Conversion of the Emperor Asoka
Storyboard Text
- Around 270 BC there was a warrior named Asoka who became emperor of the powerful Mauryan in India. He began his reign by working to expand the empire his grandfather established - he was very sucessful and soon ruled a sizeable portion of India.
- One perticular battled resulted in an extreme loss of life that caused Asoka to be filled with remorse for what he had done. This made him undergo a spiritual transformation, that would be instrimental to the spread of Buddhism. He not only converted to Buddhism but he also applied the Buddhist principles to the way he ruled.
- The Three Jewels
- After his conversion the emperor stopped all military conquest and violence.
- Few sins and many good deeds, of kindness, liberality, truthfulness, and purity
- He focused on his efforts on building schools, hospitals and wells for his people. He even went on a pilgrimage to Buddhist Holy sites and directed that stupas be built in the Buddhas honor.
- Finally, Asoka carved "edicts" on pillars, rocks and caves throughout his empire promoting Buddhist values.
- One of such edicts encourages "few sins and many good deeds, of kindness, liberality, truthfulness , and purity."
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