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King Asoka and Buddhism

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Author: Seneviratna, Anuradha
Publisher: Buddhist Publication Society
Publication Date: 1987-01-01
Product Type: Softcover Book
Pages: 176
ISBN 13: 978-955-24-0065-0

ISBN 10: 9552400651

Language:

SKU:

SKU:BPS:404410

Description

This book - comprising scholarly essays by Richard Gombrich, Ananda Guruge, Romila Thaper, N.A. Jayawickrama, John Strong, and the editor -seeks to define the relationship to Buddhism of the great Indian emperor who sought to rule an empire on the basis of Dhamma.

See also The Edicts of King Asoka.

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E
Eric Ederer
King Asoka and Buddhism

"King Asoka and Buddhism" is an evidence-based examination of who the historical King Asoka really was, what he did, what his values were, and how did his rulership really relate to Buddhism and the Buddhist Sangha. Evidence-based here means an extensive examination of the numerous historical and literary texts about Asoka. The scholars of this books are fluent in multiple ancient languages because the historical texts of King Asoka are in multiple ancient languages. This book is scholarship, and is not an entertaining read. Nevertheless, the book succeeds in explaining who Asoka was; what he did; what his values were, and how his rulership related to Buddhism and the Buddhist Sangha. If you want to really understand Asoka and can be patient with academic language, this is a very good read. Basic Buddhist knowledge is helpful in reading this book. On page 32 of the book is a gem of a footnote: a list of Asoka's favorite Sutta texts which you can look up in the Buddhist Pali Cannon.

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