Question

Ashoka was a promising warrior, but soon after the Kalinga War, he turned into a practicing moralist. In this context explain:  

Fundamental Principles of Dhamma.

Answer 1

In the context of becoming of Ashoka to be a practicing moralist soon after the Kalinga War, the given heads are explained as under:

Fundamental Principles of Dhamma:
The Prakrit word ‘Dhamma and the Sanskrit word ‘Dharmci have the same meaning. Dharma never meant exactly ‘religion’. It Implied such concepts as justice, virtue, morality, law, and duty.

The fundamental principles of Ashoka’s Dhamma are as follows:

1. The purity of Domestic Life: Ashoka presented himself to be a father-figure. He speaks of his people as his children and directs them, “to respect their parents, elders, and .teachers.” the superiors, on the other hand, were required “to treat their inferiors, including servants, slaves and all living creatures with kindness.” An important duty assigned to all persons was that of truthfulness. 
2. Toleration: Ashoka had a secular attitude while justifying with different religions prevailing in his regime. The people were required to refrain from speaking ill of their neighbor’s faith. He exhorted that all religions were supposed to attain self-control and purity of mind.
3. Sanctity of Life: Ashoka exhorted his people to follow the path of No animal should be slaughtered for sacrifice. He undertook public welfare works like— construction of roads and hospitals for both the men and animals.
4. True Ceremonial: Ashoka condemned all sorts of meaningless and worthless rituals performed on the occasion of childbirth, wedding, death, or departure on the journey. He declared that the True Ceremonial was “kindness to living creatures and Liberality to ascetics and Brahmins”. People should spread Dhamma in all directions. That is the best ceremony and the best gift.