"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."
More about Ashoka
Born in 304 BCE, Ashoka was the son of Bindusara, the emperor of The Maurya Dynasty, and Dharma, a commoner. Ashoka started ruling from 269 to 232 BCE. He expanded the Indian Kingdom through wars and battles. He was a very rough and brutal type of person but after dealing with one of the fiercest battles of his ruling, he decided to change his ways. He converted his life to Buddhism.
Changing his ways
Ashoka made a couple of great changes, like becoming a nonviolent activist for example. He decided that harming others was not a successful way to get what he wanted . He became very peaceful to others and resolved any wars, issues, or problems that involved him. In doing so, he also influenced the Kingdom to follow in his footsteps with a series of edicts, or policies.
Life Goals
- Buddhist Values - Be loving, respectful, and practice nonviolence
- Justice - Made laws to prevent people from committing crimes
- Security - On guard to make sure that nothing went wrong in the Kingdom
- General Welfare - Good health, food, shelter, and water for ALL of the people
Impact of Ashoka ruled empire
His new way of thinking gave more order and discipline to India. He became an unselfish person who only was concerned about the good of the people!
