History
History - Rock Edicts of Ashoka
Rock Edicts of Ashoka
• Edicts describe Ashoka’s view on Dhamma
• There are more than 30 inscriptions on the pillars of Ashoka
• The inscriptions were in Magadhi Prakrit (Brahmi Script) in the eastern and central parts of India
• The inscriptions were in Prakrit (Kharoshi script), Aramaic, and Greek in th the northwest
• They provide the first tangible evidence of Buddhism
• He refers to himself as Devanampiya
Categories of Edicts
• Minor Rock Edicts: Earliest edicts of Ashoka
• Minor Pillar Edicts: Rummindei, Nigali Sagar, Queen’s and Schism
• Major Rock Edicts (14 Edicts): Practical instructions for running the Kingdom
• Major Pillar Edicts (7 Edicts): Made at the end of his reign
Ashoka Rock Edict | Description |
Major Rock Edict I | Prohibits animal slaughter and festive gatherings. |
Major Rock Edict II | Care for humans and animals |
Major Rock Edict III | Generosity to Brahmins. Spread Dhamma |
Major Rock Edict IV | Dhammaghosa (sound of Dhamma) is ideal for making over Bherigosa (sound of war) |
Major Rock Edict V | Describes proper treatment of slaves. The appointment of Dhammamahamatras is mentioned. |
Major Rock Edict VI | King’s desire to learn about the condition of people continuously. Talks of welfare measures |
Major Rock Edict VII | Requests tolerance for all religions |
Major Rock Edict VIII | Description of Asoka’s first Dhamma Yatra to Bodhgaya and Bodhi Tree |
Major Rock Edict IX | Popular ceremonies are condemned. |
Major Rock Edict X | Condemns the desire for fame and glory. |
Major Rock Edict XI | Elaborates Dhamma |
Major Rock Edict XII | Request for tolerance among different religious sects |
Major Rock Edict XIII | Talks about Ashoka’s victory over Kalinga and the casualties of war. |
Major Rock Edict XIV | Describes engraving of inscriptions in different parts of the country. |
Major Pillar Edict I | Asoka’s principle of protection of people |
Major Pillar Edict II | Defines dhamma. |
Major Pillar Edict III | Avoid harshness, cruelty, anger, pride, and other sins. |
Major Pillar Edict IV | Duties and responsibilities of Rajukas |
Major Pillar Edict V | List of animals not to be killed at all and those that should not be killed on certain days |
Major Pillar Edict VI | Dhamma policy |
Major Pillar Edict VII | Efforts of Ashoka for Dhamma policy. Says that all sects desire both self-control and purity of mind |
Minor Pillar Edicts
• Schism Edicts: The 3 pillars warning against schism in Sangha. One is in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh (Lion Capital of Ashoka), one is in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, and one is in Allahabad.
• Queen’s Edict: It says that the Queen should be credited for her gifts. This is found on the Allahabad pillar.
• Rimmindei Edict: It says that Ashoka visited the birthplace of Buddha after 20 years of his reign. It is located in Lumbini, Nepal
• Nigali Sagar Edict: Ashoka ascertains the enlargement of Kanakamuni Buddha’s Stupa