In context of becoming of Ashoka to be a practicing moralist soon after the Kalinga War,
The given heads are explained as under:
(a) Fundamental Principles of Dhamma: The Prakrit word ‘Dhamma and the Sanskrit word ‘Dharmci have the same meaning.Dharma never meant exactly ‘religion’. It Implied such concepts as justice, virtue, morality, law and duty. The fundamental principles of Ashoka’* Dhamma are as follows:
(a) Purity of Domestic Life: Ashoka presented himself to be a father-figure. He speaks of his people as his **** and directs them, “to respect their parents, elders and .teachers.” the superiors, on the other hand, were required “to treat their inferiors, including servants, slaves and all living creatures with kindness.” An important duty assigned to all persons was that of truthfulness.
1. Toleration: Ashoka had a secular attitude while justifying with different religions prevailing in his regime. The people were required to refrain from speaking ill of their neighbor’ ****. He exhorted that all religions were supposed to attain self-control and purity of mind.
2. Sanctity of Life: Ashoka exhorted his people to follow the path of No animal should be slaughtered for sacrifice. He undertook public *** works like— construction of roads and hospitals for both the men and animals.
3. True Ceremonial: Ashoka condemned all sorts of meaningless and worthless rituals performed on the occasion of childbirth, wedding, ***** or departure on journey. He declared that the True Ceremonial was “kindness to living creatures and Liberality to asceics and Brahmins”. People should spread Dhamma in all directions. That is the best ceremony and the best gift.
(b) True Nature of Dhamma: “The Dhamma preached by Ashoka is Buddhism.” Undoubtedly, Ashoka’ personal religion was Buddhism, but he did not impose his religion ^on his subjects. Ashoka’ Dhamma was basically a Universal Religion.
