What is the dhamma of Ashoka

Although Ashoka's personal religion was Buddhism, he propagated some moral principles for the moral and spiritual advancement of his subjects, which are collectively known as Ashoka's Dhamma.

For the moral upliftment of his subjects, the code of conduct which Ashoka presented, is called 'Dhamma' in his records. Ashok not only the cosmic life of his subjects, but otherworldly

Wanted to improve life too. Hence, to fulfill this purpose, he established 'Dhamma'

Features of Ashoka's Dhamma The purpose of Ashoka's Dhamma was to sanctify man's conduct externally and to internally purify his soul. On analyzing Ashoka's religious principles, we see the following characteristics under him-

1. Universalism- His Dhamma was universal. There was no place for communalism or any other narrow ideas in it. His rules were equally valid for all religions. He considered the whole world to be a family and strived for the good of the entire human race.

2. Essence of all religions - Only the essence of all religions was emphasized in his Dhamma. There was an attempt to keep him out of the trap of external hypocrisy, some philosophical principles of activity.

3. Emphasis on morality- Ashoka's Dhamma was a completely pure moral religion. Special emphasis was laid on the pure conduct of the person. Its only relation was with the conduct of humans.

4. Religious tolerance - This dhamma was completely liberal. Ashoka's Dhamma emphasizes that all religions should be respected and other religions should not be condemned.

5. Ahimsa - Ashoka laid great emphasis on adherence to the principle of non-violence. He banned the slaughter of animals and birds and stopped the violent sacrifice.

6. Lack of religious hypocrisy and hypocrisy - Ashoka's Dhamma lacked rituals, religious hypocrisies and hypocrisy. He condemned religious rituals on the occasion of birth, death, marriage etc. and emphasized on the religious rituals.

7. Practicality- Ashoka's Dhamma was not merely a theoretical imagination or ideal, it was a practical truth which Ashoka himself had implemented in his life.