Quote by Ashoka: “Dharma is good. But what does Dharma include? It includes kindness, generosity, truthfulness, purity.”

This quote provides a clear and practical definition of Dharma (righteousness or moral law) as understood by Ashoka. He simplifies complex ethical principles into easily understandable virtues like kindness, generosity, and honesty, making them accessible to everyone.

Ashoka, having embraced Buddhism, sought to govern his vast empire based on moral principles. He inscribed these simple yet profound definitions of Dharma on pillars to guide his subjects towards an ethical way of life.

Emperor of the Maurya dynasty of India who reigned from approximately 268 to 232 BCE. After witnessing the devastating casualties of the Kalinga War, he converted to Buddhism and renounced military conquest. He promoted dharma, non-violence, and religious tolerance across his vast empire through a series of edicts inscribed on pillars and rock faces.