Remember Ashoka Maurya

Here's a question for you. Where can you find topics ranging from oral and anal sex to ancient Buddhist history? The answer is here. So gather 'round kiddies. It's story time.

I've always been fascinated by history, and I've always been even more fascinated by war. I love learning about the Civil War, ancient Roman conquests, the World Wars, etc. I must have read Danielle Steele's Message From 'Nam a gazillion times. So when I first heard Mason Jennings song Emperor Ashoka, I was intrigued.

I've studied ancient Rome and Europe. Russia and China. And of course the "history" of the Americas, as much as one can gather from the spoon feeding and regurgitation the public schools offer up... But I've never studied anything from the area which is now India/Pakistan/Iran/Afghanistan, other than the life of Gandhi.

Remember Ashoka Maurya
Remember Ashoka Maurya
Remember Ashoka Maurya
Era of imperialist Buddhist rule

I would never make it as a Buddhist, for the same obvious reasons that most people would never make it as a Buddhist. But I've always been fascinated by it. I think modern culture could certainly learn from it more than it currently does. As I think they could learn from Emperor Ashoka as well...

The story begins in the Mauryan Empire, or what is now modern day India, stretching to about Afghanistan to the north and west, and Bangladesh to the east. Being born a son of Emperor Bindusara, Ashoka excelled in the military and academics. So much so that, being wary of his intentions, his older siblings had him exiled. A few years later he was summoned by the Emperor to quell an uprising, was hurt in battle and then treated by Buddhist monks. This was Ashoka's first exposure to Buddhism.

Some time goes by and as the Emperor is on his death bed, Ashoka learns that he prefers an older sibling to assume power. So he attacks the village that his brothers were in and killed them all. Taking power, he goes on several bloody conquests to expand the borders of the Mauryan Empire.

His last conquest was the state of Kalinga, which prided itself on it's sovereignty and democracy. After an early defeat, Ashoka mounted the greatest invasion in Indian history up to that point and destroyed Kalinga. Over 100,000 were killed and many more deported.

Conquering the kingdom of Kalinga
In the Indian state of Orissa
Brought the death of so many men
Ashoka vowed to never fight again.

As Ashoka ventured out to survey the battlefield, he was struck by the destruction. Corpses and burning buildings everywhere. He was sick, and wondered, "What have I done?" Filled with sorrow, he made the decision to give up war and violence. For the rest of Ashoka's reign, he pursued an official policy of nonviolence. Even the unnecessary slaughter of animals was abolished.

And all across the land, the Emperor's power grew
Love before violence, conflicts with silence

He treated his people with respect and love, no matter their beliefs or caste. He made peace with neighboring kingdoms, which could have easily been conquered, instead sending monks to spread Buddhism.

From every corner of his empire
Had overseers of the law
Teach the brand new policies
Befriending all of his enemies

And from every house
All the people sang
Lets raise up the things that fill us
Put down the weapons that kill us

Now. Kids. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all play like this? Perhaps, if we spread tolerance, generosity and love... instead of conflict and violence... perhaps the world would be a slightly better place.

May your body be strong
May your heart be full
And may you live to be 100 years

Yes. Modern day culture has much to learn from Emperor Ashoka. Much.

Nick