Ashoka the Great

Everywhere in the dominions of King Priyadarsin, Beloved of the Gods, and likewise in the borderlands such as Chola, Pandya, Satiyaputra, Keralaputra, as far as Tamraparni, and even in the kingdom of the Yavana king named Antiochus, and among the kings who are neighbors of Antiochus—everywhere has King Priyadarsin, Beloved of the Gods, made arrangements for two kinds of medical treatment: medical treatment for humans and medical treatment for animals. And wherever there were no medicinal herbs, roots, or fruits, they have been imported and planted. And wherever there were no wells, they have been dug. And wherever there were no roads, trees have been planted for the enjoyment of men and animals. This has been done for the welfare and happiness of all people.

Thus speaks King Priyadarsin, Beloved of the Gods: Everywhere in the dominions of King Priyadarsin, Beloved of the Gods, and likewise in the borderlands such as Chola, Pandya, Satiyaputra, Keralaputra, as far as Tamraparni, and even in the kingdom of the Yavana king named Antiochus, and among the kings who are neighbors of Antiochus—everywhere has King Priyadarsin, Beloved of the Gods, made arrangements for two kinds of medical treatment: medical treatment for humans and medical treatment for animals.

The conquest by Dhamma is considered by me the best conquest. And this has been won by me both here and on the borders, even as far as six hundred yojanas, where the Yavana king named Antiochus rules, and beyond that Antiochus, where the four kings named Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas, and Alexander rule. Even in the south, where the Cholas and Pandyas rule, and as far as Tamraparni. This is for the welfare and happiness of all people.

This Dhamma edict was written by me after I had been consecrated twenty-six years. I have caused this Dhamma edict to be inscribed for the following purpose: that it may endure for a long time, and that my sons and grandsons and great-grandsons may follow it and live according to it. And this is for the welfare and happiness of all people. For I consider that the greatest happiness is to lead people to the Dhamma. And this Dhamma consists of mercy, charity, truthfulness, purity, gentleness, and goodness. And I have done many other good deeds also. Therefore, it is my wish that there should be uniformity in judicial procedure and punishment, and that my agents should act impartially. For many people are imprisoned, tortured, and killed unjustly. This is not good. Thus speaks King Priyadarsin, Beloved of the Gods: All men are my children. What I desire for my own children, and I desire that they may obtain welfare and happiness both in this world and the next, that I desire for all men. You do not understand to what extent I desire this, and if some of you might understand, you would not act accordingly. My agents, appointed over many people, are also often attached to certain individuals. One person is imprisoned, another is released. One is tortured, another is not. One is killed, another is not. This is not good. Therefore, it is my wish that there should be uniformity in judicial procedure and punishment. Everywhere in the dominions of King Priyadarsin, Beloved of the Gods, and likewise in the borderlands such as Chola, Pandya, Satiyaputra, Keralaputra, as far as Tamraparni, and even in the kingdom of the Yavana king named Antiochus, and among the kings who are neighbors of Antiochus—everywhere has King Priyadarsin, Beloved of the Gods, made arrangements for two kinds of medical treatment: medical treatment for humans and medical treatment for animals. And wherever there were no medicinal herbs, roots, or fruits, they have been imported and planted. And wherever there were no wells, they have been dug. And wherever there were no roads, trees have been planted for the enjoyment of men and animals. This has been done for the welfare and happiness of all people. For a long time past, it has not happened that Mahamatras named Dhamma-Mahamatras were appointed. I have appointed Dhamma-Mahamatras when I had been consecrated thirteen years. They are employed among all sects for the establishment of Dhamma, for the promotion of Dhamma, and for the welfare and happiness of all those devoted to Dhamma. And they are also employed for the welfare and happiness of all people. The conquest by Dhamma is considered by me the best conquest. And this has been won by me both here and on the borders, even as far as six hundred yojanas, where the Yavana king named Antiochus rules, and beyond that Antiochus, where the four kings named Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas, and Alexander rule. Even in the south, where the Cholas and Pandyas rule, and as far as Tamraparni. This is for the welfare and happiness of all people.

The Beloved of the Gods, King Piyadasi, honors all sects and both ascetics and laymen, with gifts and various forms of recognition.

The Beloved of the Gods, King Piyadasi, speaks thus: This progress among the people through Dhamma has been done by two means, by Dhamma regulations and by persuasion.

The Beloved of the Gods, King Piyadasi, speaks thus: The conquest by Dhamma is the best conquest.

The Beloved of the Gods, King Piyadasi, speaks thus: The slaughter, death, and deportation of people is extremely painful to the Beloved of the Gods.

The Beloved of the Gods, King Piyadasi, speaks thus: The sound of the drum has become the sound of Dhamma.

The Beloved of the Gods, King Piyadasi, speaks thus: The people of the unconquered territories beyond the borders might think: 'What does the king desire with regard to us?'