Ashoka's patronage of buddhism

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Ashoka and the Spread of Buddhism

One of the most significant aspects of Ashoka’s reign was his role in spreading Buddhism beyond India. While he personally embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War, he did not force it on his subjects. Instead, he actively supported Buddhist institutions and missionaries, helping transform Buddhism into a global religion that spread across Asia.

Ashoka’s Patronage of Buddhism

After his conversion, Ashoka took several steps to strengthen and promote Buddhism:

  1. Support for Buddhist Monasteries

    • He provided royal grants to Buddhist monks (bhikkhus) and monasteries (viharas).

    • He built stupas (dome-shaped Buddhist monuments) to preserve Buddhist relics, including the Great Stupa at Sanchi.

  2. Third Buddhist Council (c. 250 BCE)

    • Ashoka organized the Third Buddhist Council in Pataliputra under Moggaliputta Tissa, a senior Buddhist monk.

    • This council helped systematize Buddhist teachings and eliminate conflicts within the monastic community.

  3. Missionary Efforts

    • Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to different parts of India and beyond.

    • His son, Mahinda, and daughter, Sanghamitta, traveled to Sri Lanka, where they established Theravāda Buddhism.

    • Missions were also sent to Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Hellenistic world (Greece, Egypt, and Syria).

Ashoka’s Edicts and the Promotion of Dhamma

  • Ashoka inscribed his edicts on rocks and pillars across the empire to spread the message of Dhamma.

  • Some of these inscriptions were written in Greek and Aramaic, indicating his attempt to reach foreign audiences.

  • In his 13th Rock Edict, he expressed regret for the violence in Kalinga and stated that true conquest is through Dhamma, not war.

Impact of Ashoka’s Buddhist Policies

  • Buddhism spread across Asia, eventually becoming the dominant religion in Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, China, Korea, and Japan.

  • The Mauryan Empire became a center of Buddhist learning, attracting monks and scholars from different regions.

  • His model of religious tolerance influenced later rulers, including the Guptas in India and Emperor Kanishka of the Kushan Empire.

Conclusion

Ashoka’s efforts transformed Buddhism from a regional movement into a major world religion. His promotion of Dhamma, Buddhist institutions, and missionary activities helped Buddhism survive and flourish for centuries.

In the final part of this series, we will discuss the long-term impact of Ashoka’s religious policies and their relevance in history.

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