Page:Asoka - the Buddhist Emperor of India.djvu/202

200 EDICT II THE ROYAL EXAMPLE

Thus saith His Sacred and Gracious Majesty the King:—

'"The Law of Piety is excellent." But wherein consists the Law of Piety? In these things, to wit, little impiety, many good deeds, compassion, liberality, truthfulness, purity.

The gift of spiritual insight I have given in manifold Ways; whilst on two-footed and four—footed beings, on birds and the denizens of the waters, I have conferred various favours, even unto the boon of life; and many other good deeds have I done.

For this my purpose I have caused this scripture of the Law of Piety to be written, that men may walk after its teaching and that it may long endure. And he who will thus follow its teaching will do well.'

Comment

The edict presents no serious difficulty. Ẩsinare is a technical term, like the Jain aṇhaga, best rendered by 'impiety.' See the next edict. It is the exact contrary of dhaṅma. 'Good deeds,' kayânâni, Sauskrit kalyâṇâi. Compare kalaṇa-kramasaas a translation of on a coin of Telephos. A pious Buddhist does not regard himself as an 'unprofitable servant,' but frankly boasts of his good deeds. 'Nothing was so calming to a. man's soul as to think of even one deed he had done well in his life' (Fielding Hall, The Soul of a People, p. 296). See R. E. V and P. E. VII. Bühler explained the true meaning of chaku—dâne as 'the gift of spiritual insight,' and pointed out that the metaphorical use of cakhu (chakshus) is common to both Hindus and Buddhists. Compare dhaṁmma-dâne in R. E. XI.