147
See also: Living in harmony 38 ■ Self-denial leads to spiritual liberation 68–71 ■ Selfless action 110–11 ■ Hinduism in the
political age 124–25 ■ Dying for the message 209 ■ The Sikh code of conduct 296–301
BUDDHISM
strangers, and even those that one
might find difficult with equal care
and concern. The broad, positive
approach evident in this first rule
underpins the other four. Positive
goodwill toward others supports
the principles of generosity;
nonexploitation (the third precept is
generally taken to prohibit adultery,
rape, and other forms of sexual
exploitation); honesty; and the
keeping of a clear head to ensure
corrrect decisions and actions.
The Emperor Asoka Asoka was born in India in
304 BCE. He was the son of the
Mauryan emperor Bindusara and
came to the throne of the kingdom
of Magadha in 268 BCE, having
killed his brothers and other
potential rivals in order to secure
his position. He embarked on a
brutal campaign of expansion,
extending his rule to establish
an empire that included all but
the most southerly part of India.
After one particularly bloody
battle, the sight of the dead and
the grieving inspired him to
pledge never to fight a battle
again. He looked for answersin Buddhism and, on finding
them, became a fervent convert.
His conversion was marked by
a dramatic change in attitude:
he began to promote Buddhist
principles throughout his
empire, issuing edicts on
moral matters, banning animal
sacrifice, and increasing the
provision of welfare. He sent
missionaries to promote
Buddhism abroad, but he
also took a positive view of
all religions, issuing only
moral precepts that would
be acceptable to all religious
groups within his empire.Although the principle of not killing
was a key feature of Buddhism from
its beginning, the first attempt to
apply the principle to the whole of
society was made by the Emperor
Asoka in the 3rd century BCE. This
is evident from the many edicts
that he issued, 32 of which have
been discovered carved on pillars
or rock faces. As well as advocating
the avoidance of killing, Asoka
promoted support for the poor, the
protection of servants, and the
establishment of medical centers
and veterinary services—all
direct expressions of metta.A peaceful ideal
Although there are rare cases
of self-harm (as in the suicide of
Buddhist monks, who have been
known to set themselves on fire
as an extreme form of political
protest), in general Buddhism has
never sought to impose its ideas
upon society by force, nor has it
ever become involved in war.
The principle of not killing
suggests that, as an ideal,
Buddhists should be vegetarian.However, Buddha’s Middle Way
(pp.130–135) indicates that self-
denial must never be taken to
life-threatening extremes, so
Buddhists may eat meat and fish
if it is deemed necessary for their
health, or where there is a shortage
of fruit and vegetables (as in the
mountains of Tibet). Monks and
nuns may eat meat and fish if it
is offered to them and has not
been killed for their benefit. ■All life is sacred to Buddhist monks.
They believe all living beings can exist
peacefully side by side, even men and
tigers—as demonstrated at the Tiger
Temple in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.If there is one practice
that is sufficient to bring
about buddhahood,
it is the practice of
great compassion.
Dalai Lama