________________
120
}
be remembered that Asoka not only wanted to promulgate widely the Buddhist religion but he wanted also to spread it in its pristine beauty. He was strongly against the innovations introduced into Buddhism, and as a jealous patron of orthodox Bu. ddhism, he by a number of edicts spread its cardinal doctrines. Not resting satisfied with this, Asoka ordered an authoritative version of the Buddhist doctrines. This has formed the canon of the southern Buddhists, The canon of the southern Buddhists called the Hinayana or small vehicle at present prevails in Burmah, Pegu, Siam and Ceylon. If there is any place where the prevailing Buddhism remiuds one most of the Old Buddhist religion taught by Buddha, it is Ceylon, where it was first introduced by Mahindo and Sanghamitta, son and daughter of the great Asoka. Tarning to the canon of the Buddhists of the North, or as they proudly call it the Mahayana, the great vehicle, we find it is based on the fourth great Buddhist Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
