Ashoka the great

He dedicated his entire later life to the cause of Buddhism and at the same time carried out public welfare works of great magnitude. For him subjects were like his own offspring. He always wished for their physical and spiritual well being. He laid roads, sank well and built inns for the convenience of the […]

Buddhist Sangha organised three grand conventions. The first was held during the life time of Buddha himself in the Emperor’s palace. Emperor Ajatshatru bore the entire expenses of the event. It was attended by hundred of thousands of monks, nuns and other faithfuls. The year was 487 B.C.The second convention was held at Vaishali exactly

First Engraving—This holy message engraving had been ordered by the favoured one of gods, Priyadarshi king Ashoka. Here (in my kingdom) no animal will be killed for religious rites and no social event (fair, celebration or meeting) shall be held in which animal sacrifice is offered because the favoured one of the gods sees many

As Buddhist Emperor, Ashoka spent most of his time in spreading Buddha’s message of love, compassion, peace, and non-violence. These message he got engraved on rock faces, stones, pillars and the cave walls.All the discovered engravings are classified in eight sections according to the chronological order. The sections are as the following—Minor Stone Engravings—These minor

Dearest Sir,I wished to share the marital bliss all my life with you. But you denied me that chance or wish. Now the whole life and the world looks a purposeless exercise to me. When you took leave of me at Vidisha a promise was made that you will stay away from bloodshed. You failed

After the Kalinga war Ashoka had a change of heart. He was a transformed person. Now he detested bloodsheds, wars, violence and hatred. He admitted to being a power hungry degenerate.How he would love to have Vidisha by his side! Ashoka had made up his mind to listen to all the advises of his dear

Emperor Ashoka was a very ambitious person. He believed in the further expansion of the empire. His theory was that it was the duty of every Emperor to add to the legacy as his contribution to justify his tenure. He had grandiose plans of his own and he began to put his plans in actions.For

After restoring the law and order Ashoka was able to bring back peace to Ujjaini. The situation remained under control and he won the confidence of the people. Strangely the people love strong rulers and respect them. Ashoka too earned popularity.Ashoka and Vidisha lived in the palace very happy in each other’s warmth of love

The marital bliss had filled Ashoka with a strange new energy. Thus newly energized Ashoka reached the outskirts of Ujjaini accompanied by his bride Vidisha. They had to camp outside the city with their army.They could not enter the town as it had fallen to the rebels. The rebel flags were flying high all over

Suryaratna went to the town and it took little time for him to ferret out the information. He merely had to give a reference to the bevy of the beauties that had gone to Chaitya Vihara. He was back in the camp after only a couple of hours.He straight away reported to the Prince. His

Prince Ashoka left Patliputra without meeting Prince Susheem. He was feeling sorry for him. Accompanying him was his trusted band of soldiers. In the midway the party came upon a very scenic place. Ashoka had rarely seen such natural beauty.There were hills, green forest, eye soothing pastoral slopes, waterfalls, river and a clear water lake.

Two weeks later Prince Ashoka got a letter from Patliputra asking him to return.The letter from Patliputra delighted Ashoka. The due recognition of his work pleased him. The expectations of greater responsibilities excited him. He could no longer wait in Taxila. So, Prince Ashoka handed over the charge of Taxila to a deserving confidant and

Once again Emperor Bindusara and his chief minister were discussing the affairs of the state and the new developments. They had already analysed the Ashoka performance and successful mission. The chief minister was all praise for Ashoka.He said, ‘‘Prince Ashoka did his job pretty fast and how admirably. The rebels are finished. The rule of

As directed by the Emperor, Prince Susheem came back to Patliputra to find that the special business was no more than a father’s desire to see his son.He met his other brothers who were also agitated about Ashoka getting preferential treatment. Almost all of them were jealous and green with envy. Susheem was posing as

Prince Ashoka came to the chamber of his father and paid obeisance.He asked, ‘‘Did you wish to see me, father?’’‘‘Yes son, I did’’ the Emperor spoke in cheerful tone. ‘‘How are you, Son?’’‘‘With your blessing I am fine, father’’ Ashoka replied. ‘‘There is nothing to worry as ever. I think every one in your empire