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He was converted to Buddhism in the tenth year of his reign, and became most devoted to its spread throughout the world. He was a good king, and his name is honored and beloved wherever there are Buddhists. 164. Q. What did he do for Buddhism ? A. He built dagobas and monasteries, established gardens and hospitals, not only for men, but also for animals, and enjoined upon all his subjects the observance of the moral precepts of Buddha. He also sent missionaries, after the Council of Patna, to carry the Buddhist religion to many dif ferent countries, and ambassadors to four Greek kings to in- form them about Buddha’s doctrine. To keep the religion pure, he established in his own country the office of minister of A BUDDHIST CATECHISM. 83 justice and religion. The King also appointed officials to pro- mote the education of women in the principles of Buddha. 165. Q. What tangible proof is there of all this ? A. Within the last fifty years there have been discovéred in various parts of India and Afghanistan the edicts of King Asoka engraven on_rocks and’ stone pillars. They have been translated into English and published at the Government Press in India. 166. Q. ln what light do these edits make Buddhism ap- pear? A. As a religion of noble tolerance, of universal brotherhood, of righteousness and justice. They have done much to win for it the. respect in which it is now held in Europe and America by all the learned men. 167. Q. How does a recent English writer, in a work? published by a Christian educational society, express himself concerning these edicts ? i A. He says: “The edicts are full of a lofty righteousness. . . . Obedience to parents ; kindness to children and friends ; mercy towards the brute creation; indulgence to inferiors ; reverence towards Brahmans and members of the Order ; sup- pression of anger, passion, cruelty, or extravagance ; generosity and tolerance and charity, — such are the lessons which ‘ the 1 Buddhism, by T. W. Rhys-Davids. 84 A BUDDHIST CATECHISM. kindly King, the delight of the Gods,’ inculcates on all his subjects.” } 168. Q. When was Buddhism introduced into Ceylon ? A. Inthe reign of King Devanam Piya Tissa. It was brought to Ceylon by Mahinda, King Asoka’s own son, who had be- come a priest. The King of Ceylon received with great favor him and the six priests accompanying him, became a conyert to Buddhism, and built the Thuparama Dagoba at Anurad- hapura. The sister of Mahinda, Sanghamitta, who had also entered the Order, came to Ceylon some time after with a party of Buddhist nuns, and instructed many Sinhalese ladies in religion. Sanghamitta brought over with her a branch of the Bo tree at Buddha-Gaya, under which the Teacher had gained the Buddhahood. This was planted at Anuradhapura, and is still in existence. It is acknowledged to be the oldest historical tree in the world. [! The following well-known Gétha of Chi-kai may appropriately be set under the eulogy of Buddhism in the text :— “Scrupulously avoiding all wicked actions, Reverently performing all virtuous ones, Purifying this intention from all selfish desire, — Is the doctrine of all the Buddhas.” —C.] gly