Asoka - The Imperial Buddhist pilgrim

Kalakeerthi Edwin Ariyadasa

"Amongst the tens of thousands of names of monarchs, that crowd the columns of history, their majesties and graciousness, serenities and royal highnesses and the like, the name of Asoka shines and shines almost alone - a star."

H. G. Wells (British Writer and Historian)

Emperor Dharmasoka (Asoka the Righteous) has no parallel in the history of rulers, who held sway over the destinies of mankind - to a minor or a major degree. In the impressive array of leaders of the world, Emperor Asoka the Righteous occupies a unique position, as the one monarch who spread the soothing message of peace, harmony and tolerance, as the main staple of his imperial policy. Disillusioned and dismayed by the vast carnage he caused in his war against the kingdom of Kalinga, he totally discarded militarism.

Converted to the compassionate teachings of the Supremely Enlightened Buddha, Emperor Asoka the Righteous launched upon a peace campaign. Instead of marching aggressively on the kingdoms of other rulers, he launched an 'Imperial Army' for 'excursions of righteousness' (Dharma Yatra).

He is the most organised 'Imperial Pilgrim' in history and the pioneering holy tourist to visit all the important Buddhist sites in India. As 'Imperial Buddhist Pilgrim', he re-discovered the sites frequented by the living Buddha.

In addition he set up edicts in pillars, rocks and slabs of stone to make the masses follow a path of peace, compassion and tolerance. What is quite important to note is that, this Imperial Pilgrim Asoka the Righteous, opened a path to Buddhist India for generations of pilgrims to tread upon, after him. The compassionate imperial 'scheme' of this pilgrim 'par excellence', is truly amazing.

He not only established guide-posts for pilgrims to follow in their holy tours, but also taught them lessons in morality, virtuous living and understanding. Emperor Dharmasoka's realm was an Empire of Peace. Had it not been for his pilgrim zeal, most Buddhist sites in India, would very well have disappeared altogether, and lost for ever to the whole of mankind.

Asoka was the son of King Bindusara and Queen Subhadrangani. In his youth, Prince Asoka was distinguished by his brilliant intelligence. His father King Bindusara, requested Ascetic Pingala Vatsajiva, to select a Prince to succeed him. The Princes came for the selection-test. The other Princes arrived in gaily decorated luxury chariots. Prince Asoka rode his elephant. As he came late, Prince Asoka had to sit on the ground. The other Princes took their food in gold or silver dishes. Prince Asoka, ate off earthenware vessels. Ascetic Pingala Vatsajiva, told the King that Prince Asoka was the best choice. The Ascetic felt that Prince Asoka was close to the ordinary masses. King Bindusara appointed Asoka the Regent of Vjjain. On his way there, the Prince stopped at Vidisa for a while. Vidisa was a trade centre - the home of affluent merchants. At Vidisa, Prince Asoka met Devi, the beautiful daughter of a rich merchant. He married her and took her to Vjjain.

Arahant Mahinda who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka and Bhikkhuni Sangamitta, who brought a sapling of the Sacred Bodhi Tree, to Sri Lanka are the children of Prince Asoka and Queen Devi. At the age of 21, Asoka assumed the kingship of Magadha, succeeding his father King Bindusara. Emperor Asoka, annexed Kalinga to his empire, through heart-rending carnage. Though victorious, in battle the outcome saddened Asoka immensely.

Sorely smitten with remorse, Emperor Asoka was converted to Buddhism, listening to the serene words of novice-monk Nyagrodha. Totally transformed, Asoka emerged the Imperial Pilgrim - Emperor Asoka the Righteous. He sent out missionaries with the message of Buddhism. He set up centres of medical treatment both for humans and animals. Medical herbs were utilised for therapy.

In Rock Edict 2, Emperor Asoka states: "Wherever medical herbs suitable for humans and animals are not available. I have had them imported and grown. Wherever, medical roots or fruits are not available, I have had them imported and grown. Along roads, I have had wells dug and trees planted for the benefit of humans and animals."

Emperor Asoka, would have exerted deft statesmanship to spread the Teachings of the Buddha, without provoking unrest among religions, in the complex religious environment of his day.

Ven. Moggaliputta Tissa Maha Thera, held the Third Buddhist Council, under the patronage of Emperor Asoka. At the end of the Council, Buddhist Missionaries were sent to even Syria, Macedonia, Epirus and Cyrene.

When Emperor Asoka decided, that 84,000 stupas should be built for the pilgrims to visit and worship, he had a dilemma, "Where could he find the relics to enshrine in 84,000 stupas?" Hearing that King Ajatasatta had a stupa built at Rajagaha, enshrine a vast quantity of sacred relics, secretly, he went to that site. When Emperor Asoka, entered the shrine with the assistance of experts in mechanical devices, he came upon a series of whirling guardian figures, bearing vicious weapons. When the experts stopped the whirling figures, Emperor Asoka entered the secret relic chamber. There, beside a precious stone of great value, he found a message written in King Ajasatta's days. It said: "Less affluent kings of later times, can take this invaluable gem and raise funds for relic-festivals." Emperor Asoka said to himself: "I am not poor at all."

A pleasant surprise awaited him through. He found a sheet of gold on which Arahant Kassapa had inserted a message.

It read thus: "In the future a king named Piyadassino Raja will become Emperor of India by the name Dhammasoka. He will build 84,000 stupas enshrining these relics."

Emperor Asoka was exceedingly happy. Asoka the Imperial Pilgrim, transformed the Buddha to an eternal spiritual voice, making the sites associated with him centres of pilgrimage for the whole of humanity. As an Emperor of the people, he said: "Whether I am having my meals, or in my harem or in my bed-chamber or in the park, whether I am walking or in a vehicle, or I am going to march, let my reporters apprise me of my subjects' condition, everywhere and any time."

Emperor Asoka (born 304 BC - died 232 BC) endowed upon modern India the national emblem (Asokan Lion Capital) and the emblem of the National Flag (Dhamma Cakra).

As H. G. Wells observed: "Who else but Asoka, had vowed to give up warfare soon after a famous victory?"