Abstract

               This research was an analytical study of the role of king Asoka on the social works as depicted in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. There were three objectives: to study the bibliography of the king Asoka, to study the principles of the social works in Theravada Buddhist tradition, and to do an analytical study of the role of king Asoka on the social works as depicted in Theravada Buddhist tradition. The result of the study found that:

     The great king Asoka was born in the Moriya clan. His father was king Pindusara and his mother was queen Siridhamma. It was reported that he looked somewhat not smart, rule, but intelligent and powerful man. He was graduated from Takkasila and was named as “Chantasoka”. Nevertheless, he was convicted to be a Buddhist after listening to the Dhamma from Venerable Nigodhara Samanera on the topic of Appamatadhamma (the carefulness). More importantly, after he found the Buddha’s relic or Buddha-dhatu; he built 84,000 pagodas to preserve, and then he craved on those pillars. He also stood as the main supporter in organizing the Third Buddhist Council (Sanghayana) and in sending the groups of Buddhist missionaries to expand the boundary of Buddhism in various countries. Unfortunately, pass away when he was 76 years olds and was named as the great king Asoka.

The principles of the social works in Theravada Buddhist tradition was Sangahavatthu or the bases of social solidarity: Dana (giving), Peyyavajja (kindly speech), Atthacariya (useful conduct), and Samanattata (even and equal treatment).  The doctrinal points that related to the social works were: Rajadhamma (virtual duties of the king), Raja-Sangahavatthu (a ruler’s base of sympathy), Brahmavihara (holy abidings), Saraniyadhamma (states of conciliation), and Chadisa (the six directions). The models and methods of the social works in Theravada Buddhism could be found in Digha-nikaya Kuthtanta-sutta in which it reported about the king Mahavichittaraja did the social works bases on the Buddhist principles.

     Now, the role of the king Asoka on the social works, the study found that on Dana aspects, he donated a lot in supporting Buddhism. Obviously, he built 84,000 pagodas to preserve the Buddha relics and then he graved the doctrinal points on the pillars.    

              For the Peyyavajja, he stood as the leading supporters in organizing the Third Buddhist Council at Asokarama, Venerable Moggalliputtatissa at the president; and he also sent the Buddhist missionaries to extend the boundary of Buddhism. 

              On the Atthacariya aspects, the king Asoka had ruled his land and people with loving-kindness (metta).

              And for the Samanattata, he wholeheartedly devoted his life in supporting Buddhism in every aspect. He also held the Buddhist principles in daily life; as the best example, he encouraged the people to discard wrong believe and useless activities.   

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