Edicts of Ashoka: The Fourteen Rock Edicts

Edicts of Ashoka: The Fourteen Rock edicts

Course: History 1121/01

By: Marliese T. Hunter

Dr. Bargeron

10/09/12

Marliese Hunter

HIST. 1121 /01

10/09/12

The Fourteen Rock Edicts

The Fourteen Rock edict was a guide created by Beloved-of-the-King, King Piyadasi on how he though everyone in his domain should live. The Edicts are known as the Dhamma. The Dhamma was written in stone to be passed from generation to generation, and so they would always be there as guidance on how life should be lived. The Edicts were also there to be useful not on in this world, but the next world; what I like to think of as heaven.

"Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, does not consider glory and fame to be of great account unless they are achieved through having my subjects respect Dhamma and practice Dhamma, both now and in the future.[19] For this alone does Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, desire glory and fame. And whatever efforts Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, is making, all of that is only for the welfare of the people in the next world, and that they will have little evil. And being without merit is evil. This is difficult for either a humble person or a great person to do except with great effort, and by giving up other interests. In fact, it may be even more difficult for a great person to do." (The Fourteen Rock Edicts)

Why it is that recognition and honor is only due to people who do works of the Dhamma Edict? I feel as if it is unfair that the Dhamma gets so much credit on things recognized as being positive. I do not think that its fair is some is making good deeds, that they are not recognized just because it is not acknowledged or written in the edict. I feel as if the edict does have a lot of positive reinforcement, but I do not feel as if it should be the only way recognizable in doing good deeds. Whenever one has done something that is beneficial ad positive in the world, I think it should be worthy and applauded. The people should have more of a say so in the edict than what they are given.

"Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, conquered the Kalingas eight years after his coronation.[25] One hundred and fifty thousand were deported, one hundred thousand were killed and many more died (from other causes). After the Kalingas had been conquered, Beloved-of-the-Gods came to feel a strong inclination towards the Dhamma, a love for the Dhamma and for instruction in Dhamma. Now Beloved-of-the-Gods feel deep remorse for having conquered the Kalingas" (The Fourteen Rock Edicts)

Why