________________
910
EPIGRAPHIA INDICA
[VOL. XXXI
TRANSLATION
(I) (This is a proclamation) of Devanāmpriya Priyadarsin Asokarāja. (II) I have been (now) an upāsaka (i.e. a lay follower of the Buddha) for two and half years,
(III) Saith he," It is (now) more than a year that the Sangha (i.e. the Buddhist Church) has been intimately associated with me and that I have been exerting myself in the cause of Dharma)".
(IV) Devānāmpriya's men (i.e. subjects) in Jambudvipa, who had been unmingled with the gods during this périod, were made (by him) mingled with the gods.
(V) This is the result of (his) exertion (in the cause of Dharma).
(VI) It is not that this (result) can be obtained by the rich man alone. (VII) Even the poor man, if he exerts himself in the cause of Dharma), practises (the duties associated with) Dharma and observes restraint in respect of living beings, can attain even the great heaven.
(VIII) Therefore this proolamation is (issued by me) for this following) purpose.
(IX) Let (both) the poor and the rich practise (the duties associated with) Dharma (and) effect (thereby their) Association (with the gods).
(X) Let the peoples living beyond the borders (of my empire) also know that .......... it (one) practises (the duties associated with) this Dharma alone to a considerable extent."
(XI) And this proclamation (is issued by me when I have been) on tour (for) 256 days).
The conjootural restoration of the damaged portion of the insoription would suggest the translation : "Let the people living beyond the borders (of my empire) also know that the practice of (the duties associated with) Dharma should further increaso. This matter will increase if (people) pruolin (who cuties associated with this Dharma alone to considerable degroo".
