Catalyst of Enlightenment: The Strategic Roles of Ashoka and Gandhara in Shaping and Disseminating Mahayana Buddhism
Abstract
This study examines the roles of King Ashoka and the Gandhara region in the dissemination and institutionalization of Buddhism, with a particular focus on their contributions to Mahayana Buddhism. The research aims to understand how Ashoka's promotion of Dhamma (moral teachings) and Gandhara's cultural synthesis facilitated the spread of Buddhist teachings across Asia. Using a qualitative methodology, the study draws upon historical and archaeological sources, including Ashoka's inscriptions at Shahbaz Garhi and Chanako Dheri, as well as secondary data from academic literature. Data were collected through documentation studies and field observations, followed by qualitative textual analysis to identify recurring themes such as non-violence, compassion, and cultural exchange. The findings reveal that Ashoka’s transformation following the Kalinga War marked a shift towards governance rooted in compassion, as demonstrated through his Dharmayatra (moral teaching tours) and inscriptions promoting interfaith tolerance. Meanwhile, Gandhara's strategic location and cultural diversity positioned it as a hub for art, education, and the preservation of Buddhist texts, facilitating the spread of Mahayana teachings to Central and East Asia. This study highlights the depiction of Bodhisattvas (enlightened beings dedicated to helping others achieve liberation) in Gandharan art as a critical medium for conveying Mahayana values. This research offers new insights by integrating Ashoka’s governance strategies with Gandhara's cultural dynamics, providing a holistic perspective on the mechanisms of Buddhist dissemination. The findings have broad implications for contemporary policies and education, offering lessons in ethical leadership and cross-cultural collaboration to address modern challenges such as religious intolerance and cultural conflict.
Copyright (c) 2024 Zain Ul Wahal

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.