[Buddha-l] Aśoka, the realist

[Tim Cahill]

Artur makes a very good point.  In a grad seminar we once plotted out 
Aśoka's inscriptions to see what got said where.  By the end it was 
pretty clear that the messages at the frontier areas, far from imperial 
power, contained more threatening content.  The messages closer to home, 
where the imperial grip was strong, were more like hallmark cards.

best,
Tim


Aśoka, The Pompous:


And the forest-
folk who live in the dominions of the Beloved of the
Gods, even them he entreats and exhorts in regard
to their duty. It is hereby explained to them that, in
spite of his repentance, the Beloved of the Gods
possesses power enough to punish them for their
crimes, so that they should turn from evil ways and
would not be killed for their crimes.

Artur