Question

Elucidate the salient features of Ashoka's Dhamma.

Answer 1

Instructions: Answer should have the following points:

• Meaning of Dhamma
• Elements of Dhamma
• Spread of Dhamma

Solution:
Meaning of Dhamma

• Dhamma was a set of moral principles.
• Dhamma is a Prakrit word for Dharma in Sanskrit.
• Dhamma does not mean religion. It did not involve worship of god or sacrifice of animal.
• Ashoka considered this as his duty to teach his subjects morality.

Elements of Dhamma

• People should maintain peace and harmony.
• Everyone should uphold the principle of non-violence and non-injury to all living beings.
• People should display respect and tolerance towards other religions.
• People should be charitable and kind towards servants and slaves.

Spread of Dhamma

• He appointed Dhamma Mahamatta to spread Dhamma among the masses.
• They travelled to different places in the Empire and preached Dhamma to the subjects.
• Ashoka sent messengers to areas like Syria, Egypt, Greece and Sri Lanka to spread ideas about Dhamma.