Buddhism Significant People and Ideas Year 12 SOR

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

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

Ruled from 272-232 BCE

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

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

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

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

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Emphasis on Peace (14th Rock Edict) “But now, due to Asoka’s dhamma practice, the dound of the war drum has been replaced by the sound of the dhamma”

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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