Vaishali Institute Research Bulletin 3

Author(s): R P Poddar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 86

UNDERSTANDING OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES: ASOKAN MESSAGE 77
Generally speaking religious tolerance in India has been rooted in its soil. And that is the reason why India has been and is a hospitable land for all religions. Asoka expresses the virtue of mutual understanding and religious co-existence pointedly in his edicts. The Emperor, who had experienced the horrors of war born of mutual hatred, in his rock edicts says that the real conquest is the conquest by righteousness (dharma). By righteousness is meant the right mental attitude which includes also the understanding of others' viewpoint. In one of his edicts Asoka expresses his desire that men of different religious denominations should live together (save pāsamḍā vaseyu1) and cultivate what he calls the "essence" (sāra); of all religions-the purification of mind (bhava-suddhi) and self-control (samyama). He further suggests that there should be mutual honouring of all religions. One should not revere one's own religion only. Asoka says that not only should one not indulge in disparagement of other sects but one should hearken to others' view-points also.2 He believed that concord (samavāya) was the basis of all religions and people should willingly hear each other's doctrine (dhamma).
The defences of peace must be built in the minds of men by right attitude towards religions of one's own as well as of others and these different religions which are the refreshing pools of human wisdom should be harnessed for the promotion of world peace.
In my view almost all religions, cultural and educational traditions of the world were initiated and developed by the religious leaders as a result of their deep religious motivation. Hence the role of religion for the welfare of mankind cannot be under-estimated.
We should endeavour to fortify the defences of peace, which has never been so much in peril as now. We are indeed passing through the most critical phase of human history when the mankind is threatened with nuclear catastrophe. Let Asoka's message of understanding each other's religion be our beacon light. Let fragrance of flowers in the form of religions surcharge this beautiful universe and let noble thoughts come from all directions. Let us resolutely work for the universal friendliness of humanity and let this motivation transcend all the national boundaries.
May all sentient beings be free from enmity, ill-will and suffering. Let all live a happy and peaceful life.
1. Rock Edict VI
2.
Rock Edict XII