Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism had significant consequences, both for his personal life and for the Indian subcontinent as a whole. Here are some of the key results of Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism:
1. **Promotion of Non-Violence (Ahimsa):** Ashoka's conversion led to his embrace of the Buddhist principle of non-violence (ahimsa). He renounced warfare and conquest and adopted a policy of peaceful coexistence. This change in policy had a profound impact on his empire and the regions he governed.
2. **Propagation of Buddhism:** Ashoka became a patron of Buddhism and actively promoted the spread of Buddhism throughout his empire and beyond. He sent emissaries and missionaries to various regions, including Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, to spread Buddhist teachings. This played a crucial role in the expansion of Buddhism beyond India.
3. **Edicts and Inscriptions:** Ashoka erected numerous edicts and inscriptions, often carved on stone pillars and rocks, to disseminate moral and ethical principles derived from Buddhism. These inscriptions served as a means of communication and guidance for his subjects, promoting virtues such as compassion, tolerance, and non-violence.
4. **Welfare Measures:** Ashoka implemented a series of welfare measures for the well-being of his subjects. He ordered the construction of hospitals, established veterinary clinics, and provided for the care of the elderly and the disabled. These initiatives reflected his commitment to Buddhist ideals of compassion and care for all living beings.
5. **Religious Tolerance:** Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism did not lead to religious intolerance. Instead, he advocated religious tolerance and respect for all faiths. He encouraged dialogue among different religious communities and supported the coexistence of various religious traditions.
6. **Cultural Exchange:** Ashoka's support for Buddhism facilitated cultural exchange between India and other regions where Buddhism spread. This exchange influenced art, architecture, and literature, as seen in the spread of Buddhist stupas, sculptures, and scriptures.
7. **Legacy:** Ashoka is remembered as one of India's greatest emperors and a key figure in the history of Buddhism. His conversion to Buddhism and his efforts to promote its teachings left a lasting legacy, shaping the moral and ethical values of Indian society and influencing the development of Buddhism as a major world religion.
In summary, Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism had far-reaching consequences, leading to the promotion and spread of Buddhism, the adoption of non-violence and ethical principles, and the development of a more compassionate and inclusive society within his empire and beyond.