World history

The first major empire in the history of the Indian subcontinent was the Maurya Empire (322-184 BCE). Our sources for studying it are few in number or were written by outside observers. As such, historians have greatly benefited from the discovery and compilation of the rock and pillar edicts of the Maurya emperor Ashoka (ruled 268-232 BCE). Ashoka had edicts inscribed on rocks and sandstone pillars in populous areas where people gathered, so that they could read them or, if they were illiterate, hear his officials read them out loud.

Tasks:

First, read “The Mauryan Empire (321 – 184 BCE),” and read Selections from the Edicts of King Ashoka. Answer the questions included below.

In the edicts of King Ashoka, he used terms like Dharma and Karma to steadily move his people away from violence towards each other and other sentient life, even to the point of not harming animals for food.

Imagine that you are a citizen of his empire at this time and not a Buddhist yet, what argument do you feel would be the most compelling to help stop you eating meat and moving towards vegetarianism? To stop violence and warfare? How do these relate to your own cultural and social beliefs? Please be specific and careful to define terms like Dharma and Karma and the precepts of Buddhism and connect them to your own worldview.
In your opinion, do you feel any of Ashoka’s edicts are relevant today? Provide examples from your own experiences as a global citizen in the 21st century. (you might consider issues such as social welfare, factory farming, and contemporary war among nation-states, among others)
Expectations and Criteria for Success:

Your discussion post should answer all the questions above with specific examples and details from the assigned sources.

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Sample Answer

here are my answers to the questions:

  • What argument would be most compelling to help stop me eating meat and moving towards vegetarianism?

If I were a citizen of the Mauryan Empire and not yet a Buddhist, the argument that would be most compelling to me to stop eating meat and move towards vegetarianism would be the one based on the concept of Dharma. Dharma is a complex concept in Hinduism and Buddhism, but it can be generally understood as the moral law of the universe. In the context of Ashoka’s edicts, Dharma is often used to refer to the principle of non-violence.

The idea that it is wrong to harm other living beings is a deeply held belief in many cultures, including the one I come from. I would be persuaded by the argument that eating meat is a violation of Dharma because it involves the unnecessary killing of animals.

Another argument that could be compelling is the one based on the concept of Karma. Karma is the belief that our actions have consequences, both in this life and in the next. The idea that eating meat could lead to negative consequences, such as illness or misfortune, would be a powerful deterrent for many people.

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Finally, I would also be persuaded by the argument that vegetarianism is healthier than eating meat. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that a plant-based diet can help to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

  • What argument would be most compelling to help stop violence and warfare?

The argument that would be most compelling to me to stop violence and warfare is the one based on the principle of compassion. Compassion is the ability to understand and share the suffering of others. When we cultivate compassion, we are less likely to want to harm others, even if they have harmed us.

Another argument that could be compelling is the one based on the concept of interconnectedness. The idea that we are all interconnected means that we are all affected by the actions of others. When we harm others, we are also harming ourselves.

Finally, I would also be persuaded by the argument that violence and warfare are ultimately self-defeating. War leads to death and destruction, which only creates more suffering in the world.

  • How do these arguments relate to my own cultural and social beliefs?

The arguments for vegetarianism and non-violence are consistent with my own cultural and social beliefs. I come from a culture that values compassion and respect for all living beings. I also believe that violence is never the answer.

  • In your opinion, do you feel any of Ashoka’s edicts are relevant today?

Yes, I believe that many of Ashoka’s edicts are still relevant today. The principles of non-violence, compassion, and interconnectedness are as important today as they were when Ashoka lived.

In the 21st century, we are facing many challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and war. These challenges can seem overwhelming, but I believe that we can overcome them if we come together and work together. We can learn from Ashoka’s example and strive to create a more peaceful and compassionate world.

Here are some examples of how Ashoka’s edicts are relevant today:

  • The edicts on animal welfare: Ashoka’s edicts on animal welfare are relevant to the issue of factory farming. Factory farming is a cruel and inhumane practice that causes immense suffering to animals. We can learn from Ashoka and work to create a more humane and sustainable food system.
  • The edicts on non-violence: Ashoka’s edicts on non-violence are relevant to the issue of war. War is a destructive and costly way to solve problems. We can learn from Ashoka and work to resolve our differences peacefully.
  • The edicts on social welfare: Ashoka’s edicts on social welfare are relevant to the issue of poverty. Poverty is a major problem that affects millions of people around the world. We can learn from Ashoka and work to create a more just and equitable society.

I believe that Ashoka’s edicts can provide us with guidance and inspiration as we work to create a better world.

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