Age of the Nandas and Mauryas c11.s37.3

c11.s37.3

Abstention from killing animals is meritorious. Moderation in expenditure and moderation in possessions are meritorious¹. Emphasis is laid on qualities of mind (*bhāva śuddhi*) in the Seventh Rock-Edict : ‘But even one who practises great liberality but does not possess self-control, purity of mind, gratitude, and firm devotion, is very mean².’ Proper treatment of serfs (*dāsa*) and servants (*bhataka*) is particularly mentioned in the eleventh and thirteenth Rock Edicts³. The Second Pillar-Edict contains this striking and comprehensive statement of the emperor on Dharma : ‘To practise morality is meritorious ; but what does morality include ? It includes few sins, many virtuous deeds, compassion, liberality, truthfulness and purity. The gift of spiritual insight (*cakkhu-dāna*) also has been bestowed by me in many ways⁴.’