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Development of Buddhism

The transformation of Asoka, the Mauryan emperor, from a violent conqueror to a pacifist Buddhist monarch significantly contributed to the growth of Buddhism. His reign (c. 268-232 BCE) marked the religion's expansion through the establishment of rock edicts promoting non-violence, welfare initiatives, and the convening of councils. Asoka's support for the Sangha and his missionary efforts spread Buddhism beyond India, leading to its status as a universal religion. However, his autocratic rule and promotion of tolerance raised contradictions in his governance.

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Development of Buddhism

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  1. Development of Buddhism Asoka

  2. Titles – Piyadasi; Chakravartin and ‘beloved of the gods’ The conversion of Asoka to Buddhism is a major factor in the development of the religion, along with the proliferation of sects and convening of councils

  3. Introduction on Asoka It took c250 years for the Sangha to fully impress a monarch. 160 years after the Buddha’s death, the Jain, Chandagupta Maurya established his dynasty and enlarged Magadha. Asoka was his grandson who inherited the empire in 272 B.C.E. – 268 B.C.E. He adopted the Kautilyan theory of statecraft of good karma by conquest of lands. The violent Kalingan campaign converted Asoka to the cultivation of peace and he became a lay Buddhist.

  4. Asoka used four ‘tactics’ to spread his social and ethical dharma By persuasion – the stone pillars (rock edicts). These urged role responsibility and non – violence, benevolence and charity. By legislation – setting up welfare centres, officers, parks and banning sacrifices. By example – No hunting, donning monk’s robe, pilgrimages to four sites and venerating stupas Through the 3rd Council – At Patilaputra, his capital. Asoka sided with the Sthviras against the Sarvastavadins. He agreed on the three baskets of The Pali Canon and sent missionaries

  5. Evidence for Asoka as a factor favouring Buddhism. Increased the popularity of Buddhism at home and abroad. Buddhism became a universal religion during his rule. Asoka improved the status and influence of the Sangha. Asoka encouraged and established peace, tolerance and morality. Asoka made it easy to be a monk or a lay devotee Asoka incorporated and tolerated non Buddhist elements – all inclusive; a Buddhist ideal!

  6. Evidence against Asoka as a factor favouring Buddhism. Asoka antagonised Brahmins. Asoka antagonised other sects. Asoka weakened the dharma by encouraging other sects to practice their beliefs freely. Asoka was an autocrat. Asoka used Buddhism for his clever political ends. Asoka made it too easy to become a Monk. Asoka separated out sila from the other trainings on the Eightfold Path –can it ever be separated out?

  7. Conclusion on Asoka His empire crumbled within 50 years He only ever promoted morality Missionaries were sent to Sri Lanka; Kashmir; Gandhara; Himalayas; Malaya; Southern India; Egypt and Syria Buddhism had become a popular cult by the time of Asoka’s death The three fold relationship envisaged by the Buddha for the survival of Buddhism of The Sangha, the King and the people had become a reality

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