I read about this anomaly of history through the work of Amartya Sen and found it fascinating. So glad you're giving some air to the story for us in the West.
I don't think we can divorce Ashoka's transformation from the Buddhist religion in which he find a new worldview and that started to gain ascendancy at that time. Somewhat like Christianity, this was a religion which represented a radical break from the beliefs and philosophies of that time. Rejecting extremism and espousing skepticism, it brought into the fold the untouchables and promoted a very practical and caring approach to life. Some of the best Buddhist philosophy will come out of this changed landscape in the centuries to follow, not least of which is the skeptical Madhyamaka school which is a gold mine for thinkers today.
Dharma or dhamma can also be loosely translated as a way of life.
Sam, same comment now as Nov 10th's. It constitutes support for your admirable optimism about our species that Ashoka's ideas are often proposed nowadays and no longer seem so revolutionary.
The older I get, the more I find I need to learn. I had heard of Ashoka but had no idea of the history or background. Thanks for a great article.
I read about this anomaly of history through the work of Amartya Sen and found it fascinating. So glad you're giving some air to the story for us in the West.
I don't think we can divorce Ashoka's transformation from the Buddhist religion in which he find a new worldview and that started to gain ascendancy at that time. Somewhat like Christianity, this was a religion which represented a radical break from the beliefs and philosophies of that time. Rejecting extremism and espousing skepticism, it brought into the fold the untouchables and promoted a very practical and caring approach to life. Some of the best Buddhist philosophy will come out of this changed landscape in the centuries to follow, not least of which is the skeptical Madhyamaka school which is a gold mine for thinkers today.
Dharma or dhamma can also be loosely translated as a way of life.
Sam, same comment now as Nov 10th's. It constitutes support for your admirable optimism about our species that Ashoka's ideas are often proposed nowadays and no longer seem so revolutionary.