The History of Buddhist Thought c9.s2.22

c9.s2.22

Bindusāra’s splendid sons were a hundred and one; but of these Asoka excelled in merit, splendour, might, and wondrous power. When he had slain ninety-nine of his brothers by different mothers, he attained the sole rule in all Jambudīpa. It is to be known that from the Nirvāṇa of the Conqueror down to Asoka’s consecration it is two hundred and eighteen years. Four years after the famous one (Asoka) had attained sole rule he caused himself to be consecrated in the city of Pāṭaliputta (Patna).