1. Buddhism Significant People and Ideas
Year 12 SOR

2. Syllabus- Entire Unit Significant People and Ideas
Contribution to Buddhism of one significant person or school of thought other than the Buddha
The effect of that person or School of thought on Buddhism
Ethics
One of the following areas of ethical teachings in Buddhism
-Bioethics
-Environmental Ethics
-Sexual Ethics
Significant Practices in the life of adherents
One Significant practice within Buddhism other than daily prayer drawn from
-Pilgrimage
-Temple Puja
-Wesak

3. Context 3rd Century BCE India- Predominantly Buddhist
King Asoka (Ashoka)- “Without Sorrow”
King Of Wars
First Buddhist Emperor

4. Ruled from BCE

5. Early Life Son of a lowly ranked wife of King Bindusara
Grandson of Candagraputa- First King of Mauryan Dynasty
Hindu
Exiled by his brothers due to skills as a warrior
Healed by Buddhist Monks whilst wounded in battle
Killed members of his family once he found his father, the King had died
Established Ruler in 370 BCE
First Invasion- Kalinga- Hundreds of Thousands killed

6. Conversion Concern- Bloodshed Turned to Buddhism (Appx 261 BCE)
Known as Dharmasoka- Asoka of the Teachings or Asoka the Just
(Without Sorrow to The Just… Thoughts?)
258 CE Rock Edict- Saw that wars were inconsistent with the teachings of Buddhism- Esp Ahimsa
Gave up Meat
Ahimsa- Not to Injure/Hurt

7. Early Impacts
Built Hospitals- Humans and Animals (Concern for the Dhamma)
Erected Pillars, Stupas, Monuments
Established Buddhist Council at Pataliputra
Sent Missionaries to the 4 Corners of the World- Greece, Himalayan Regions, Burma, Sri Lanka
13th Rock Edict- Sent Messengers to Kings of Syria, Egypt, Macedonia

8. Stupa Round, Mound shaped structure
Contains Buddhist Relics, Ashes of Monks
The Great Stupa- Sanchi India, Est by Ashoka

9. Impact on Individuals
Dhamma to Asoka- Morality, active social concern, religious tolerance, ethical precepts, enunciation of War
Advocate for all Religions- Free to practice
Abolished Death Penalty
Rule with Justice and Righteousness
Emphasis on Peace (14th Rock Edict)
“But now, due to Asoka’s dhamma practice, the dound of the war drum has been replaced by the sound of the dhamma”

10. Impact on Society Attempted to Develop a united India
Fairness and Equality
Religious Freedom- No restrictions: United yet different
Peace- Major concept within policy
Compassion- Hospitals, Vets etc
Set up Natural Reserves- Endangered Species

11. Impact on Buddhism Believed Buddhism- Religious Tradition for all
Very little writings/teachings on the Core Teachings (Nirvana, Samsara etc)
Focus on the practice and ethics- Living the Daily life as a Buddhist (Similar to?)
Pilgrimages to sites Buddha taught
Construction of Buddhist Monastries
and Pilgrimage Sites/Memorial Sites
Expelled Monks/Nuns who attempted to split communities- Importance on keeping Sangha united (Without Schism)
Edicts- Acknowledgement and reminder of Ethics/Ways of life
Formation of the third book of the Teravada Buddhist Abhidharma Pitaka (Book of Discources- 250BCE)

12. Importance of Asoka towards Buddhism
Ideal Buddhist Ruler (Why?)
Spread of Buddhism outside of India (Missionaries)
Indian Nationalists- Reflect on Asoka’s rule to remind of a once united Nation
Carvings/Inscriptions- Asoka’s own words carved to form edicts
Used Symbolism and Graphi Art to convey teachings to ordinary people
Used Written texts on pillars/rocks for the educated
Endorsed translating of Buddhist ideas

13. Significance After His Lifetime
Expansion led to the development of the Mahayana and Vajrayana schools of Buddhism
Expansion into Sri Lanka allowed religion to thrive despite struggles in India

14. Asoka Chakra Spokes Symbolises- External law of existence
Values which Buddhists live by as practiced by Buddha and King Asoka

15. Values 1. Love 2. Courage 3. Patience 4. Peacefulness 5. Magnanimity
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Selflessness
10. Self-Control
11. Self Sacrifice
12. Truthfulness
13. Righteousness
14. Justice
15. Mercy
16. Gracefulness
17. Humility
18. Empathy
19. Sympathy
20. Spiritual Knowledge
21. Moral Values
22. Spiritual Wisdom
23. The Fear of God
24. The Faith or Trust or belief

16. Next Lesson Computer Room - Research Table Page 245 of Text Book
-Research Question using Provided Reading Material “The Edicts”