DHAMMAVIJAYA OR CONQUEST BY DHAMMA: THE ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM BY ASHOKA THE GREAT

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study the administrative system by Ashoka the Great. His administrative system was dhammavijaya or conquest by dhamma which was the highest victory. Dhammavijaya is a model of new politics idea which is led by dhamma. This new politics approach to way of peacefulness, nonviolence, toleration and tranquility. His administration was dhammavijaya which was considered as part of democracy system and main part of Paternalism. He expressed his attitude of superiority and his power over his people like father and children and applied dhamma to his administration. He supported the construction and renovation of temples, social welfare, arts and cultures, public benefits service, edicts of Ashoka rock inscriptions for dhamma promotion, for declaration of liberty principles and for governmental policy announcement. He assigned the representatives for expansion of Buddhism. He also visited every Buddhist monasteries to study and practice dhamma.

Kalinga or presently known as Orissa had been attacked for long time by Ashoka the Great troops. After his conquest of Kalinga, the greatest victory brought him the great remorse and earned him the name of Chandra Ashoka meaning “Ashoka the Firece”. However, after he had changed his mind to follow the way of peace and metta in the Buddhism, he applied the dhammavijaya instead of the conquest by war. Ashoka the Great is the leader who used the model of new politics idea. He brought the way of loving-kindness, compassion, nonviolence and peacefulness to the world.