Happiness for All: The Edicts of Ashoka (vegetarian), Part 2 of 2

Let us continue with “Minor Rock Edicts” and “The Seven Pillar Edicts” from “The Edicts of King Asoka,” an English translation by Venerable S. Dhammika. Here King Ashoka encourages people to practice the dharma, seek to attain Heaven, respect their elders, and show kindness to all living beings.

Minor Rock Edicts

Edict 1

“Beloved-of-the-Gods speaks thus: It is now more than two and a half years since I became a lay-disciple, but until now I have not been very zealous. But now that I have visited the Sangha for more than a year, I have become very zealous. Now the people in India who have not associated with the gods do so. This is the result of zeal, and it is not just the great who can do this. Even the humble, if they are zealous, can attain Heaven. And this proclamation has been made with this aim. Let both humble and great be zealous, let even those on the borders know, and let zeal last long. Then this zeal will increase, it will greatly increase, it will increase up to one-and-a-half times. This message has been proclaimed two hundred and fifty-six times by the King while on tour.”

Edict 2

“Beloved-of-the-Gods speaks thus: Father and mother should be respected, and so should elders; kindness to living beings should be made strong and the truth should be spoken. In these ways, the Dhamma should be promoted. Likewise, a teacher should be honored by his pupil, and proper manners should be shown towards relations. This is an ancient rule that conduces to long life. Thus should one act. Written by the scribe Chapala.” […]

The Seven Pillar Edicts

Edict 1

“Beloved-of-the-Gods speaks thus: This Dhamma edict was written twenty-six years after my coronation. Happiness in this world and the next is difficult to obtain without much love for the Dhamma, much self-examination, much respect, much fear (of evil), and much enthusiasm. But through my instruction this regard for Dhamma and love of Dhamma have grown day by day, and will continue to grow. And my officers of high, low, and middle rank are practicing and conforming to the Dhamma, and are capable of inspiring others to do the same. Mahamatras in border areas are doing the same. And these are my instructions: to protect with Dhamma, to make happiness through Dhamma, and to guard with Dhamma.” […]