Page:History of India Vol 2.djvu/191

 TEUE CHARITY 157 on by Asoka was that of the obligation of reverence to parents, elders, and preceptors. Conversely, supe- riors, while receiving their due of reverence, were re- quired to treat their inferiors, including servants, slaves, and all living creatures, with kindness and considera- tion. As a corollary to these obligations, men were taught that the spirit which inspires reverence on the one side, and kindness on the other, should further in- duce them to behave with courteous decorum to rela- tives, ascetics, and Brahmans, and likewise to practise liberality to the same classes, as well as to friends and acquaintances. The third primary duty laid upon men was that of truthfulness. These three guiding principles are most concisely formulated in the Second Minor Rock Edict, which may be quoted in full: " Thus saith his Majesty: " * Father and mother must be obeyed; similarly, respect for living creatures must be enforced; truth must be spoken. These are the virtues of the Law of Piety which must be practised. Similarly, the teacher must be reverenced by the pupil, and proper courtesy must be shown to relatives. " ' This is the ancient standard of piety; this leads to length of days, and according to this men must act.' Among secondary duties, a high place was given to that of showing toleration for and sympathy with the beliefs and practices of others, and a special edict, No. 12 of the Rock series, was devoted to the exposition of this topic. The subjects of the imperial moralist were