Pre-Ashoka Buddhism and Sangha Status

Abstract

Around the reign of Bindusara, both the Mahasanghika and the original Theravada were divided into certain sub-sects. It is known from the great dynasty that Ashoka's father served the Brahmins, which Ashoka also followed for three years. 1 Ashoka's reverence for Ajivik religion is also known, which is confirmed by archival sources. 2 As Ashoka was a prolific ruler, it is not surprising. As a result of the Kalinga conquest, Ashoka accepted Buddhism or there was some other reason, this fact may be quite controversial. But it is so sure that both these incidents took place in the eighth year of the coronation of Ashoka. 3 If the plot of the great dynasty is to be accepted as true, then before these eight years, the condition of Siddharma seems attractive. According to the Mahavamsa, influenced by a Buddhist monk, along with many friends etc., Prince Tissa was initiated into the Sangha in the fourth year of Asoka's coronation, and similarly Sanghmitra's husband and the king's nephew also entered the union. That even before Ashoka embraced Buddhism, Siddharma was in a very dynamic and influential state.