Ashokan Rock Edicts

EDICT I

"The following edict of religion is promulgated by the heaven-beloved king Piyadasi:

"'In this place the putting to death of anything whatever that hath life, either for the benefit of the puja, or in convivial meetings, shall not be done. Much cruelty of this nature occurs in such assemblies. The heaven- beloved king Piyadasi is (as it were) a father (to his people). Uniformity of worship is wise and proper for the congregation of the heaven- beloved Piyadasi Raja.

"'Formerly, in the great refectory and temple of the heaven-beloved king Piyadasi, daily were many hundred thousand animals sacrificed for the sake of meat food. So even at this day while this religious edict is under promulgation, from the sacrifice of animals for the sake of food, some two are killed, or one is killed; but now the joyful chorus resounds again and again - that henceforward not a single animal shall be put to death.'"

"This is the edict of the beloved of the gods Raja Priyadasi

"'The putting to death of animals is to be entirely discontinued, and no convivial meeting is to be held; for the beloved of the gods, the Raja Priyadasi, remarks many faults in such assemblies. There is but one assembly, indeed, which is approved of by the Raja Priyadasi, the beloved of the gods, which is that of the great kitchen of Raja Priyadasi, the beloved of the gods. Every day hundreds of thousands of animals have been there slaughtered for virtuous purposes, but now, although this pious edict is proclaimed that animals may be killed for good purposes, and such is the practice, yet as the practice is not determined, these presents are proclaimed that hereafter they shall not be killed.'"

EDICT II

"Everywhere within the conquered province of Raja Piyadasi, the beloved of the gods, as well as in the parts occupied by the faithful, such as Chola, Pida, Satiyaputra, and Ketalaputra, even as far as Tambapanni (Ceylon) ; and, moreover, within the dominions of ANTIOCHUS, the Greek (of which Antiochus' generals are the rulers), everywhere the heaven-beloved Raja Piyadasi's double system of medical aid is established- both medical aid for men, and medical aid for animals, together with the medicaments of all sorts, which are suitable for men, and suitable for animals. And wherever there is not (such provision), in all such places they are to be prepared, and to be planted: both root-drugs and herbs, wheresoever there is not ( a provision of them), in all such places shall they be deposited and planted.

"And in the public highways wells are to be dug, and trees to be planted, for the accommodation of men and animals."

Translation by Wilson

"In all the subjugated (territories) of the king Priyadasi, the beloved of the gods, and also, in the bordering countries, as (Choda), Playa (or Paraya), Satyaputra, Keralaputra, Tambapani (it is proclaimed), and ANTIOCHUS by name the Yona (or Yavana) raja, and those princes, who are nearer to (or allied with) that monarch, universally (are apprised) that (two designs have been cherished by Priyadasi, one design) regarding men, and one relating to animals; and whatever herbs are useful to men or useful to animals wherever there are none, such have been everywhere caused to be conveyed and planted, (and roots and fruits wherever there are none, such have been everywhere conveyed and planted; and on the roads) wells have been caused to be dug, (and trees have been planted) for the respective enjoyment of animals and men."

EDICT III

"Thus spake the heaven-beloved king Piyadasi: 'By me, after the twelfth year of my anointment, this commandment is made. Everywhere in the conquered (provinces) among the faithful, whether (my own) subjects or foreigners, after every five years, let there, be (a public) humiliation for this express object, yea, for the confirmation of virtue and for the suppression of disgraceful acts.

"'Good and proper is dutiful service to mother and father; towards friends and kinsfolks, towards Brahmans and Sramans, excellent is charity: -prodigality and malicious slander are not good.'"

"'All this the leader of the congregation shall inculcate to the assembly, with (appropriate ) explanation and example'."

"King Priyadasi says: 'This was ordered by me when I had been twelve years inaugurated. In the conquered country, and among my own subjects as well as strangers, that every five years expiation should be undergone with this object, for the enforcement of such moral obligations as were declared by me to be good: such as duty to parents, (and protection of) friends and children : (relations,) Brahmans and Sramans:- good is liberality, good is non-in-jury of living creatures, and abstinence for prodigality and slander are good. Continuance in this course (the discharge of these duties) shall be commended both by explanation and by example. "

EDICT IV

"'In times past, even for many hundred years, has been practised the sacrifice of living beings, the slaughter of animals, disregard of relations, and disrespect towards Brahmans and Sramans.

"'This day, by the messenger of the religion of the heaven-beloved king Piyadasi, (has been made) a proclamation by beat of drum, a grand announcement of religious grace, and a display of equipages, and a parade of elephants, and things to gratify the senses, and every other kind of heavenly object for the admiration of mankind, such as had never been for many hundred years, such as were to-day exhibited.

"By the religious ordinance of the heaven- beloved king Piyadasi, the non-sacrifice of animals, the non-destruction -of living beings, proper regard to kindred, respect to Brahmans and Sramans, dutiful service to spiritual pastors-through these and many other similar (good acts) doth religious grace abound; and thus, moreover, shall the heaven-beloved king Piyadasi cause religion to flourish, and the same shall the sons, the grandsons and the great-grandsons of the heaven-beloved king Piyadasi cause to abound exceedingly.

"'As long as the mountains shall endure, so long in virtue and in strict observances shall the religion stand fast. And through good acts of this nature, that is to say, through these ordinances and the strict practice of religion, laxness of discipline is obviated. Moroever, in this object, it is proper to be intelligent, and no wise neglected. For the same purpose is this (edict) ordered to be written. Let all take heed to profit of this good object, and not to give utterance to objections.'

"By the heaven-beloved king Piyadasi, after the twelfth year of his announcement, is this caused to be written."

Translation by Wilson

"'During a past period of many centuries, there have prevailed-destruction of life, injury of living beings, disrespect towards kindred, and irreverence towards Sramans and Brahmans. But now, in conformity to moral duty, the pious proclamation of king Priyadasi, the beloved of the gods, is made by beat of drum, in a manner never before performed for hundreds of years, with chariot and elephant processions, and fireworks and other divine displays of the people exhibiting the ceremonies (and this) for the promulgation of the law of king Pryiadasi; &c., that non-destruction of life, non-injury to living beings, respect to relations,. reverence of Brahmans and Sramans, and many other duties, do increase, and shall increase ; and this moral law of the king Priyadasi the sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons of king Pryiadasi shall maintain. Let the moral ordinance of king Priyadasi be stable as a mountain for the establishment of duty ; for in these actions duty will be followed, as the law which directs ceremonial rites is not the observance of moral duties. It were well for every ill-conducted person to be attentive to the object of this injunction. This is the edict (writing) of king Priyadasi. Let not any thought be entertained by the subject-people of opposing the edict.' This has been caused to be written by the king Priyadasi, in the twelfth year of his inauguration."

EDICT V

"Thus spake the heaven-beloved king Piyadasi:-

"'Prosperity (cometh) through adversity, and truly each man (to obtain) prosperity causeth himself present difficulty ; therefore by me (nevertheless) has much prosperity been brought about, and therefore shall my sons and grand-sons, and my latest posterity, as long as the very hills endure: pursue the same conduct; and so shall each meet his reward! While he, on the other hand, who shall neglect such conduct shall meet his punishment in the midst of the wicked (in the nethermost regions of hell).

"'For a very long period of time there have been no ministers of religion appointed, who intermingling among all unbelievers (may overwhelm them) with the inundation of religion, and with the abundance of the sacred doctrines. Through Kam (bocha, Gan) dhara, Narastika, Petenika, and elsewhere, finding their way unto the uttermost limits of the barbarian countries, for the benefit and pleasure of (all classes) ........ and for restraining the passions of the faithful, and for the regeneration of those bound in the fetters (of sin) (?) ........ are they appointed. Intermingling equally among the dreaded, and among the respected both in Pataliputra and in foreign places, teaching better things, shall they everywhere penetrate; so that they even who (oppose the faith shall at length become) ministers of it."

"The beloved of the gods, king Priyadasi, thus proclaims: 'Whoever perverts good to evil will derive evil from good; therefore much good has been done by me, and my sons and grandsons, and others my posterity (will) conform to it for every age. So they who shall enjoy happiness, and those who cause the path to be abandoned shall suffer misfortune. The chief ministers of morality have for an unprecedentedly long time been tolarant of iniquity; therefore in the tenth year of the inauguration have ministers of morality been made, who are appointed for the purpose of presiding over morals among persons of all the religions for the sake of the augmentation of virtue, and for the happiness of the virtuous among the people of Kamboja, Gandhara, Nari stika, and Petenika. They shall also be spread among the warriors, the Brahmans, the mendicants, the destitute, and others, without any obstruction, for the happiness of the well-disposed, in order to loosen the bonds of those who are bound, and liberate those who are confined, through the means of holy wisdom disseminated by pious teachers; and they will proceed to the outer cities and fastnesses of my brother and sister, and wherever are any other of my kindred; and the ministers of morals, those who are appointed as superintendents of morals, shall wherever the moral law is established, give encouragement to the charitable and those addicted to virtue. With this intent this edict is written, and let my people obey it."

EDICT VI

"Thus spake Piyadasi, the heaven-beloved king :-

"'Never was there in any former period a system of instruction applicable to every season, and to every action, such as that which is now established by me.

"'For every season, for behaviour during meals, during repose, in domestic relations, in the nursery, in conversation in general deportment, and on the bed of death-everywhere instructors (or Pativedakas) have been appointed. Accordingly do ye (instructors) deliver instruction in what concerneth my people.

"'And everywhere in what concerneth my people do I myself perform whatsoever with my mouth I enjoin (unto them); whether it be by me (esteemed) disagreeable, or whether agreeable. Moreover, for their better welfare, among them an awarder of punishment is duly installed. On this account, assembling together those who are dwelling in the reputation of much wisdom, do ye, meanwhile, instruct them as to the substance of what is hereby ordained by me for all circumstances, and for all seasons. This is not done by me in any desire for the collection of worldly gain, but in the real intention that the benefit of my people shall be effected; whereof, moreover, this is the root, the good foundation, and the steady repose in all circumstances: there is not a more effectual mode of benefiting all mankind than this on which I bestow my whole labour.

"'But upon how many living beings (I will pass over the mention of other things) do I confer happiness here:-hereafter, likewise, let them hope ardently for heaven ! Amen!

"'For this reason has the present religious edict been written. May it endure for evermore, and so may my sons and grandsons, and my great-grandsons uphold the same for the profit of all the world, and labour therein with the most reverential exertion!"

Translation by Wilson

"The beloved of the gods, king Priyadasi, thus declares: 'An unprecedentedly long time has past since it has been the custom at all times, and in all affairs, to submit representations. Now, it is established by me that, whether at meals, in my palace, in the interior apartments, in discourse, in exchange of civility, in gardens, the officers appointed to make reports shall convey to me the objects of the people. I will always attend to the objects of the people; and whatever I declare verbally, whether punishment or reward, is further intrusted to the supervisors of morals (or eminent persons) for that purpose let those who reside in the immediate vicinage even become informers at all times, and in all places, so it is ordained by me. The distribution of wealth which is to be made is designed by me for the benefit of all the world; for the distribution of wealth is the root of virtues to the good of the world, for which I am always labouring. On the many beings over whom I rule I confer happiness in this world; -in the next they may obtain Swarga. With this view, this moral edict has been written. May it long endure, and may my sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons after me continue with still greater exertion to labour for universal good! 

EDICT VII

"The heaven-beloved king Piyadasi everywhere already desireth that all unbelievers may be brought to repentance and peace of mind. He is anxious that every diversity of opinion, and every diversity of passion, may shine forth blended into one system, and be conspicuous in undistinguishing charity. Unto no one can be repentance and peace of mind until he hath attained supreme knowledge, perfect faith which surmounteth all obstacles, and perpetual assent."

Translation by Wilson

"The beloved of the gods, the Raja Priyadasi, desires that all unbelievers may everywhere dwell (unmolested), as they also wish for moral restraint and purity of disposition. For men are of various purposes and various desires, and they do injury to all or only to a part. Although, however, there should not be moral restraint or purity of disposition in any one, yet wherever there is great liberality (or charity) gratitude will acknowledge merit even in those who were before that reputed vile."

EDICT VIII

"In ancient times, festivals for the amusement of sovereigns consisted of gambling, hunting the deer (or antelope), and other exhilarating pleasures of the same nature. But the heaven-beloved king Piyadasi, having attained the tenth year of his anointment, for the happiness of the wise, hath a festival of religion (been substituted), and this same consists in visits to Brahmans and Sramans, and in alms-giving, and in visits to the reverend and aged; and the liberal distribution of gold, the contemplation of the universe and its inhabitants, obeying the precepts of religion, and setting religion before all other things, are the expedients (he employs for amusement); and these will become an enjoyment without alloy to the heaven-beloved king Piyadasi in another existence."

"In past times kings were addicted to travelling about, to companions, to going abroad, to hunting and similar amusements, but Piyadasi, the beloved of the gods, having been ten years inaugurated, by him easily awakened, that moral festival is adopted, (which consists) in seeing and bestowing gifts on Brahmans and Sramans ; in seeing and giving gold to elders, and overseeing the country and the people ; the institution of moral laws, and the investigation of morals:- such are the devices for the removal of apprehension, and such are the different pursuits of the favourite of the gods, king Piyadasi.

EDICT IX

"Thus spake king Piyadasi, beloved of the gods: 'Each individual seeketh his own happiness in a diversity of ways, in the bonds of affection, in marriage, or otherwise, in the rearing of offspring, in foreign travel: in these, and other similar objects, doth man provide happiness of every degree. But there is great ruination--excesses of all kinds when (a man) maketh worldly objects his happiness. On the contrary, this is what is to be done,--(for most certainly that species of happiness is a fruitless happiness--) to obtain the happiness which yieldeth plentiful fruit, even the happiness of virtue; that is to say: kindness to dependants, reverence to spiritual teachers, are proper: humanity to animals is proper:--all these acts, and others of the same kind, are to be rightly denominated the happiness of virtue!

"'By father and by son, and by brother; by master (and by servant) it is proper that these things should be entitled happiness, and further, for the more complete attainment of this object, secret charity is most suitable:-- yea, there is no alms, and no loving-kindness, comparable with the alms of religion, and the loving-kindness of religion, which ought verily to be upheld alike by the friend, by the good-hearted, by kinsman and neighbour, in the entire fulfilment of pleasing duties.

"'This is what is to be done:--this is what is good. With those things let each man propitiate heaven. And how much ought (not) to be done in order to the propitiation of heaven ?'"

Translation by Wilson

"The beloved of the gods, Priyadasi Raja, thus says: "Every man that celebrates various occasions of festivity, as on the removal of incumbrances, on invitations, on marriages, on the birth of a son, or on setting forth on a journey:--on these and other occasions a man makes various rejoicings. The benevolent man also celebrates many and various kinds of pure and disinterested festivities;--and such rejoicing is to be practised. Such festivities are fruitless and vain, but the festivity that bears great fruit is the festival of duty--such as the respect of the servant to his master: reverence for holy teachers is good; tenderness for living creatures is good; liberality to Brahmans and Sramans is good. These, and other such acts, constitute verily the festival of duty; and it is to be cherished as father by son, a dependant by his master. This is good, this is the festival to be observed: for the establishment of this object virtuous donations are made; for there is no such donation or benevolence as the gift of duty, or the benevolence of duty: that (benevolence) is chaff (which is contracted) with a friend, a companion, a kinsman, or an associate, and is to be reprehended. In such and in such manner this is to be done. This is good: with these means let a man seek Swarga. This is to be done: by these means it is to be done, as by them Swarga has been gained'."

EDICT X

"The heaven-beloved king Piyadasi doth not deem that glory and reputation (are) the things of chief importance; on the contrary, (only for the prevention of sin,) and for enforcing conformity among a people praiseworthy for following the four rules of virtue, and pious, doth the heaven-beloved king Piyadasi desire glory and reputation in this world; and whatsoever the heaven-beloved king Piyadasi chiefly displayeth heroism in obtaining, that is all (connected with) the other world.

"For in everything connected with his immortality, there is, as regards mortal things in general, discredit. Let this be discriminated with encouragement or with abandonment, with honor or with the most, respectful force; and every difficulty connected with futurity shall, with equal reverence, be vanquished."

Translation by Wilson

"The beloved of the gods, the Prince Priyadasi, does not esteem glory and fame as of great value; and, besides, for a long time it has been my fame and that of my people, that the observance of moral duty, and the service of the virtuous, should be practised: for this is to be done. This is the fame that the beloved of the gods desires: and inasmuch as the beloved of the gods excels, (he holds) all such reputations as no real reputation, but such as maybe that of the unrighteous--pain and chaff; for it may be acquired by crafty and unworthy persons; and by whatever further effort it is acquired, it is worthless and a source of pain."

EDICT XI

"Thus spake Piyadasi, the king, beloved of the gods :--

"There is no such charity as the charity which springeth from virtue,--(which is) the intimate knowledge of virtue, the inheritance of virtue, the close union with virtue. And in these maxims it is manifested--kindness towards servants and hirelings: towards mother and father dutiful service is proper: towards a friend's offspring, to kindred in general, to Brahmans and Sramans alms-giving is proper: avoiding the destruction of animals' life is proper.

"'And this (saying) should be equally repeated by father and son, (?) by hireling, and even so by neighbours in general.

"'This is excellent:--and this is what ought to be done!

"'And whoso doeth thus is blessed of the inhabitants of this world: and in the next world endless moral merit resulteth from such religious charity.'"

"Thus says the beloved of the gods, king Priyadasi: 'There is no gift like the gift of virtue: whether it be the praise of virtue, the apportionment of virtue, or relationship of virtue. This (gift) is, the cherishing of slaves and dependants ; pious devotion to mother and father; generous gifts to friends and kinsmen, Brahmans and Sramans; and non-injury of living beings is good. In this manner, it is to be lived by father and son, and brother, and friend, and friend's friend (?), and by a master (of slaves), and by neighbours. This is good: this is to be practised; and thus having acted, there is happiness in worldly existence, and hereafter great holiness is obtained by this gift of virtue.'"

EDICT XII

"The heaven-beloved king Piyadasi propitiateth all unbelievers, both of the ascetic and of the domestic classes: by charitable offerings, and by every species of puja doth he (strive to) propitiate them. Not that the beloved of the gods deemeth offerings or prayers to be of the same (value) with true glory. The promotion of his own salvation promoted, in many ways, the salvation of all unbelievers; of which, indeed, this is the root, and the whole substance.

"Again, the propitiation of the converted heretic, and the reproof of the unconverted heretic, must not be (effected) by harsh treatment:--but let those who enter into discussion (conciliate them) by restraint of their own passions, and by their mild address. By such and such conciliatory demeanours shall even the unconverted heretics be propitiated. And such conduct increaseth the number of converted heretics, while it disposeth of the unconverted heretic, and effecteth a revolution of opinion in him. And (he) encourageth the converted heretic, while he disposeth completely of the unconverted heretic, whosoever propitiateth the converted heretic, or reproveth the unconverted heretic, by the pecuniary support of the converted heretic. And whoso, again, doth so, he purifieth in the most effectual manner the heretic;--and of himself such an act is his very breath, and his well-being.

"Moreover, 'hear ye the religion of the faithful, and attend thereto': even such is the desire, the act, the hope of the beloved of the gods, that all unbelievers may speedily be purified, and brought into contentment speedily.

"Furthermore, from place to place this most gracious sentiment should be repeated: 'The beloved of the gods doth not esteem either charitable offering or puja, as comparable with true glory. The increase of blessing to himself is (of) as much (importance) to all unbelievers.'

"For this purpose, have been spread abroad ministers of religion, possessing fortitude of mind, and practices of every virtue. May the various congregations co-operate (with them) for the accomplishment therefor! For the increase of converts is, indeed, the lustre of religion."

"The beloved of the gods, king Priyadasi, honors all forms of religious faith, whether professed by ascetics or householders; he honors them with gifts and with manifold kinds of reverence: but the beloved of the gods considers no gifts or honour so much as the increase of the substance (of religion):--his encouragement of the increase of the substance of all religious belief is manifold. But the root of his (encouragement) is this:--reverence for one's own faith, and no reviling nor injury of that of others. Let the reverence be shown in such and such a manner as is suited to the difference of belief; as when it is done in that manner, it augments our own faith, and benefits that of others. Whoever acts otherwise injures his own religion, and wrongs that of others; for he who in some way honors his own religion, and reviles that of others, saying, having extended to all our own belief, let us make it famous;--he who does this throws difficulties in the way of his own religion: this, his conduct, cannot be right. The duty of a person consists in respect and service of others. Such is the wish of the beloved of the gods; for in all forms of religion there may be many scriptures (Sutras), and many holy texts, which are to be thereafter followed through my protection. The beloved of the gods considers no gift or reverence to be equal to the increase of the essence of the religion : and as this is the object of all religions,--with a view to its dissemination, superintendents of moral duty, as well as over women, and officers of compassion, as well as other officers (are appointed); and the fruit of this (regulation) will be the augmentation of our own faith, and the lustre of moral duty."

EDICT XIII

" . .Whose equality, and exertion towards that object, exceeding activity, judicious conduct . .afterwards in the Kalinga provinces not to be obtained by wealth     ..the decline of religion, murder, and death, and unrestrained license of mankind, when flourished the (precious maxims) of Devanampiyo, comprising the essence of learning and of science:--dutiful service to mother and father; dutiful service to spiritual teachers: the love of friend and child; (charity) to kinsfolk, to servants (to Brahmans and Sramans, &c., whiche) cleans away the calamities of generations: further also in these things unceasing perseverance is fame. There is not in either class of the heretics of men, not so to say, a procedure marked by such grace, ......... nor so glorious nor friendly, nor even so extremely liberal as Devanampiyo's injunctions for the non-injury, and content of living creatures ........ and the Greek King besides, by whom the Kings of Egypt, Ptolemaios and Antigonos, (?) and Magas, ..................... both here and in foreign (countries), everywhere the religious ordinances of Devanampiyo effect conversion, wherever they go; ........... conquest is of every description: but further the conquest which bringeth joy springing from pleasant emotions, becometh joy itself; the victory of virtue is happiness: the victory of happiness is not to be overcome, that which essentially possesses a pledge of happiness,--such victory is desired in things of this world and things of the next world !

"And this place is named the WHITE ELEPHANT, conferring pleasure on all the world."

EDICT XIV

"This religious edict is caused to be written by the heaven-beloved king Piyadasi. It is (partly) (written) with abridgment; it is (partly) with ordinary extent: and it is (partly) with amplification: not incoherent (or disjointed) but throughout continuous (and united) it is powerful in overcoming the wise; and it is much written and caused to be written, yet it is always but the same thing repeated over and over again.

"For the persuasive eloquence which is lavished on each separate subject shall man the rather render obedience thereunto!

"Furthermore, at one time even unto the conclusion is this written, incomparable in manner, and conformable with the copy, by Relachepu the scribe and pandit."

From: Cunningham, Alexander. Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum: Inscriptions of Asoka. Vol. I. Calcutta: Office of the Superintendent of Government Printing,1877. Reprint. Varanasi: Indological Book House, 1961, 117-126.