Jainism Early Faith of Ashoka

Author(s): Edward Thomas
Publisher: Trubner and Company London

Page 79

THE EARLY FAITH OF AŞOKA.
places where roots and fruits were wanting he has caused them to be brought and planted; also he has caused wells to be dug and trees to be planted, on the roads for the benefit of cattle."--Indian Antiquary, p. 272; Arch. Rep. 1874-5, p. 99.
The 3rd seetion adverts to "expiation," and the 4th contiques : “During a past period of many centuries, there have prevailed, destruction of life, injury to living beings, disrespect towards kindred, and irreverence towards Sramans and Brahmans." I : The 5th edict, after a suitable preamble, proceeds :
# Therefore in the tenth year of the inauguration have ministers of morality been made, who are appointed for the purpose of presiding over morals among persons of all the religions, for the sake of, the augmentation of virtue and for the happiness of the virtuous among the people of Kamboja, Gandbara, Naristaka and Pitenika.
They sball also be spread among the warriors, the Brabmans, the mendicants, the destitute and others." ...
The 6th edict declares :-"An unprecedently long time has passed since it has been the custom at all times and in all affairs, to submit representations. Now it is established by me that .. the officers appointed to make reports shall convey to me the objects of the people”-and goes on to define the duties of supervisors of morals, and explain their duties as “informers," etc., continuing :
** There is nothing more essential to the good of the world, for which I am always labouring. On the many beings over whoin
i Dr. Kern's elaborate criticism of Burnouf's revision of Prof. Wilson's transIntion of this passage (Lotus de la Bonne Loi, p. 731) scarcely alters the material come quoted above. His version runs:
In past times, during many centuries, attacking animal life and inflicting ndtering on the creatures, want of respect for Brahmans and monks."
Dr. Kern, in the course of his remarks upon his new rendering, observes, " Apart from the style, there is so little exclusively Buddhistic in this document, that we might equally well conclude from it that the King, satiated with war, had become the president of a peace society and an association for the protection of the lower animals, as that he had embraced the doctrine of Sakya Muni." — I. A., p. 262.
2 The Cuttack version of the Edicts differs from the associate texts, saying, « who shall be intermingled with all the hundred grades of unbelievers for the establishment among them of the faith, for the increase of religion ... in Kambocha and Gandhára, in Surástrika and Pitenika, ... and even to the furthest (limits) of the barbarian (countries). Who shall mix with the Brahmans and Bhikshus, with the poor and with the rich."-p. 190; Prinsep, J.A S. Bengal.