PREVIEW 17
Think of the billboards you have seen on the sides of buildings and
roadways. There are different kinds of billboards. Some advertise a
product. Others promote an idea or cause. All billboards try to change people’s behavior.
In the space below, quickly sketch an interesting billboard you have seen.
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READING NOTES 17
Read Sections 17.2-17.4. For each section, record notes in the appropriate space.
17.2 The Mauryas Unify India
Shade in the Mauryan Empire on the map.On the pillar, write a paragraph summarizing
the expansion of the Mauryan Empire under
Chandragupta. Use and underline these words
in your summary: conquer, harsh, unite.
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READING NOTES 17
17.3 Ashoka’s Rule
On the pillar, write a paragraph summarizing the
expansion of the Mauryan Empire under Ashoka.
Use and underline these words in your summary:
conquest, war, Buddhism, change.
17.4 Ashoka’s Edicts
On the pillar, record the four main goals of Ashoka’s edicts.
1.
2.
3.
4.
© Teachers’ Curriculum InstituteBuddhism and the First Unification of India115
ACTIVITY NOTES17
Carefully examine Edicts A-I and the billboards posted near them. Circle
the goal that you think matches each edict, and explain your choice.
Edict Goal
Edict A: “On the roads…trees have Buddhist values
been planted for the enjoyment of ani-General welfare
mals and men. I have had ponds dug Justice
and shelters erected along the roads. Security
Everywhere I have had wells dug.”
Edict B: “It is good to be obedient to Buddhist values
one’s mother and father, friends, and General welfare
relatives. It is good not only to spend Justice
little, but to own the minimum of Security
property.”
Edict C: “My officers have been Buddhist values
appointed for the welfare [safety] and General welfare
happiness of the…people. I have Justice
given them…authority in judgment Security
and punishment. But it is desirable
that there should be uniformity [same-
ness] in judicial [trial] procedure and
punishment.”
Edict D: “This world and the other Buddhist values
[world after death] are hard to gain General welfare
without great love of righteousness Justice
[correct behavior], great self-examina-Security
tion, great obedience, great effort.”
Edict E: “If the unconquered peoples Buddhist values
on my border ask what is my will, General welfare
they should understand this: I desire Justice
that they should trust me and should Security
have only happiness in their dealings
with me.”
Why We Classified Edict
Under This Goal
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ACTIVITY NOTES
Edict Goal
Edict F: “This…has been engraved Buddhist values
so that the officials of the city should General welfare
always see to it that no one is ever Justice
imprisoned or tortured without good Security
cause. To ensure this I shall send out
every five years on a tour of inspec-
tion officers who are not fierce or
harsh.”
Edict G: “There is no gift comparable Buddhist values
to the gift of dharma [righteousness, General welfare
or correct behavior], and this is: good Justice
behavior toward slaves and servants, Security
obedience to parents, generosity
toward friends, acquaintances, and
relatives…and abstention [staying
away] from killing living beings.”
Edict H: “Everywhere, I, Ashoka, Buddhist values
King Priyadarsi, Beloved of the Gods, General welfare
have arranged for two kinds of med-Justice
ical treatment: medical treatment for Security
people and medical treatment for ani-
mals.”
Edict I: “Men who are sentenced Buddhist values
to death are to be given three days General welfare
respite [waiting period before being Justice
put to death]. Thus their relations may Security
plead for their lives, or the men may
make donations or undertake a fast
[period of not eating] for a better
rebirth in the next life.”
17
Why We Classified Edict
Under This Goal
© Teachers’ Curriculum InstituteBuddhism and the First Unification of India117
PROCESSING 17
Like billboards and Ashoka’s edicts, Web pages are designed to promote ideas or products. Design a Web page celebrating Ashoka and the
Mauryan Empire that includes the following:
• the terms Chandragupta, Ashoka, Buddhism, edict, empire, and
dharma.
• at least four of these features: a Web address, buttons, links, colors,
illustrations, or graphics.
• at least one paragraph that describes Ashoka’s rule and the Mauryan
Empire.
118Lesson 17© Teachers’ Curriculum Institute