Did Ashoka followed Jainism?
The Buddhist text, Ashoka-vadana, tells us of more acts of genocide perpetrated by the emperor many years after he supposedly turned pacifist. These were directed particularly at followers of the Jain and Ajivika sects; by all accounts he avoided conflicts with mainstream Hindus and was respectful towards Brahmins.
Why did Ashoka choose Buddhism over Jainism?
According to a contemporary text, the Edicts of Ashoka, Ashoka converted to Buddhism because he “felt remorse on account of the conquest of Kalinga because, during the subjugation of a previously unconquered country, slaughter, death, and taking away captive of the people necessarily occur.”
Who influenced Ashoka following Buddhism?
monk Upagupta
How did King Ashoka spread Buddhism?
Ashoka promoted Buddhist expansion by sending monks to surrounding territories to share the teachings of the Buddha. A wave of conversion began, and Buddhism spread not only through India, but also internationally. Some scholars believe that many Buddhist practices were simply absorbed into the tolerant Hindu faith.
What happened after Asoka became a Buddhist?
After Ashoka’s successful but devastating conquest of Kalinga early in his rule, he converted to Buddhism and was inspired by its doctrine of dharma. Thereafter, he ruled his empire through peace and tolerance and focused on public works and building up the empire rather than expanding it.
Why did Buddhism spread so rapidly?
Buddhism spread rapidly because its teachings were very simple and it was taught in the language of the people. The patronage of two great emperors — Ashoka and Kanishka — made it a world religion. Its opposition to the caste system made it popular among the castes that were considered low.
What were the reasons for the decline of Buddhism and Jainism?
1. Lack of Royal Patronage: Firstly, the initial tempo of royal patronage of Jainism by Bimbisara, Ajatasatru, Udayin and Kharavela was not kept up by kings and princes of later times. Rather the zeal and determination of Asoka, Kanishka and Harsha to spread Buddhism came to eclipse Jainism.
Why did Jainism did not spread?
Flexible practices of Buddhism: Jains considered it a taboo to travel by water since it harmed organisms more compared to barefoot land travel. As Buddhists did not hold such a view and so were able to spread the religion to Sri Lanka, South-East Asia, China etc.