. The word Dharma has multiple meanings in the literature and thought of ancient India. The best way to understand what Ashoka means by Dhamma is to read his edicts, which were written to explain the principles of Dhamma to the people of that time throughout the empire.[7][8][9]
Dhamma was not a particular religious faith or practice, or an arbitrary formulated royal policy.[10] Dhamma related to generalized norms of social behavior and activities; Ashoka tried to synthesize various social norms which were current in his time. It cannot be understood by assuming it is one of the various religions that existed at that time. To understand why and how Ashoka formulated Dhamma and its meaning, one must understand the characteristics of the time in which he lived and to refer to Buddhist, Brahmanical and other texts where norms of social behavior are explained
Dhamma is a Pali term which mean as distinct as 'creation', 'instructions', 'fairness', 'natural', 'honesty' and 'good manners'. As the word is usually employed in Buddhism it symbolizes the teachings and principles of the Buddha.
Principal features of Asoka's dhamma associated to a general code of behavior comprises the following points :
Being sensitive with serfs and assistants.
It is incorrect to appreciate one's own religion or scrutinize another's faith.
Each one should respect their parent's and all the elderly persons.