Ashoka the Great, the third emperor of the Mauryan dynasty, played a pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism, both within India and across the world. His personal transformation from a ruthless conqueror to a follower and patron of Buddhism had a profound impact on the religion’s development and dissemination. His support helped Buddhism evolve from a regional sect into a major world religion.
1. Personal Conversion to Buddhism
Ashoka’s role in the spread of Buddhism was largely shaped by his personal transformation. Initially, he was known for his brutal conquests, particularly the Kalinga War (c. 261 BCE). The war’s catastrophic consequences, including the death of over 100,000 people and the suffering of countless others, deeply disturbed Ashoka. He was overwhelmed with remorse and, according to his inscriptions, this led him to embrace Buddhism.
Ashoka’s conversion was not merely symbolic; it marked a profound change in his character and policies. He adopted the principles of non-violence (Ahimsa), compassion, and moral law (Dhamma), which became central to his rule. His commitment to Buddhism and its ideals became the cornerstone of his governance, and he sought to spread its teachings far and wide.
2. Patronage of Buddhism
- State Support:
Ashoka provided substantial state support for Buddhism, ensuring that it flourished during his reign. He built Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and viharas (monastic complexes) across his empire, especially in regions where Buddhism had little presence. These included famous sites such as Sanchi, Bodh Gaya, Kushinagar, and Lumbini, all of which became significant pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists. - Promotion of Buddhist Teachings:
Ashoka’s patronage went beyond building physical structures. He actively promoted Buddhist teachings through royal edicts, the most famous being the Ashokan Edicts. These edicts, inscribed on pillars and rocks across the empire, highlighted Ashoka’s commitment to Buddhist principles such as Ahimsa (non-violence), truth, and compassion, urging people to adopt these values in their daily lives. - Buddhist Councils:
Ashoka played a crucial role in organizing the Third Buddhist Council at Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) around 250 BCE. The council was convened to purify the Buddhist community, and it helped standardize the teachings and practices of Buddhism. Ashoka’s support for the council ensured the preservation and dissemination of the Buddhist scriptures.
3. The Role of Ashoka’s Missions
- Sending Buddhist Missions Abroad:
One of Ashoka’s most significant contributions to the spread of Buddhism was his encouragement of missionary activities. Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to various parts of the world, with the goal of spreading Buddhism far beyond India’s borders. These missions had a lasting impact on the global spread of the religion.Some of the most notable missionary efforts include:- Sri Lanka:
Ashoka’s influence on Buddhism in Sri Lanka is legendary. He sent his son Mahinda and daughter Sanghamitta as missionaries to Sri Lanka, where they played an instrumental role in converting King Devanampiya Tissa to Buddhism and establishing the religion on the island. Mahinda is considered the founder of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and his efforts paved the way for the establishment of the Theravada Buddhist tradition. - Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean:
Ashoka’s missionaries also spread Buddhism to Central Asia and parts of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia. In these regions, Buddhism took root and was later instrumental in shaping local cultures and religious landscapes. - Hellenistic World:
Ashoka’s influence also reached the Hellenistic world, particularly in the regions once controlled by Alexander the Great. His interactions with Greek states and the sending of emissaries and Buddhist missionaries to areas like Greece, Egypt, and Asia Minor are evidence of the broader reach of his efforts.
- Sri Lanka:
4. Ashoka’s Dhamma and Buddhist Propagation
- Dhamma (Righteousness):
Ashoka’s concept of Dhamma, which was rooted in Buddhist principles, became the basis for his public policy. He spread the idea of Dhamma through his edicts, which promoted moral and ethical conduct—values central to Buddhism, such as respect for life, tolerance, and compassion. His Dhamma was not limited to religious matters but encompassed social welfare and justice. - Religious Tolerance:
While Ashoka was a devoted follower of Buddhism, his policies also reflected religious tolerance. He advocated for the respect of all religions and did not impose Buddhism on his subjects. His famous Edict XIII, inscribed in the aftermath of the Kalinga War, highlights his belief in the importance of respecting other faiths, encouraging peace and mutual respect between different religious communities.
5. Ashoka’s Influence on Buddhist Art and Architecture
Ashoka’s reign also saw the flourishing of Buddhist art and architecture. He built numerous stupas (reliquary mounds) and pillars that became symbols of Buddhist heritage.
- The Ashokan Pillars:
The famous Ashokan pillars, such as the one at Sarnath (where the Buddha first preached), stand as monumental symbols of Ashoka’s commitment to Buddhism. The pillars often carry inscriptions that proclaim his support for the Buddhist teachings. - Stupas:
Ashoka is credited with constructing several important stupas, including the Sanchi Stupa. These stupas became important sites of pilgrimage for Buddhists. His contributions to Buddhist architecture helped establish the religion’s physical presence across India and beyond.
6. The Legacy of Ashoka in the Spread of Buddhism
- Enduring Influence:
Ashoka’s active role in spreading Buddhism ensured that it would continue to grow and flourish long after his death in 232 BCE. His promotion of Buddhism both within India and internationally laid the foundation for the global spread of the religion, particularly to Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, and parts of Central Asia. - Ashoka’s Impact on Later Buddhist Kings:
Ashoka’s example inspired later rulers, such as Kanishka of the Kushana Empire and Harsha of the Vardhana dynasty, to support Buddhism and spread its teachings. His influence also contributed to the growth of Buddhist monasticism, the establishment of Buddhist universities, and the development of various schools of Buddhist philosophy.
Conclusion
Ashoka the Great’s role in the spread of Buddhism is one of the most significant aspects of his legacy. His personal conversion, royal patronage, missionary work, and commitment to the ethical teachings of Buddhism transformed the religion from a regional movement into a global faith. Through his support, Buddhism not only flourished in India but also spread to various regions of Asia, including Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, where it has continued to thrive for centuries. Ashoka’s reign serves as a model of how political leadership, combined with personal conviction, can shape the course of history and promote lasting cultural and religious transformations.