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Ashoka, originally named Asoka, took the title Devanampiya Piyadasi, meaning “Beloved-of-the-Gods, He Who Looks On With Affection.” His edicts mostly focus on the reforms He introduced and the moral principles He believed would create a just and humane society. After a brutal war where many people died, including some of His own family members, Ashoka was deeply affected. In 262 BCE, His army conquered Kalinga (modern-day Orissa), and the devastation from the war made Him turn to Buddhism. He dedicated the rest of His life to spreading Buddhist values and applied them in ruling His empire. The edicts discuss “dharma,” which has many meanings, like law, social order, piety, and righteousness. Ashoka played a key role in spreading Buddhism both within India and beyond, and He is likely the first to build significant Buddhist monuments. We now present the first 7 edicts of Ashoka which are a set of moral guidelines and proclamations reflecting His commitment to Buddhism, ethics, and the welfare of His people. The Edicts of Ashoka Edict 1 to 7 Edict 1 “Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, has caused this Dhamma edict to be written. Here (in my domain) no living beings are to be slaughtered or offered in sacrifice. Nor should festivals be held, for Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, sees much to object to in such festivals, although there are some festivals that Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, does approve of.” Edict 4 “In the past, for many hundreds of years, killing or harming living beings and improper behavior towards relatives, and improper behavior towards Brahmans and ascetics has increased. But now due to Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi's Dhamma practice, the sound of the drum has been replaced by the sound of the Dhamma. The sighting of Heavenly cars, auspicious elephants, bodies of fire and other divine sightings has not happened for many hundreds of years. But now because Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi promotes restraint in the killing and harming of living beings, proper behavior towards relatives, Brahmans and ascetics, and respect for mother, father and elders, such sightings have increased. These and many other kinds of Dhamma practice have been encouraged by Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, and he will continue to promote Dhamma practice. […]”Edict 7 “Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, desires that all religions should reside everywhere, for all of them desire self-control and purity of heart. But people have various desires and various passions, and they may practice all of what they should or only a part of it. […]”
