Chapter 148 Ashoka and Buddhism

King Ashoka of the Mauryan Dynasty vigorously advocated and protected Buddhism, and some stories about him and Buddhism are circulating in the society.It is said that, in the early days of his reign, he ruled the country with violence and torture.There is a prison in the north of the capital Fahrenheit, which is called "Ashoka Prison".In prisons, prisoners are tortured with various instruments of torture.The king had decreed that no one who entered this prison could get out alive. One day, a Buddhist sage was imprisoned for no reason. The jailer threw him into a kettle of hot water, but the water could not boil.The jailer reported the matter to Ashoka, who felt very strange and became interested in Buddhism.He later ordered the prison to be abolished, and the penal code was amended to give prisoners lenient treatment.

At this time, his army just quelled the rebellion in the Kalinga area, killed thousands of rebels, and captured many people.Ashoka's conscience was blamed, and he felt remorse and compassion.He ordered the release of all captives, issued a letter of repentance, donned the robes of a monk, and converted to Buddhism.He banned hunting and became a vegetarian himself, dedicating himself to the implementation of "Dafa" (morality and piety) rule.This led to major changes in the internal and external policies of the Maurya Dynasty.Ashoka gave up the military conquest by means of massacre and exile of the people, released the prisoners of war, and adopted a policy of "pious probation" for the people.

Like many legends in India, it is difficult to say how much truth there is in this story. It is probably fabricated by Buddhist immigrants to promote the power of Buddhism. However, Ashoka advocated Buddhism, which can be proved by the multiple edicts he issued.In these edicts, he praised Buddhism, advised people to convert to Buddhism, and embodied the spirit of Buddhism in daily life.He banned the indiscriminate killing of animals, established human and animal hospitals, and gave alms to the poor.He also built Buddhist temples and pagodas all over India, and personally visited them.Buddhists call him the "Holy King of the Wheel".Although he is an enthusiastic Buddhist immigrant, he does not reject other religions.Jainism, Brahmanism, etc. are also subject to the same protection.

His benevolent reign is bound to produce good results.Because of his good deeds, the Indian people still miss this king.