Edicts Of Ashoka: 1 definition
Introduction:
Edicts Of Ashoka means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Buddhism
General definition (in Buddhism)
Source: WikiPedia: BuddhismThe Edicts of Ashoka are a collection of 33 inscriptions on the Pillars of Ashoka, as well as boulders and cave walls, made by the Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty during his reign from 272 to 231 BC. These inscriptions are dispersed throughout the areas of modern day Pakistan and India, and represent the first tangible evidence of Buddhism. The edicts describe in detail the first wide expansion of Buddhism through the sponsorship of one of the most powerful kings of Indian history. According to the edicts, the extent of Buddhist proselytism during this period reached as far as the Mediterranean, and many Buddhist monuments were created.
In these inscriptions, Ashoka refers to himself as "Beloved of the Gods" and "King Priya darshi." The identification of King Priya darshi with Ashoka was confirmed by an inscription discovered in 1915. The inscriptions found in the eastern part of India were written in the Magadhi language, using the Brahmi script. In the western part of India, the language used is closer to Sanskrit, using the Kharoshthi script, one extract of Edict 13 in the Greek language, and one bilingual edict written in Greek and Aramaic.These edicts were decodified by British archeologist and historian James Prinsep.
These inscriptions proclaim Ashokas beliefs in the Buddhist concept of dharma and his efforts to develop the dharma throughout his kingdom. Although Buddhism and the Buddha are mentioned, the edicts of Ashoka tend to focus on social and moral precepts rather than religious practices. No mention is made of the philosophical dimension of Buddhism, such as the Four Noble Truths or the Eightfold Path. This could possibly be because Ashoka wanted to remain simple in his message to the public, because these notions may have been formalized at a later date, or some combination of the two.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Ashoka.
Full-text: Turkmenistan.
Relevant text
Search found 4 books and stories containing Edicts Of Ashoka; (plurals include: Edicts Of Ashokas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
A Historical Study of Kaushambi (by Nirja Sharma)
Religion and Society of Kaushambi < [Chapter 1]
Annadatri-carita (study) (by Sarannya V.)
1. The Chera Dynasty (Introducion) < [Chapter 2 - Depiction of King Utiyan Ceralatan in History and Literature]
History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda) (by Shree Gulabkunverba Ayurvedic Society)
Chapter 1 - The history of Medicine in India (Introduction) < [Part 1 - The History of Medicine in India]
The Great Buddhist Emperors of Asia (by Shibani Dutta)