Download Explain the contribution and impact of one significant

Explain the contribution and impact of one significant person or school of thought
and to the development and expression of Buddhism.
Buddhists in Australia today are influenced by many significant people and
movements, which have helped to form the foundations of Buddhism. The
contribution to the development and expression of Buddhism by Ashoka was
fundamental to the initial spread and consistency of its teachings as he helped
establish the foundation of a living religious tradition. It is through his initiatives that
Buddhism has flourished into a religion that is practised all over the world as it helps
bring clarity into adherent’s lives. Ashoka within himself not only acted as a role
model but as a leader whose life is still commemorated and remembered by many
Buddhists. It his through his initiatives and many other significant people that
Buddhism has become a prominent religion practised in the current contemporary
world.
Ashoka was a Maurayan Emperor who ruled across the Northern Indian subcontinent
from 273 – 232 BCE. He was born in 304BCE to King Bindasura and a lowly
Brahman; Dharma, which was foretold by Buddha “there will be an emperor named
Ashoka…he will rule four continents and adorn Jumbudvipqa with my relics” (Gift of
the dust story in the Ashokavandana). Whilst in lineage Ashoka was not deemed as a
direct ascender to the throne his early military and academic excellence insinuated to
a competitive and skilful prince. This was reiterated by his rise to prominence through
military conquests, popularity and political manoeuvrings, which led to great sibling
rivalry. Ashoka’s stature placed threat upon his brothers ascension to the throne thus
they convinced his father to send him to exile. He went to Kalinga and stayed
incognito, where he fell in love with the fisherwoman Kaurwaki whom went on to
become his 3rd queen. However as fate determined, his father called him back after
two years of exile due to another uprising against the kingdom where he encountered
his first traces of Buddhism. During this battle in Ujjain Ashoka became injured and
was treated by Buddhists monks and nuns where he met his 2nd and most influential
wife, Devi. As his fathers health deteriorated the next in line to the crown was
ambiguous. To overcome this Ashoka killed all his brothers.
As Ashoka ascended to the throne he expanded his empire however forfeited the
prestigious status he once carried and became known as Chandashoka (heartless
Ashoka). The early part of his reign was quite vicious as he led many war campaigns,
conquering territories and adding to his wealth. However the Battle at Kalinga was
the pinnacle of his life, as it became the catalyst for reform within his moral
conscience. As the war came to its conclusion it is written that Ashoka had a moral
epiphany with the famous saying “what have I done” exhibiting his sentiment as he
walked through the destruction. As his guilt overpowered his conscience the brutality
of the conquest led him to adopt Buddhism. This within itself marked the inception of
a new era within Ashoka’s life as he embraced the teachings of a newfound religion
and became known as Dharmashoka (pious Ashoka). It is during this that Ashoka
sought to establish a state based on the principle teachings of Buddhism.
Ashoka made many contributions to Buddhism that has made it a living religious
tradition. His main contribution was in the spread of Buddhism, as his realm
expanded many countries he spread Buddhism to what is now known as Sri Lanka,
India, Greece, Thailand and many other countries, this has led to the majority of Asia
becoming dominated by Buddhism. He also made Buddhism the official religion of
Mauryan, which established the model for a Buddhist state based on Buddha’s
teachings that consult the Sangha on issues, which is still practised in Thailand.
Whilst the existence of Ashoka was dubious, his erection of 33 stone pillars that had
his edicts inscribed became historical evidence of his existence. These outlined the
expansion of Buddhism and exhibited his moral teachings on certain issues, thus
communicating a detailed timeline of his life. His life has become an example for
other Buddhists as he exhibited the true will for reformation. For current Buddhists
his life represents the ability to make amends with their life regardless of past deeds
as his change in belief represented his change in behaviour. During his rule Ashoka
adopted many roles and that led him to be known as Dharmashoka. He placed
emphasise on the fairness of law and justice which led to considerations of equity for
prisoners, allowing them out for one day “given amnesty on 25 occasion” (pillar
edict Nb5). He ensured that all his ministers regardless of religion or caste were
treated equally promoting tolerance that induced a newfound sense of peace within
his realm “there should be uniformity in the law” (pillar edict Nb4), which as
exhibited the model for kinship in Buddhists states. The greatest contribution he made
to Buddhism as a teacher was standardising the scriptures of Buddhism otherwise
known as the Tripataka. This helped provide unity for Buddhism as it regulated all
teachings and stipulated the beliefs of Buddhism.
Ashoka also contributed to human welfare within his realm as his ascension to throne
led to an enhanced standard of living by erecting universities, water pumps and
building new roads. He promoted respect for animals as he prohibited gratuitous
killings, however allowed for the consumption of animals but also condemned violent
acts against animals, which is reflected in his vegetarianism “after my coronation
various animals were to be protected…not to be to another”(Pillar Edict Nb5).
Through his life Ashoka also went on pilgrimages to significant sites of Buddha, that
commemorated his life such as Lumbini and Sanarth building stupas to signify their
importance. Thus changing the role of a stupa to a site of veneration enabling future
generation of Buddhists sites of worship. Ashoka also was the main patronage in
establishing the Third Buddhist Council as his generosity with his ealth led to
corruption within the Sangha. The council achieved many things, they compiled the
Kathavatthu which is the 5th book of the Abhidhamma Pitaka which is accepted by
Therevada Buddhists. They also gave a royal seal to approve the doctrine of Buddha
called Vibhajjavada.
Whilst Ashoka contributed many things in his life, his legacy has also impacted
Buddhism greatly. His life is still commemorated by many Buddhists and Hindu’s
through the Bollywood adaptation of his life “Ashoka” released in 2001.
Ashoka has had a significant impact on the current adherence to Buddhsim as he
morally and economically sustained the religion,. His moral epiphany was the focal
point in his life that le to the reformation of Buddhism and became the main driver in
his life.