Collection of Prakrit and Sanskrit Inscriptions

Author(s): P Piterson
Publisher: Bhavnagar Archiological Department

Page 68

MAURYA DYNASTY.
15 Edict XI. King Devânîmpriya Priyadarsin speaks thus:—There is no charity which equals religious charity, or explanation of religious precepts or right liberality, or religious relation. Under these are comprehended proper treatment of servants* and subordinates, sincere obedience to father and mother, sincere charity towards friends, acquaintances, and men of the same caste, giving of gifts to Bråhmaas and Sromanas and the sparing of animal life. This is to be commended as good, whether by father, or by son, by brother, or by friend, by an acquaintance, or by a man of one's caste, nay even by a nсighbour. He who acts thus makes this world a friend to him, and hereafter obtains for himseif an imperishable reward through all this truc charity.
Edict XII. King Devinâmpriya Priyadarsin honours all sects, and orders of monks and all conditions of heads of lumilies, and honours them and others with religious gifts and with marks of honour of all kinds. To be sure, Devânâmpriya does not attribute so much value to religions-gifts or marks of honour, as to this, that the good name and intrinsic worth of all sects may increase manifold. The foundation thercof, in all its compass, is the giving them all proper and respectful maintenance. In order that one's own sect may not be praised at the expense of another, and that there should be no undue neglect of any, all sects must on all occasions be honoured; for one so doing on all occasions adds greatly to his own sect's merit and at the same time encourages all others. One doing otherwisc destroys his own sect anci docs harm to others. Though every one who praises his own persuasion may, perhaps, do all that, from attachment to bis own sect, for the purpose of glorifying it; nevertheless he shall, by so doing greatly injurc his own persuasion. Therefore concord is best, so that all may know and willingly listen to each other's religion. Because it is a wish of Devinâmpriya that the members of all persuasions may be well instructed, and obtain blessings. And to then who are attached to different persuasions let the assurance be conveyed that Devânâinpriya does not attach so much value to religious-gifts or worship as to this, that all sects may increase in good name and intrinsic worth, and be reverenced. For this end Dharma-Mahamatyas, magistrates entrusted with the superintendence of the woinen,t superintendents to treat ascetics, and other bodies have becu appointed. And the object of this is that Derânâmpriya's persuasion may increase in prosperity, and that he may cause righteousness to come forth ip full splendour.
. probably means slaves; and "Fi seems to be a word for all other kinde of subordinates. + If we take 379fe7a, ufficers of revende
Ahol Shrutgyanam