Understanding Ashoka's Principle of Dhamma

Emperor Ashoka, a ruler of the Maurya Empire in ancient India, is renowned for his conversion to Buddhism and his efforts to spread its teachings, which he referred to as Dhamma. Dhamma, for Ashoka, was not just a religion but a code of conduct and a set of principles for ethical living, peace, and social harmony. It emphasized compassion, tolerance, truthfulness, and respect for all beings.

After witnessing the horrors of the Kalinga war, Ashoka felt remorse and decided to adopt Dhamma Vijaya, or conquest by Dhamma, instead of military conquest. This involved sending missions to various regions to propagate the principles of Dhamma.

Ashoka's Historic Mission to Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

One of the most significant missions sent by Ashoka was to the island of Ceylon, which is modern-day Sri Lanka. This mission played a crucial role in establishing Buddhism in Ceylon, where it continues to be the dominant religion.

Ashoka entrusted this important mission to his own children:

• His son, Mahendra (also known as Mahinda).
• His daughter, Sanghamitra (also known as Sanghamitta).

They traveled to Ceylon carrying the message of Dhamma. Mahendra is credited with preaching Buddhism to the king of Ceylon, Devanampiya Tissa, and his court, leading to their conversion. Sanghamitra later arrived carrying a branch of the sacred Bodhi tree (the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment), which was planted in Anuradhapura and still stands today.

Analysing the Options

• Kalinga: Kalinga was a territory that Ashoka conquered through a brutal war, which led to his transformation. It was part of his own empire, not a foreign land to which he sent a mission to spread Dhamma in the same way as Ceylon.
• Ceylon: Historical sources, particularly Ceylonese chronicles like the Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa, extensively document the mission of Ashoka's son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) to spread Buddhism and Dhamma. This aligns with the question.
• Cambodia: While Buddhism spread to various parts of Southeast Asia over time, the direct mission led by Ashoka's children is specifically associated with Ceylon, not Cambodia.
• Thailand: Similar to Cambodia, Buddhism reached Thailand (then possibly known by other names) through various routes over centuries, but the mission of Mahendra and Sanghamitra is historically linked to Ceylon.

Conclusion on Ashoka's Dhamma Mission

Based on historical accounts, Ashoka sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra on a mission to spread the principle of Dhamma specifically to Ceylon. This mission was highly successful in establishing Buddhism in Ceylon.

Revision Table: Key Points on Ashoka's Missions

Additional Information: Ashoka's Dhamma and Buddhism

Ashoka's Dhamma is often seen as distinct from strict Buddhist monasticism, focusing more on practical ethics and social welfare applicable to all, regardless of their specific faith. He inscribed these principles on pillars and rocks throughout his empire.

While Ashoka promoted Dhamma, he also showed tolerance towards other religions like Brahmanism, Jainism, and Ajivikism, advocating for mutual respect among different religious communities. His efforts were instrumental in transforming Buddhism from a regional sect into a major world religion by facilitating its spread beyond the Indian subcontinent, notably to Ceylon.