Question

Ashoka’s Dhamma was not a narrow religious faith. Its broad objective was to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst people of the realm. In this context explain: Fundamental Principles of Dhamma.

Answer 1

In the context of Ashoka’s Dhamma was not a narrow religious faith. Its broad objective was to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst people the following principles were adopted:

Fundamental Principles of Dhamma: The Prakrit word ‘Dhamma’ and the Sanskrit word ‘Dharma’ 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 neighbour’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 parth of Ahimsa. 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.