Journey Of Ahimsa

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Jaibhikkhu Sahitya Trust

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violence, mutual trust and tolerance. He, in a spirit of accommodation, returned the caves of Barbara to aajivak cult that was in opposition to the Buddhist cult. The rock edicts of emperor Ashoka are found at many places in India in which one finds the provision he had made for the treatment of human beings and animals. He had planted trees for shelter for human beings and animals and birds and had dug wells for drinking water.
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In the year 186, before Vikram Samvat, Ashoka had framed rules for the protection of life in any form and one who violated the rules was severely punished. He had proclaimed a ban on animal killing and there were strict laws governing the killing of animals for meat consumption. Animal killing was not allowed for about fifty-six days in a year, and special supervisors were appointed for the purpose. Ashok, thus, was an advocate of non-violence, and if practiced, it can augur well for one and all. The grandson of Ashoka was Samprati, who occupies a pride of place among great kings. There was joy writ large on his face after his victory in war but his mother was sadness incarnate.
A Journey of Ahimsa
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