Ashoka’s Dhamma Principles/legacy. .pptx

Ashoka’s Dhamma: Principles and Legacy, Mauryan empire

1. Ashoka’s Dhamma: Principles and Legacy

2. Introduction to Ashoka Overview of Ashoka (268-232 BCE) Third Mauryan emperor Early reign: military expansion, notably the Kalinga War Transformation post-Kalinga

3. What is Dhamma? Definition of Dhamma Ashoka’s personal moral code Derived from Dharma but distinct from religious practice Importance of ethical behavior, non-violence, and tolerance

4. Key Components of Ashoka’s Dhamma Non-violence (Ahimsa) Religious tolerance Care for the welfare of all beings Respect for parents, elders, and teachers Kindness towards servants and employees Moral discipline and self-control

5. Dhamma and Governance Ashoka’s edicts as the primary source of Dhamma 33 inscriptions on rocks, pillars, and caves across the empire Role of Dhamma Mahamatras (officers of Dhamma) Spread of Dhamma through administration

6. Ashoka’s Edicts on Dhamma Focus on the major Rock Edicts Rock Edict 1: Ban on animal sacrifices Rock Edict 2: Welfare measures Rock Edict 5: Appointment of Dhamma Mahamatras Rock Edict 13: Ashoka’s remorse after the Kalinga War

7. Dhamma and Buddhism Ashoka’s personal commitment to Buddhism Support for Buddhist monks and institutions Relationship between Dhamma and Buddhist principles Promotion of non-sectarian values

8. Impact of Dhamma Social reforms in the Mauryan Empire Improved treatment of animals, prisoners, and the poor Promotion of moral responsibility Attempts to unify a diverse empire under a common ethical framework

9. Spread of Dhamma Beyond India Missionary efforts Spread of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and beyond Lasting cultural and moral influence across Asia

10. Criticism and Limitations of Ashoka’s Dhamma Challenges in implementing Dhamma in a vast empire Criticisms of being too idealistic How much did Dhamma affect practical governance?

11. Ashoka’s Legacy Long-term influence on Indian political and cultural thought Revival of interest in Ashoka during the 19th and 20th centuries Ashoka as a symbol of moral governance and Indian unity

12. Conclusion Recap of Ashoka’s transformation, Dhamma principles, and impact Reflection on Ashoka’s legacy in modern times