Asoka And Pilgrimage In Buddhist Teachings

Asoka was a bloodthirsty warrior from the Mauryan dynasty. In his youth he became sickened of violence and had become a just ruler who had aimed to help spread peace and tolerance through Buddhism. His spread of peace branches through his various significant contributions to the religion of Buddhism including his Rock edicts, missionary activities, promotion of ecological awareness, officiation of pilgrimage and government policies. Pilgrimage refers to a journey that is usually associated with a place that is sacred or has a deep influential meaning. For adherents of Buddhism, pilgrimage enables a greater sense of spiritual saturation as they are provided time to come to terms with them selves and develop greater connections to Buddhism. Ironically whilst most religious pilgrimages are done to develop a closer connection with God, Buddha taught he was not a God, but more a lifestyle choice, thus the pilgrimage becomes one of self awareness and peaceful adherence to Buddhist teachings. Whilst there is no obligation for Buddhists to go on a pilgrimage many redeem and assert their beliefs by visiting sacred sites of Buddha.

Pilgrimage is central to the beliefs of Buddhism as it enables a pilgrim to gain a greater understanding of Buddhist beliefs and teachings (dharma). Pilgrims known as Dhammapada abandon the world as they embark on a journey to reinforce the teachings of Buddhism such as faith, determination and humility, which in turn strengthen their practise “those who have faith in Buddha’s deeds and awareness of their own will travel to high states”. Before embarking on their journey pilgrims make preparations by focusing on the right frame of mind and finding out about the history and significance of the sacred sites they visit. They must mentally be in a state of devotion and show faith, as they are obliged to show reverence and veneration at holy shrines. On their journey they renounce all worldly luxuries, and become contented with simple clean transportation and food. This will usually result in pilgrims feeling discomfort however this becomes a representation of Buddha before he gained enlightenment. Often pilgrims wear sacred colours such as yellow or white depending on their variant of Buddhism and conduct worship (puja). This enables them to meditate and reflect on their devotion to Buddhism.

Pilgrims often embark to places that reflect the significance of Buddhas life such as Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar. Focusing on the important events of the life and teachings of Buddha assists in their own personal struggle to reach enlightenment. Lumbini located in Nepal is the sacred site where Buddha was born, it was declared a tax-free city by Ashoka who also erected the first pillar to commemorate Buddha’s birth. There is also the Maya Devi temple there which is believed to have had an Ashokan stupa; this temple allows pilgrims to contribute Dhana to the sangha to exhibit their reverence. Bodh Gaya is famously known as the sacred site where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. This is deemed the most sacred site as the serenity of the atmosphere is deemed to remain in the subconscious of any Dhammapada. Sarnath is the sacred site where Buddha delivered his first sermon and set the Wheel of Dharma into play, for pilgrims there is a stupa erected which many circulate. There is also an Ashokan pillar and many monasteries which enable pilgrims to witness a true monk’s life. Kushinagar translating to happy village in Hindi is the place where Buddha died. There are many temples erected to represent the different variants of Buddhism however the Nirvana Stupa is the most significant as it believed to hold ashes of Buddha. There is definitely a sense of deep spiritual connection as pilgrims try to adhere to Buddhist teachings by embarking on pilgrimages which physically enforce them to witness the magnificence of Buddhism.

Pilgrimage enables adherents to gain a greater understanding of their spiritual connection to Buddhism. Whilst physically it may cause hardship it broadens an adherent’s connection to Buddhism. Pilgrimage leads to a better understanding of the three Jewels’ Buddha – the teacher, Dharma the teaching and the Sangha the Buddhist community. Through these they are reminded of the core beliefs of Buddhism thus encouraging them to be patient, practise mindfulness and develop wisdom. It also creates a wholesome mental status which leads to purification of the mind thus enabling them to grasp a greater understanding of them which ultimately allows them to abide by the teachings of Buddhism. Through pilgrimage Dhammapada’s are able to purify their thought and speech endowing them to the five precepts. Ultimately going on pilgrim enables adherents to model their life on Buddha, helping them to find the middle way which is attained by following the eightfold path. Through following the Eightfold path pilgrims gain correct knowledge, eradication desire, discipline the mind and lead a wholly ethical life. This in turn generates good karma for them which is on the basis of good and or bad deeds. By visiting locations where monks and nuns have lived for many years, leading an austere life of meditation is considered a good source of merit. This enables them to focus on the mind of Buddha and his achievements.

On a communal sense pilgrimage entwines the bonds of friendship and spiritual connection, as many pilgrims will encounter each other on these journeys. This allows them to gain good merit as they assist each other in achieving nirvana and attaining enlightenment. Historically pilgrimage was an important factor in spreading Buddhism. Asoka played a prominent role in spreading Buddhism throughout India via pilgrimage. His journey has become the model for many Buddhist pilgrims as they follow his path and adhere to Buddhist teachings. This is especially particular for Buddhist monks whom spread the teachings of Buddha through their journey. Whilst pilgrimage is deemed an individualistic experience it is through the help and support of other pilgrims that many strengthen their faith. Pilgrimage also enables a greater sense of recollection to the life of Buddha as communally it enables them to enjoy the life and teachings of Buddha thus leading ethical lives and on a whole achieving good merit.

Furthermore, Asoka’s influence of his missionary activities has led to Buddhism being identified as a religion which guides adherents towards the path of righteousness. Asoka’s missionary activities included Asoka sending missionaries to the four corners of the world; specifically in Sri Lanka. His sending of missionary activities was also a symbol of the concept of Dharma in attempt to unite various sects of Buddhism. Asoka’s missionaries has allowed for the further expansion of Buddhism far beyond the Mauryan Empire. This had set the pathway for religious tolerance and peace successfully to neighbouring kingdoms and nations. The 13th Rock edict states “He tried to spread Buddhism to the kings of Syria, Egypt and Macedonia”. This shows Asoka’s contribution towards promoting Buddhism as a religion which guides adherents to righteousness as his actions reflect those teachings outlines in the eightfold path being to have right intention and right action. This right intention and right action further enhance a Buddhist adherence ability in attaining righteousness and nirvana.

Moreover, we look at Asoka’s rock edicts. Asoka’s rock edicts are inscription which are based on religious matters. These where written in different dialects for them to be spread throughout the Mauryan Empire and other nations. These rock edicts had exposed the Dharma to the greater community, especially those in India. They had found the religion of Buddhism to be more accepting and a lesser religious burden, hence why many people from countries such as India had converted to Buddhism. “War drums have been replaced by the sounds of Dharma”