Page 61 - SST Class 06

Edict 5 ascetics and Brahmans. Other ceremonies are of

Ashoka says that to do good is difficult. One who doubtful fruit, for they may achieve their purpose
does good first does something hard to do. He or they may not and even if they do, it is only in
says that he has done many good deeds and if this world.
his sons, grandsons and their descendants act in Edict 10
such a manner, they too will do much good. But, Ashoka did not consider glory and fame to be of
whoever amongst them neglects this, they will do great account unless they are achieved through
evil. having my subjects respect and practice
Edict 6 Dhamma, both now and in the future. For this
Ashoka said that in the past, state business was alone he desire glory and fame.
not transacted, nor were reports delivered to the Edict 11
king at all hours. But, now he had have given the Ashoka said that there is no gift like the gift of the
order that at any time or wherever he is, report- Dhamma, no acquaintance like acquaintance
ers are to be posted with instructions to report to with Dhamma, no distribution like distribution of
him the affairs of the people so that he might Dhamma, and no kinship like kinship through
attend to these affairs wherever he is. Dhamma.
Edict 7 Edict 12

Ashoka desired that all religions should reside Ashoka honored both ascetics and the house-
everywhere, for all of them desire self-control and holders with gifts and honors of various kinds.
purity of heart. But he did not value gifts and honors as much as

Edict 8 he valued that there should be growth in the
Asoka says that in the past, kings used to go out essentials of all religions.
on pleasure tours during which there was hunting Edict 13
and other entertainment. But, ten years after he Ashoka conquered the Kalingas, which resulted
had been coronated, he went on a tour to in one hundred and fifty thousand people being
Sambodhi and instituted Dhamma tours. During deported, one hundred thousand killed and
these tours, there were visits and gifts given to many more died from other causes. After the
Brahmans and ascetics, visits and gifts of gold to Kalingas had been conquered, Ashoka came to
the aged, visits to people in the countryside, feel a strong inclination towards the Dhamma, a
instructing them in Dhamma and discussing love for the Dhamma and for instruction in
Dhamma with them as is suitable. Dhamma. And, he felt deep remorse for having
Edict 9 conquered the Kalingas.

Ashoka said that people perform various ceremo- Edict 14
nies. These types of ceremonies can be per- Ashoks had the Dhamma edicts written in brief,
formed by all means, but they bear little fruit. in medium length and in extended form. Not all
What does bear great fruit, however, is the of them occur everywhere, for his domain was
ceremony of the Dhamma. vast, but much has been written, and he will have
This involves proper behavior towards servants still more written. And, also there are some
and employees, respect for teachers, restraint subjects here that have been spoken of again and
towards living beings, and generosity towards again because of their sweetness and so that the

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