God's beloved royal meow meow

These rescripts on morality have been caused to be written by king Devānaṁpriya Priyadarśin either in an abridged (form), or of middle (size), or at full length. Find more at : https://www2.hf.uio.no/polyglotta/index.php?page=library&bid=14

[piyadasilaja]

These rescripts on morality have been caused to be written by king Devānāṁpriya Priyadarśin (me) either in an abridged (form) or at full length.  

For the whole was not suitable everywhere.  

For (my) dominions are wide, and much has been written, and I shall cause still (more) to be written.  

But (some) of this has been stated again and again because of the charm of certain topics, (and) in order that men should act accordingly.  

But some of this may have been written incompletely, either on account of the locality, or because (my) motive was not liked, or by the fault of the writer. 

[piyadasilaja]

These rescripts on morality have been caused to be written by king Devānaṁpriya Priyadarsin.

For (my) dominions are wide, and much has been written, and· I shall cause still (more) to be written. 

In some instances (some) of this may have been written incompletely, either on account of the locality, or because (my) motive was not liked, or by the fault of the writer. 

By the fault of the writer. 

[piyadasilaja]

Moreover, Devānāṁpriya speaks thus.  

Obedience must be rendered to mother and father, likewise to elders; firmness (of compassion) must be shown towards animals; the truth must be spoken: these same moral virtues must be practised. In the same way the pupil must show reverence to the master, and one must behave in a suitable manner towards relatives. This is an ancient rule, and this conduces to long life. Thus one must act. 

Written by Chapaḍa the writer. 

[piyadasilaja]

At the word of Devānaṃpriya, the Mahāmātras everywhere have to be told (this). 

What gifts (have been made) here by the second queen, (viz.) either mango groves, or gardens, or alms-houses, or whatever else, these (shall) be registered (in the name) of that queen.

This (is) [the request] of the second queen, the mother of Tīvala, the Kaluvākī.

[piyadasilaja]

The Māgadha king Priyadarśin, having saluted the Samgha, hopes they are both well and comfortable. 🙏

It is known to you, Sirs, how great is my reverence and faith in the Buddha, the Dharma, (and) the Samgha. Whatsoever, Sirs, has been spoken by the blessed Buddha, all that is quite well spoken. 😌

But, Sirs, what would indeed appear to me (to be referred to by the words of the scripture): ‘thus the true Dharma will be of long duration’, that I feel bound to declare. 

The following expositions of the Dharma, Sirs, (viz.)

the Vinaya-samukasa;

the Aliya-vasas,

the Anāgata-bhayas,

the Muni-gāthās,

the Moneya-sūta,

the Upatisa-pasina, and

the Lāghulovāda

which was spoken by the blessed Buddha concerning falsehood,–I desire, Sirs, that many groups of monks and (many) nuns may repeatedly listen to these expositions of the Dhamma, and may reflect (on them).

In the same way both laymen and laywomen (should act). For the following (purpose), Sirs, am I causing this to be written, (viz.) order that they may know my intention. 

[piyadasilaja]

I am a Zealous Sākka now (Part II)

(Mingling of men and gods)(no homo) cannot be reached by (persons of) high rank (alone), (but) even a lowly (person) is able to attain even the great heaven if he is zealous.

And for the following purpose has (this) proclamation been issued, (that) both the lowly and the exalted may be zealous, and (that) even (my) borderers may know (it), (and) that this same zeal may be of long duration. (not an innuendo)

For, this matter will (be made by me to) progress, and will (be made to) progress considerably; it will (be made to) progress to at least one and a half.  (because I'm zealous. not an innuendo)

And cause ye this matter to be engraved on rocks where an occasion presents itself!

And (wherever) there are stone pillars here, it must be caused to be engraved on stone pillars! 

And according to the letter of this (proclamation) (you) must dispatch (an officer) everywhere, as far as your district (extends) (< instruction for Mahamatras of Ujeni and Takhasila) 

[piyadasilaja]

forgive me your majesty but I accidentally put two deer in your curry last week instead of one. is that okay? what should I do now

King Devānāṃpriya Priyadarśin speaks thus. 

Progress of morality among men has been promoted (by me) only in two ways, (viz.) by moral restrictions and by conversion.  But among these (two), those moral restrictions are of little consequence; by conversion, however, (morality is promoted) more considerably. Now moral restrictions indeed are these, that I have ordered this, (that) certain animals are inviolable.  

And for (this) purpose I shall send out two Mahāmātra who will be neither harsh nor fierce, (but) of gentle actions, (viz. in order to ascertain) whether (the cook), paying attention to this object (curry), ..... are acting thus, as my instruction (implies).

But from Ujjayinī also the prince (governor) will send out for the same purpose ….. a person of the same description, and he will not allow (more than) one deer to be added (to curry). In the same way (an officer will be deputed) from Takshaśilā also. When ..... these Mahāmātras will set out on tour, then, without neglecting their own duties, they will ascertain this as well, (viz.) whether (the] cooks in Pataliputta) are carrying out this also thus, as the instruction of the king (implies). 

This rescript on morality has been caused to be written by king Devānāṁpriya Priyadarśin.  Here no living being must be killed and sacrificed. But now, when this rescript on morality is written, only three animals are being killed (daily) for the sake of curry, (viz.) two peacocks (and) one deer, (but) even this deer not regularly.  Even these three animals shall not be killed in future. 

[piyadasilaja]

I am a Zealous Sākka now

Devānāṃpriya (me) speaks thus.  

Two and a half years and somewhat more (have passed) since I am openly a Sākka.  

But (I had) not been very zealous.

But a year and somewhat more (has passed) since I have visited the Sagha and have been very zealous.  

Those gods who during that time had been unmingled (with men) in Jambudvīpa, have now been made (by me) mingled (with them).  (no homo)

For this is the fruit of zeal. 

[piyadasilaja]

hello, I heard through the grapevine that the ajivikas were given a cave by you. I also have a religious sect, what do I gotta do to get a cave for me and my followers? I promise you we are very moral (the moralest)

King Devānāṁpriya Priyadarśin desires (that) all sects may reside everywhere.  

(For) all these desire both self-control and purity of mind.  

But men possess various desires (and) various passions. Either they will fulfil the whole, or they will fulfil (only) a portion (of their duties).  But even one who (practises) great liberality, (but) does not possess self-control, purity of mind, gratitude, and firm devotion, is very mean. 

King Devānaṁpriya Priyadarśin is honouring all sects: both ascetics and householders; both with gifts and with honours of various kinds he is honouring them. But Devānaṁpriya does not value either gifts. or honours so (highly) as (this), (viz.) that a promotion of the essentials of all sects should take place.

But a promotion of the essentials (is possible) in many ways.  But its root is this, viz. guarding (one’s) speech (i. e) that neither praising one’s own sect nor blaming other sect should take place on improper occasions, or (that) it should be moderate in every case. But other sects ought to be duly honoured in every case.  

If one is acting thus, he is both promoting his own sect and benefiting other sects.  

If one is acting otherwise than.. thus, he is. both hurting his own sect and wronging other sects as well.

For whosoever praises his own sect or blames other sects;–all (this) out of devotion to his own sect, (i.e.) with the view of glorifying his ow.n sect,–if he is acting thus, he rather injures his own sect very severely.  

Therefore concord alone is meritorious, (i.e.) that they should both hear and obey each other's morals.  

For this is the desire of Devānaṁpriya, (viz.) that all sects should be full of learning, and should be pure in doctrine.  

And those who are attached to their respective (sects) ought to be spoken to (as follows). 

Devānaṁpriya does not value either gifts or honours so (highly) as (this), (viz.) that a promotion of the essentials of all sects should take place.  

And many (officers) are occupied for this purpose, (viz.) the Mahāmātras of morality, the Mahāmātras controlling women, the inspectors of cowpens, and other classes (of officials). And this is the fruit of it, (viz.) that both the promotion of one's own sect takes place, and the glorification of morality. 

[piyadasilaja]

Thank you @rishabhaa and everyone who got me to 10 reblogs!

King Devānāṁpriya Priyadarśin speaks thus.

[piyadasilaja]

hello, I heard through the grapevine that the ajivikas were given a cave by you. I also have a religious sect, what do I gotta do to get a cave for me and my followers? I promise you we are very moral (the moralest)

King Devānāṁpriya Priyadarśin desires (that) all sects may reside everywhere.  

(For) all these desire both self-control and purity of mind.  

But men possess various desires (and) various passions. Either they will fulfil the whole, or they will fulfil (only) a portion (of their duties).  But even one who (practises) great liberality, (but) does not possess self-control, purity of mind, gratitude, and firm devotion, is very mean. 

King Devānaṁpriya Priyadarśin is honouring all sects: both ascetics and householders; both with gifts and with honours of various kinds he is honouring them. But Devānaṁpriya does not value either gifts. or honours so (highly) as (this), (viz.) that a promotion of the essentials of all sects should take place.

But a promotion of the essentials (is possible) in many ways.  But its root is this, viz. guarding (one’s) speech (i. e) that neither praising one’s own sect nor blaming other sect should take place on improper occasions, or (that) it should be moderate in every case. But other sects ought to be duly honoured in every case.  

If one is acting thus, he is both promoting his own sect and benefiting other sects.  

If one is acting otherwise than.. thus, he is. both hurting his own sect and wronging other sects as well.

For whosoever praises his own sect or blames other sects;–all (this) out of devotion to his own sect, (i.e.) with the view of glorifying his ow.n sect,–if he is acting thus, he rather injures his own sect very severely.  

Therefore concord alone is meritorious, (i.e.) that they should both hear and obey each other's morals.  

For this is the desire of Devānaṁpriya, (viz.) that all sects should be full of learning, and should be pure in doctrine.  

And those who are attached to their respective (sects) ought to be spoken to (as follows). 

Devānaṁpriya does not value either gifts or honours so (highly) as (this), (viz.) that a promotion of the essentials of all sects should take place.  

And many (officers) are occupied for this purpose, (viz.) the Mahāmātras of morality, the Mahāmātras controlling women, the inspectors of cowpens, and other classes (of officials). And this is the fruit of it, (viz.) that both the promotion of one's own sect takes place, and the glorification of morality. 

[piyadasilaja]

By king Priyadarśin, (when I had been) anointed twelve years (that was me), this Banyan-cave was given to the Ājīvikas. 

By king Priyadarśin, (when I had been) anointed twelve years (that was me), this cave in the Khalatika mountain was given to the Ājīvikas. 

When king Priyadarśin (me) had been anointed nineteen years, this cave in the very pleasant Kha[latika mountain] was given by me for (shelter during) the rainy season.

[piyadasilaja]

At the word of Devānāṁpriya (me), the Mahāmātras at Tosali, (who are) the judicial officers of the city, have to be told (thus):

Whatever I recognize (to be right), that I strive to carry out by deeds, and to accomplish by (various) means.

And this is considered by me the principal means for this object, viz. (to give) instruction to you.

For you are occupied with many thousands of men, with the object of gaining the affection of men.  (no homo)

All men are my children. As on behalf of (my own) children I desire that they may be provided with complete welfare and happiness in this world and in the other world, the same I desire also on behalf of [all] men. 

And you do not learn how far this (my) object reaches. (not a dick joke)

[piyadasilaja]

The best elephant.

[piyadasilaja]

In times past kings used to set out on pleasure-tours.  

On these (tours) hunting and other such pleasures were (enjoyed).  

But when king Devānāṁpriya Priyadarśin (me) had been anointed ten years, he went to Saṁbodhi.

Their pleasure-tours vs Devānāṁpriya Priyadarśin's Sambodhi. Because Devānāṁpriya Priyadarśin is different.

[piyadasilaja]

Here no living being must be killed and sacrificed.

And no festival meeting must be held.  

For king Devānāṁpriya Priyadarśin sees much evil in festival meetings.

But there are also some festival meetings which are considered meritorious by king Devānāṁpriya Priyadarśin 🤔

[piyadasilaja]

Formerly in the kitchen of king Devānāṁpriya Priyadarśin (me) many hundred thousands of animals were killed daily for the sake of curry. 

But now, when this rescript on morality is written, only three animals are being killed (daily) for the sake of curry, (viz.) two peacocks (and) one deer, (but) even this deer not regularly. 

Even these three animals shall not be killed in future.