Pre-Buddhist India: A Political, Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey of Ancient India Based Mainly on the Jataka Stories c4.t2.342

c4.t2.342

Sometimes the king directly interests himself in the propagation of dharma and culture among his subjects. He proclaims by beat of drum his intention to address the citizens, including his harem, on some great topic of moral uplift and regeneration, “thus affording himself and the people a direct opportunity for an intimate association and mutual understanding that may alone lead to the realization of the highest purpose of government”.² The genuineness of his feelings—almsgiving, showing respect to Brāhmaṇas and Samaṇas, parents and ācariyas, non-injury to animals—can very well be appreciated if we remind ourselves of the most glowing figure of Aśoka, the great Mauryan Emperor who by his piety and sincerity of purpose set on foot the Dhamma propaganda “based on a direct appeal to the masses.”³