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The Indian Analyst
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South Indian Inscriptions |
EPIGRAPHIA INDICA (III) I was, however, not energetic (in the practice and propagation of Dharma) for one year (at the beginning of the above period). (IV) It is (now) more than a year that I have indeed been intimately associated[1] with the Saṅgha (i.e. the Buddhist Clergy) and have been excessively energetic (in the cause of Dharma). (V) Those men, who were unmingled (with gods) during this period, have now been mingled with gods.[2] (VI) This is [the result] of (my) exertion (in the cause of Dharma). (VII) [Indeed, it is not] attainable only by the rich man. (VIII) Even the poor man, if he is energetic (in the cause of Dharma), can attain even the great heaven.[3]. (IX) It is for this purpose that the proclamation has been made (by me). (X) So that the poor and the rich[4] should also be energetic in this exertion (in regard to the practice and propagation of Dharma), that the peoples living beyond the borders (of my empire) should know (this matter) and that (this matter) will increase to a great extent (at least) roughly to one and a half times. (XI) This proclamation is being issued by me (when I have been) on tour (for) 256 (days).[5]
Minor Rock Edict II. (I) Thus saith the Beloved of the Gods. (II) You should do as (you have been) told (to do) by the Beloved of the Gods. (III) The (officers entitled) Rajjuka[6] should be ordered (by you in respect of this matter). (IV) He (in his turn) will then order the people of the countryside as well as the (officers entitled) Rāshtrika[7] (in the following words) ; (V) “One should be obedient to one’s parents. (VI) “One should likewise be obedient to one’s elders. (VII) “One should be kind to the living beings. (VIII) “One should speak the truth. (IX) “One should propagate these attributes of Dharma.” (X) Thus you should pass orders in the words of the Beloved of the Gods. ________________________________________________
[1] The word upāyita (Sanskrit upeta) seems to have used in the sense of saṅgata, although it has been
variously interpreted by scholars. See my Maski Inscription of Aśoka, Hyderabad, p. 24
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