What Happens When A King Has A Spiritual Awakening
What Happens When a King Has a Spiritual Awakening to Oneness
There have been many examples of the positive effects of running a society based on non-duality. The understanding that society should be run on non-violent grounds is nothing new.
King Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, was a significant historical figure in India who ruled the Mauryan Empire from around 268 to 232 BCE[1]. Following the bloody Kalinga War, deeply moved by the suffering caused by the war, Ashoka had a spiritual awakening, expressed in the then prevalent example of non-dual understanding characterised by Buddhism and adopted a policy of non-violence and dharma (righteousness)[2]
Ashoka’s commitment to the non-dual essence of his awakening is evident in his efforts to spread Buddhism and his promotion of ethical governance. He erected numerous edicts on pillars and rocks across his empire, advocating for moral and ethical behaviour, religious tolerance, and non-violence. These edicts reflect his understanding of interconnectedness and the importance of compassion, which are critical aspects of non-dual philosophy.
Here are some detailed examples of King Ashoka’s social policies:
Promotion of Dharma (Righteousness)
Ashoka’s edicts emphasized the importance of moral and ethical behaviour. He promoted values such as honesty, truthfulness, compassion, and non-violence.
He encouraged his subjects to practice Dharma by respecting elders, being kind to servants and slaves, and showing compassion to all living beings[3]
Healthcare and Welfare:
Ashoka established medical facilities for humans and animals. He built hospitals and dispensaries and planted medicinal herbs along roads.
He also constructed rest houses and wells along travel routes to aid travellers.
Animal Welfare:
Ashoka banned animal sacrifices and reduced the killing of animals for food.
He promoted vegetarianism and established animal hospitals.
Infrastructure Development:
Ashoka invested in infrastructure projects such as building roads, digging wells, and constructing irrigation systems to improve agricultural productivity.
He also built stupas, monasteries, and other religious structures to support Buddhist practices.
Religious Tolerance:
Ashoka practised and promoted religious tolerance. He respected all religions and encouraged his subjects to do the same.
He appointed Dharma ministers to look after the welfare of different religious communities, women, and other marginalized groups.
Justice and Administration:
Ashoka reformed the judicial system to ensure justice was dispensed impartially. He instructed his officials to be aware of ordinary people's needs.
He appointed officers known as Dharma Mahamatras to oversee the implementation of his policies and ensure the welfare of his subjects.
[1] https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ashoka
[2] https://latterdaysaintmag.com/article-1-4480/
[3] https://www.worldhistory.org/Ashoka_the_Great/