Aśoka
in Religion Past and Present OnlineSearch for other papers by Heinz Mürmel in
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(407 words)
was the third ruler of the Indian Maurya dynasty and ruled approximately 270-230 bce. A bloody campaign against Kālinga is claimed to have contributed to the change in his disposition. Subsequently, he promoted Buddhism, according to Buddhist sources. That he himself became a Buddhist is not undisputed. Apart from the Buddhist Saṃgha he supported other religious groups (Jainas [Jainism], Ājīvikas, Brahmin). A vigorous Buddhist expansion occurred during his reign. According to Singhalese tradition, his son(?) Mahendra did missionary work in Śri Laṅka. The mission work in Myanmar, Kashmir, and other territories is also associated with Aśoka. The spread of Buddhist centers of pilgrimage and monasteries is allegedly the result of his work (in legendary form, the new dissemination of Buddha relics). Measures such as the restriction of sacrifices (animal sacrifice) or the slaughter and hunting of animals promoted Buddhist tendencies (Ahimsā). While Aśoka cannot be considered a "Buddhist" ruler, Glasenapp's statement, "under Aśoka Buddhism developed from an Indian sect to a world religion" (47), is nevertheless valid. Aśoka became a model for many Buddhist rulers of Śri Laṅka and Southeast Asia.
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Aśoka
in Religion Past and Present OnlineSearch for other papers by Heinz Mürmel in
Current site
Google Scholar
(407 words)