Great Conquerors: Ashoka the Great

Greetings Enlightened Samurai Aficionados,

In this edition of Great Conquerors, we journey to ancient India to discuss the story of Ashoka the Great. A bloody conqueror who transformed into a devoted champion of peace. His story offers profound insights into personal redemption and the pursuit of enlightenment.

Ashoka the Great was born around 304 BCE and was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire. From a young age, Ashoka proved himself a skilled warrior with great ambition and drive. This prowess, alongside his education in warcraft and state administration, prepared him for the rulership of the empire. His accession to the throne came when his father, the reigning king Bindusara, died. This led to a tumultuous power struggle among his sons. After years of fighting, Ashoka emerged victorious and was crowned the emperor of the Maurya Empire. As emperor, Ashoka would begin his conquest of India and make the Maurya Empire the largest indigenous empire to ever exist on the subcontinent. He would be bestowed the title of Chakravartin (King of Kings).

For the Enlightenment Samurai, the Story of Ashoka The Great is not important because of his conquests but rather because of his Personal Redemption and his Pursuit of Enlightenment that occurred afterwards.

 Personal Redemption

Expanding his dominion across India would come at a significant price. Hundreds of thousands of people would die in his conquests. This would weigh a heavy toll on the mind of Ashoka. The Battle of Kalinga was the tipping point. This single battle alone took more than one hundred thousand lives and caused massive destruction. The suffering in the aftermath of the battle shocked Ashoka to his core and filled him with great sorrow. This moment of introspection led to his conversion to Buddhism and a path of redemption. On this path, he would adopt a policy of Dharma (righteousness or moral duty). This policy promoted morality, non-violence, religious tolerance, kindness to all living creatures, welfare measures and peaceful coexistence with other kingdoms—Ashoka's rulership after Kalinga was characterized by Dharma’s benevolence, compassion and enlightenment.

The Value: 

True strength often lies not in domination but rather in compassion. Compassion for themselves, other living things and the world. True strength is when a person realizes that they are strong and capable. They know they do not need to dominate others and chase power. This understanding of their own unshakeable strength makes them compassionate. This understanding comes from a moment of introspection that can change the course of one's life, leading to growth and enlightenment.

Pursuit of Enlightenment:

Ashoka converted to Buddhism after his moment of introspection. Buddhism was the way for him to confront his remorse and heal himself. This pursuit of enlightenment was a journey that lasted for the remainder of this life. Dharma was a way for him to get in touch with himself on a spiritual level. He erected stone pillars across his empire to spread his philosophy and taught his subjects the value of Dharma. These pillars stood as a testament to a ruler's commitment to ensuring the welfare and moral upliftment of his subjects.

The Value:

Those on the journey of spiritual enlightenment often feel the need to give to others. In the case of Ashoka, he felt the need to share the path of moral rightness with others and guide them. This path of personal and spiritual growth is marked by this internal desire to give your own gift to the world. These gifts come in all kinds of forms, and you must understand what your gift is. The state of giving to the world is a supreme form of enlightenment. Furthermore, Ashoka also teaches us that leadership is not just about authority; it's genuinely about guiding those under your charge toward a righteous and virtuous path. Leaving a positive imprint on your subjects is a better legacy than hundreds of conquests.

Next Edition Teaser:
Queen Elizabeth I: Navigating Power in a Hostile World. Delve into the story of England's Virgin Queen and discover lessons in resilience, diplomacy, and leadership.