Mahayana Buddhism is one of the two main branches of Buddhism, alongside Theravada. Over time, Mahayana Buddhism has become one of the most widely practiced forms of Buddhism worldwide. Its history is rich with notable figures and powerful patrons who helped spread its teachings. Among the most important figures in Mahayana Buddhism’s development was a great patron who not only supported the religion but also helped shape its philosophical and cultural development. In this article, we will explore who this great patron was, their role in Mahayana Buddhism, and how they contributed to the rise and spread of Mahayana teachings.
The Origins of Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism arose around the first century CE in India. It emphasized the Bodhisattva ideal, a figure who seeks enlightenment not only for themselves but for all sentient beings. Unlike Theravada Buddhism, which focuses on individual enlightenment, Mahayana stresses compassion and the aspiration to help others achieve Buddhahood.
In the early centuries, Mahayana Buddhism began to gain followers, spreading slowly from India to Central Asia, China, Korea, and Japan. Over the centuries, many kings, emperors, and wealthy patrons supported the spread of Mahayana Buddhism. However, one figure stands out in history for their significant role in promoting Mahayana teachings. This person is Emperor Ashoka of India.
Emperor Ashoka: The Great Patron of Buddhism
Who Was Emperor Ashoka?
Emperor Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, was one of the most powerful and influential rulers in Indian history. He ruled the Maurya Empire from 268 BCE to 232 BCE. His reign marked a period of great expansion and consolidation in India, and his patronage of Buddhism played a pivotal role in the religion’s spread across India and beyond. Ashoka is often remembered as one of the greatest patrons of Buddhism in its early history.
Early Life and Conversion to Buddhism
Ashoka’s early life was marked by war and conquest. He initially followed the traditional ways of kingship, which involved warfare and territorial expansion. However, after his violent conquest of the kingdom of Kalinga (modern-day Odisha), Ashoka experienced a profound transformation. The war caused widespread death and suffering, which deeply affected him. According to historical records, Ashoka was horrified by the devastation and grief caused by the war. He then decided to embrace Buddhism, drawn by its messages of non-violence, compassion, and peace.
Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism was not just a personal decision but a public one. He made it known that he was deeply moved by the teachings of the Buddha and decided to implement Buddhist principles in his rule. This shift in perspective marked the beginning of a new era for Buddhism, especially for Mahayana Buddhism.
Ashoka’s Support for Mahayana Buddhism
While Ashoka is primarily associated with the early development of Buddhism in general, his reign also had a significant impact on Mahayana Buddhism. His support was not limited to the teachings of the Buddha but extended to all forms of Buddhism, including Mahayana. Ashoka’s contributions were diverse and far-reaching.
1. Promotion of Buddhist Philosophy and Teachings
Ashoka made efforts to promote the teachings of Buddhism throughout his empire. He sent Buddhist missionaries to various regions, both within and outside India. These missionaries were instrumental in spreading the core teachings of the Buddha, including those related to Mahayana philosophy, such as the concept of the Bodhisattva.
2. The Ashoka Edicts: A Record of Buddhist Principles
Ashoka’s support for Buddhism is best documented in the Ashoka Edicts, a series of inscriptions on stone pillars and rocks throughout his empire. These edicts communicated Ashoka’s commitment to Buddhism, his moral code, and his belief in non-violence. Some of these edicts explicitly mention the Buddha and encourage people to follow the path of compassion and wisdom.
The Edicts also reflect Ashoka’s broader vision for the welfare of all beings. He promoted the idea of Dhamma (righteousness) and sought to establish a moral society based on Buddhist values. His belief in the importance of tolerance, respect for all religions, and the spread of Buddhist teachings aligns with Mahayana Buddhist ideals.
3. Building Buddhist Monasteries and Stupas
Ashoka took an active role in the construction of Buddhist monasteries and stupas. Stupas are sacred structures that house relics of the Buddha and are places of worship for Buddhists. Ashoka is believed to have built 84,000 stupas during his reign, which played a key role in the physical spread of Buddhism. These stupas and monasteries served as centers of learning and meditation, where the Buddhist teachings were preserved and transmitted.
This infrastructure laid the foundation for the growth of Mahayana Buddhism, particularly as new forms of practice and meditation emerged within the Mahayana tradition.
4. Sponsorship of Buddhist Councils
Ashoka was also a key sponsor of the Third Buddhist Council, which took place around 250 BCE. This council was crucial in the development of the Buddhist scriptures and the standardization of the teachings. Although the council is not exclusively associated with Mahayana Buddhism, it played a role in the preservation and formalization of Buddhist doctrine, which eventually supported the spread of Mahayana teachings.
The council helped resolve disputes and clarify doctrinal issues within the Buddhist community, which further solidified Buddhism’s status in India and beyond. Ashoka’s direct involvement in this process ensured that Buddhism, including Mahayana, was recognized as a legitimate and valuable spiritual path.
Ashoka’s Impact on Mahayana Buddhism Beyond India
While Ashoka’s reign was primarily focused on India, his efforts to spread Buddhism had a lasting impact across Asia. By sending missionaries to regions like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Central Asia, and even as far as Southeast Asia, Ashoka played a pivotal role in introducing Mahayana Buddhism to other parts of the world. His patronage helped lay the groundwork for the eventual spread of Mahayana Buddhism to China, Korea, and Japan, where it would grow and evolve into the dominant form of Buddhism in these countries.
The influence of Ashoka can still be seen today in the widespread practice of Buddhism across Asia. His support for the religion and his promotion of Buddhist principles of non-violence, compassion, and wisdom resonated with people of various cultures, helping to foster a deep connection to the teachings of the Buddha.
Other Notable Patrons of Mahayana Buddhism
While Ashoka is widely regarded as the greatest early patron of Mahayana Buddhism, there were other important figures in history who also played a role in its spread and development. Some of these include:
1. Kanishka the Great
Kanishka was the king of the Kushan Empire, which ruled over a large portion of Central Asia and northern India during the 2nd century CE. He is often credited with being one of the most significant supporters of Mahayana Buddhism after Ashoka. Kanishka convened the Fourth Buddhist Council, which helped further codify the Mahayana teachings. His support also led to the flourishing of Buddhist art and the creation of several iconic Buddhist statues and relics.
2. Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty
In China, Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty (5th–6th century CE) was a major patron of Mahayana Buddhism. He promoted the construction of temples and sponsored the translation of Buddhist texts into Chinese. His reign saw the development of the Chinese Mahayana tradition, which would later influence the development of Chan (Zen) Buddhism.
3. Prince Shotoku of Japan
In Japan, Prince Shotoku (574–622 CE) was a key figure in the introduction of Buddhism, including Mahayana, to the country. He established state-sponsored Buddhist temples, supported the translation of Buddhist texts, and encouraged the integration of Buddhist teachings into Japanese society.
Conclusion
Emperor Ashoka’s role as the great patron of Mahayana Buddhism cannot be overstated. His reign marked a turning point in the history of Buddhism, and his commitment to spreading the teachings of the Buddha had a lasting impact on the religion’s development. His support for Mahayana Buddhism laid the groundwork for its spread across Asia and contributed to the growth of a tradition that continues to thrive today.
Ashoka’s contributions to the preservation and dissemination of Buddhist teachings serve as a reminder of the power of compassion and wisdom in shaping the world. His legacy as a patron of Mahayana Buddhism remains one of the most important in the history of the religion, and his vision for a peaceful, moral society continues to inspire Buddhists around the world.
