The Emperor Who Won Hearts

When he saw the tragic destruction wrought by the Kalinga war, Asoka’s heart was transformed. He came in contact with the Buddha’s teaching. Soon after, he went to Bairat and learnt Vipassana from the Teacher Upagutta. He then took a vow that he would certainly not wage war against another country in order to acquire their Kingdom. To protect the country, he erected a strong fort at the western frontier of India and deployed a huge army. This was not with the intention of attacking another country, but to defend his Kingdom. If at all he would conquer another, he would do so only by means of love, by means of Dhamma. So he held the third council and sent pure Dhamma and Vipassana to the neighbouring countries. The neighbouring countries were so deeply influenced by this act, that to this day they regard him as an ideal King. In the true sense he became an Emperor who won hearts. Unfortunately, by the time 100 years had elapsed after Asoka’s reign, the country no longer had monks who knew the Tipitaka by heart. Vipassana teachers too were no longer there in India. They fled to neighbouring countries in order to save their lives. Thus, the third council which took place under the guardianship of Asoka was the last one to be held in India.