Thus speaks the Beloved of the Gods, the king Piyadasi: My officers of Dhamma are busy in many matters of public benefit, they are busy among members of all sects, both ascetics and householders. I have appointed some to concern themselves with the Buddhist Order, with brahmans and Ājīvika..., with the Jains..., and with various sects. There are many categories of officers with a variety of duties, but my officers of Dhamma are busy with the affairs of these and other sects. After reading the above edict of Aśhoka, do you think he was tolerant towards other religious beliefs and schools of thought? Share your opinion in the classroom.
Yes, Aśhoka was clearly tolerant towards other religious beliefs and schools of thought.
The edict shows that his officers of Dhamma were instructed to work with members of all sects—Buddhists, brahmans, Ājīvikas, Jains, and various other sects. He did not favour only Buddhism despite being a Buddhist himself.
Instead, he appointed officers to concern themselves with the welfare of all religious communities. The edict demonstrates that Aśhoka's administration recognised and supported multiple religious traditions simultaneously.
His approach was inclusive rather than exclusive—he encouraged all sects to accept each other's best teachings and study them.
This policy of religious tolerance and respect for diversity was unusual for ancient rulers and represents an early form of secular governance where the state supports all faiths without discrimination.
Explanation
The chapter mentions that Aśhoka 'encouraged all sects (the different schools of thought present in his time) to accept each other's best teachings and study them.' The edict quoted in the question shows his officers working with Buddhists, brahmans, Ājīvikas, Jains, and various sects, demonstrating his inclusive approach to governance.
Solution Steps
Aśhoka demonstrated religious tolerance by instructing his officers of Dhamma to work with all sects
His officers were directed to engage with Buddhists, brahmans, Ājīvikas, Jains, and various other sects equally
Despite being a Buddhist himself, Aśhoka did not favour only Buddhism
He encouraged all sects to accept each other's best teachings and study them
This approach represents an early form of secular governance supporting all faiths without discrimination