● Buddhist · Concept
Ashoka Pillar
अशोक स्तम्भ
The emperor's stone declarations of compassion and tolerance — still standing 2,300 years later
Ashoka erected a series of inscribed pillars and rock edicts across his vast empire (present-day India, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bangladesh). They contain his edicts on dharma — tolerance, non-violence, respect for all religions, care for the poor, and prohibition of animal sacrifice. The Lion Capital from Sarnath (four lions back to back on a Dharma Chakra wheel) became India's national emblem. The Dharma Chakra (wheel) appears on India's national flag. The edicts are among the oldest surviving stone inscriptions in India.
Ashoka's EdictsLion CapitalDharma ChakraIndia's National Emblem
See it as a constellationTap connections to travel, one hop at a timePlaces
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A 60-second practice
Read one of Ashoka's edicts online today. They are 2,300 years old and feel startlingly modern — a king telling his people to be kind to animals and tolerant of other religions.
Study at any quiet time.
Keep this offering free
MyBrahman is free and ad-free for everyone. If it has given you something, dāna keeps the lamp lit.
Educational purposes only. Compiled from general reference sources and not reviewed by any religious authority. No disrespect is intended to any deity, tradition, scripture or community. For authoritative guidance, consult qualified scholars and primary texts.