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ASOKA'S ROCK EDICTS.
469
EDICT VIII.
A long period has elapsed, during which the beloved of the gods used to go forth on so-called pleasure-tours." On such occasions the chase and other similar amusements used to be pursued. Now, when King Priyadarsin, beloved of the gods, had been anointed ten years, he went forth in search after true knowledge. Owing to this event, religious tours have become a regular institution here in my empire. On that occasion the following happens, viz. the reception of, and almsgiving to, Brahmans and ascetics, the reception of the aged, the distribution of gold, the reception of the people of the provinces, the preaching of the Sacred Law and inquiries concerning the Sacred Law. It is thue that, in exchange for past pleasures, King Priyadarsin, beloved of the gods, since then enjoys the pleasures which these virtuous actions procure.
EDICT IX.
13
King Priyadarsin, beloved of the gods, speaks thus:-The people performs various auspicious rites in misfortunes, at marriages of sons and daughters," on the birth of sons, at the time of starting on a journey. On these and similar occasions the people perform many auspicious rites. But at such times the women perform many and various despicable and useless rites. Now, auspicious rites ought indeed to be performed. But rites of this description produce no results. But the following, the auspicious rite, which consists in the fulfilment of the Sacred Law, produces, indeed, great results. " That includes kindness towards slaves and servants, reverence towards venerable persons, self-control with respect to living creatures, liberality towards ascetics and Brahmans. These and other similar virtuous actions are called the auspicious rites of the Sacred Law. Now a father, or a son, or a brother, or a master, ought to speak as follows:-"This is meritorious; this auspicious rite must be practised until the desired aim is attained." To the success of which auspicious rites does this refer? For every worldly auspicious rite is doubtful. It may be that it accomplishes the desired object; but it may be that it remains even in this world. But that auspicious rite of the Sacred Law acts without reference to time. If it does not secure here the desired object, it yet produces endless merit in the next world. But, if it secures the desired object both are gained; here that desired object, and endless merit is produced in the next world through that auspicious rite of the Sacred Law.
EDICT X.
King Priyadarsin, beloved of the gods, does not think that glory and fame bring much profit, except that he desires glory and fame with the view that at present and in the future the people may practise obedience to the Sacred Law, and that they observe the duties of the Sacred Law. For this purpose King Priyadarsin, beloved of the gods, desires glory and fame. But all the efforts of King Priyadarsin, beloved of the gods, are made with reference to the results for a future life. How so? It is his wish that all may be free from danger. Now the danger is sin. But assuredly the thing is difficult
The word vindraydird occurs in the sense of "pleasure-tour" in Asvaghosha's Buddhacharita, III, 3, and passim. For the use of dvdho and vivdho compare the Ambattha Sutta 2-1 (Dighanikaya, vol. I, p. 99). Compare the beginning of the Jaina Dadaraikalika sutra,-dhammo mangalam wkkattham, etc. Compare Jétakas, IV, 239, 9, mahantam puññam pasarámíti.
