"A literary translation which is also easy and pleasing to read."Ludwik Sternbach,Journal of the American Oriental Society

Introduction

I. The Edicts: Their Adaptation to Circumstances and Their Repetitions Rock Edict XIV

II. The Occasion and Purpose of the Edicts: The Kalinga War, Asoka's Change of Heart, and the Ideal of Conquest by Dharma Rock Edict XIII

III. The Objectives of Inculcation of Dharma Rock Edict IV

IV. Ways to Inculcate Dharma 1. Asoka's Reflections on the Promulgation of Morality Pillar Edict VII, Pillar Edict VI 2. Asoka's Participation in the Program as Administrator and as Example Rock Edict VIII, Rock Edict VI, Rock Edict V, Rock Edict X

V. The Nature of Dharma 1. As Meditation and Non-violence Pillar Edict VII (continued from IV. 1) 2. As Insight, Virtue, and Service Pillar Edict II, Pillar Edict I 3. As Respect and Truth Brahmagiri Rock Edict II 4. As Charity and the Kinship of Mankind Rock Edict XI 5. As Rite and Ceremonial Rock Edict IX

VI. Applications of Dharma A. Universal Manifestations 1. Against Sins and Passions in the Individual Pillar Edict III, Rock Edict X (continued from IV. 2) 2. Against Irreligion in the Individual Maski Rock Edict (continued from VI. B. 4) 3. Against Religious Intolerance and Discrimination within the Community Rock Edict VII, Rock Edict

XII 4. Against Aggression and Tension between States Kalinga Edict II B. Particular Applications 1. Restrictions on Feasts and on the Slaughtering of Animals; Pardoning of Prisoners Rock Edict I, Pillar Edict V 2. Public Administration: The Promulgation of Morality and the Administration of Justice Rock Edict III, Rock Edict V (continued from IV. 2), Pillar Edict IV, Kalinga Edict I 3. Medical Aid and Welfare Rock Edict II, Pillar Edict

VII (continued from V. 1) 4. Buddhism and the Ajivika Sect Maski Rock Edict, Bhabra Rock Edict, Sanchi Pillar Edict, Sarnath Pillar Edict, Rummindei Pillar Edict, Karna Chaupar Cave Edict