Legends of Indian Buddhism

“The Childhood and Youth of Aśoka” narrates Aśoka’s birth, early marginalization, signs of future kingship, military mission to Takṣaśilā, and eventual accession to the throne. The story combines royal genealogy, prophecy, miraculous support by divine beings, and the political struggle that leads to Aśoka’s kingship. “The Conversion of King Aśoka” presents the transformation of Aśoka from a harsh ruler into a Buddhist sovereign devoted to the Dharma. The narrative emphasizes the moral turning point through which Aśoka abandons cruelty and begins to support the Buddhist path. “The Establishment of the Law by Aśoka” focuses on Aśoka’s propagation of Buddhist teaching, his support for monasteries and temples, his promotion of moral conduct, and his concern for the public welfare. This section presents Aśoka as a model Buddhist ruler whose authority is aligned with Dharma rather than conquest. “The Eyes of Kunāla” recounts the tragic story of Aśoka’s son Kunāla, whose beauty, suffering, and loss of sight are explained through karmic causality. The legend illustrates how actions from previous existences ripen into later reward and punishment. “The Legend of Vītaśoka” tells the story of Aśoka’s brother and further develops themes of karma, renunciation, and religious insight. “The Death of King Aśoka; or, The Gift of a Handful of Earth” concludes the volume by presenting Aśoka’s final days and the moral symbolism of generosity, merit, and devotion to the Buddhist Law.