Indian Antiquary Vol 18

SR No.: 032510
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: John Faithfull Fleet, Richard Carnac Temple
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 454
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

Page 327

OCTOBER, 1889.
THE INSCRIPTIONS OF PIYADASI.
307
teachings. So, when they hear these words], will men walk in the Good Way, will advance [in welfare), (Circular edict commences) and will make rapid progress in the Religion. It is for this reason that I have promulgated religious exhortations, and that I have given various directions in regard to the Religion. I have appointed numerous (officers) over the people, each having his own jarisdiction, that they may spread abroad my instructions, and develop (my wishes). I have also appointed rajjúk as over hundreds of thousands of living beings, and they have been ordered by me to instruct the faithful.
Thus saith Piyadasi, dear unto the Dêvas: - It is with this object alone that I have erected columns, (covered with) religious [inscriptions], instituted overseers of the Religion, and spread abroad religious exhortations (?).
Thus saith the King Piyadasi, dear unto the Devas :- Along the roads have I planted nyagródhas, that they may give shade to men and animals; I have planted mango-orchards; at every half krosa have I sunk wells; I have had tanks (?) dug ; I have had many inns built for the enjoyment of men and animals. But to me the true enjoyment is this, that, while former kings and I myself have contributed to the welfare of men by various benefits, they should also be led to walk in the path of the Religion. It is to this end, therefore, that I direct my actions.
Thus saith Piyadasi, dear unto the Dêvas: - I have also appointed overseers of the Religion whose daty it is to busy themselves with all matters of charity, and their duties will also -extend to all the sectaries, whether those of monks or of householders. I have also borne in mind the interests of those in holy orders, with whom the duties of these officers will lie ; the interests of the brahmanas and religious ascetics, with whom their duties will lie; the interests of the nirgranthas, with whom their duties will lie; and the interests of all the sectaries, with whom their duties will also lie. The mahámátras will deal with only one or other of these, each to each body, but the overseers of the Religion will occupy themselves in a general manner both with these sectaries, and with all others.
Thus saith the King Piyadasi, dear unto the Dêvas :- These and many other officials are my agents, and it will be their duty to distribute my alms and those of the queens. In my entire palace they will employ themselves] in various ways, each according to the apartments confided to him. I purpose that, both here and in the provinces, they should employ themselves in the distribution of the alms of my children, and especially of those of the royal princes, so as to encourage the Religion, and devotion to the practice of the Religion. For devotion to the Religion means practice of the Religion, mercy, charity, trath, purity of life, gentleness, and goodness.
Thus saith the King Piyadasi, dear unto the Devas :- Now, whatever acts of goodness have been performed by me, so in these the people follow after me, these they take as their examples. Therefore have they grown up, and will they grow up, in obedience to their parents, in obedience to their teachers, in reverence to those advanced in age, in consideration towards brahmanas, eramanas, the poor, the miserable, and even to slaves and servants.
Thus saith the King Piyadasi, dear unto the Dêvas :- But this progress of the Religion among men is promoted in two ways; by positive rules, and by the sentiments under which they are practised. Of these the positive roles have only a moderate importance, and it is the sentiments under which they are practised which give them a high value. The positive rules are such as when I forbid the slaughter of such and such kinds of animals, and the other religious prescripts which I have issued in great numbers. But it is only by the change of personal sentiments that the progress of the Religion really takes place, in the (general) respect for life, and in the exercise of care not to kill any living being. It is with this object that I have set up this inscription, for my sons and for my grandsons, to endure as long as the sun and moon, that they may follow my instructions; for by so doing they will obtain happiness both here below and in the world to come. I have had this edict engraved in the twenty-eighth year of my coronation.
Thus saith the [King), dear unto the Devas :- Where this edict exists, whether on columns of stone or on walls of rock, there care must be taken that it may long endure.