Significance of Ashoka
Synonyms: Buddha, Maurya, Emperor, Ashoka the great, King ashoka, Ashok
In German: Ashoka; In Finnish: Ashoka; In Spanish: Ashoka; In Swedish: Ashoka; In Malay: Ashoka; In Dutch: Asoka-stijl
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Ashoka'
Ashoka, a notable Mauryan king, is pivotal in Buddhism for his efforts in doctrinal correctness, state support, and the propagation of the faith, influencing history through various significant actions and figures associated with the religion's growth.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A prominent Indian emperor who played a significant role in the consolidation and propagation of Buddhism.[1] (2) A significant Buddhist monarch whose role is paralleled with that of Upagupta in different sources.[2] (3) An important historical figure in Indian history known for his patronage of Buddhism, who dedicated a stupa to Kotivimsha.[3] (4) A significant historical figure and great-grandson of Bimbasara, credited with changing the capital of Magadha from Rajagriha to Pataliputra.[4] (5) The Mauryan emperor mentioned as a significant historical figure in relation to events that took place in Pundravardhana.[5]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A notable king who sought to establish doctrinal correctness in the Buddhist faith.[6] (2) A significant monarch who reigned two years after the Nirvana, known for his dream and actions related to Buddha's relics.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Ashoka'
In Hinduism, Ashoka symbolizes both a flowering tree associated with peace and contentment and refers to a historical Maurya king known for his violent reign, contrasting with later rulers' policies of peace.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A specific type of flowering tree found in the forest.[8]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) A previous ruler known for violence and conquest, contrasting Samudragupta's policy of peace and non-aggression.[9]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Ashokas are things that glowed on the fair banks of a noble flood that Rama encountered, according to the text.[10]
Jain concept of 'Ashoka'
In Jainism, Ashoka symbolizes a deity, a significant tree associated with meditation, peace, and notable events from various narratives, including Sita's suffering and eventual release, reflecting its deep spiritual and cultural importance.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The name of a gardener in a previous life whose actions garnered him merit leading to subsequent fortunes.[11] (2) A tree under which the Lord was meditating, representing a traditional symbol of peace and enlightenment.[12] (3) A tree under which a painter holds a picture that astonishes Dhanavati's friend.[13] (4) A type of tree under which Sita is found, symbolizing her suffering and solitude during her captivity.[14] (5) Referring to a grove where Sita was eventually released by Ravana, demonstrating a significant location in the narrative.[15]
The concept of Ashoka in local and regional sources
Ashoka, a prominent Mauryan emperor and grandson of Chandragupta, is noted for his conversion to Buddhism, promotion of peace, inscriptions promoting Buddhist values, and efforts in public health and religious tolerance throughout his empire.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) An emperor of the Mauryan Empire who is famous for renouncing violence and promoting peace and social harmony, advocating a policy of religious tolerance.[16] (2) A prominent Mauryan emperor associated with the evolution of the Brahmi script, believed not to have invented it but to have utilized existing scripts.[17] (3) The Mauryan emperor known for promoting the spread of Buddhism and establishing stupas and monasteries throughout his empire, including Andhra.[18] (4) The grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, known for his conversion to Buddhism and efforts to promote peace and tolerance.[19]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) This term describes a type of tree, referring to a particular species of arboreal plant, and it is presented in the context of Sanskrit origin.[20]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Ashoka is a king who left numerous rock and pillar inscriptions across his kingdom and periphery, and whose edicts have provided historical insights into early centuries BCE India. He adopted Buddhism, promoted vegetarianism, anti-war policies, public health measures, and Buddhist values, and his name is often associated with claims of establishing a network of hospitals, although no evidence supports these claims in his inscriptions or elsewhere.[21]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A Buddhist sovereign descended from Chandragupta, believed to have connections to the legends of Udyana.[22]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) A king who sought to discover the depths of the ladders and increased his faith upon uncovering them.[23]