Mauyra Empire Activity

      Explain if Asoka’s Edicts reflect Buddha’s 10 Duties or if they don’t. Explain your opinions.  

Buddha’s 10 Duties of a King

1)    Liberality, generosity, charity. Do not have desires for and attachment to wealth and property, instead, give it away for the welfare of the people.

2) A high moral character. He should never destroy life, cheat, steal, or exploit others, commit adultery, utter falsehood, and take intoxicating drinks.

3) Sacrificing everything for the good of the people, be prepared to give up personal comfort, name, and fame, even in your lifetime, in the interest of the people.

4) Honesty and integrity. He must be free from fear or favor in his duties, must be sincere in his intentions, and must not deceive the public.

5) Kindness and gentleness. He must possess a genial temperament.

6) Austerity in habits. He must lead a simple life, and should not indulge in a life of luxury. He must have self control.

7) Freedom from hatred, ill-will, enmity. He should bear no grudge against anybody.

8) Non-violence, which means not only that he should harm nobody, but also that he should try to promote peace by avoiding and preventing war, and everything which involves violence and destruction of life.

9) Patience, forbearance, tolerance, understanding. He must be able to bear hardships, difficulties, and insults without losing his temper.

10) Not oppose the will of the people, should not obstruct any measures that are conducive to the welfare of the people. In other words, he should rule in harmony with his people.

Source: Rahula, Walpola. What the Buddha Taught. New York: Grove Press. 1974. (85)

Excerpts from the Pillars and Edicts of Asoka (adapted)

1.       Along roads I have had banyan trees planted so that they can give shade to animals and men, and I have had mango groves planted. I have had wells dug, rest-houses built, and in various places, I have had watering-places made for the use of animals and men.

2.       It is good to be obedient to one's mother and father, friends, and relatives. It is good not only to spend little, but to own the minimum of property.

3.       It is my desire that there should be uniformity in law and uniformity in sentencing.

4.       This world and the other [the world after death] are hard to gain without great love of Righteousness [correct behavior], great self-examination, great obedience, great effort.

5.       If the unconquered peoples on my border ask what is my will, they should understand this: I desire that they should trust me and should have only happiness in their dealings with me.”

6.       The officials of the city should see to it that no one is ever imprisoned or tortured without good cause. To ensure this I shall send out officers, on a tour of inspection, every five years.

7.       Good behavior towards slaves and servants, obedience to parents, generosity towards friends, acquaintances, and relatives... and abstention from killing living beings.

8.       No living beings are to be slaughtered or offered in sacrifice.

9.       Wherever medical herbs suitable for humans or animals are not available, I have had them imported and grown. Wherever medical roots or fruits are not available I have had them imported and grown.

10.    Contact between religions is good. One should listen to and respect the doctrines of others.

Source: "The Edicts of King Asoka: An English Rendering" by Ven. S. Dhammika (The Wheel Publication No. 386/387) ISBN 955-24-0104-6 (adapted)