The Legend of King Aśoka: A Study and Translation of the Aśokāvadāna

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Legend of King Aśoka: A Study and Translation of the Aśokāvadāna
Author and Translator: John S. Strong
Foreword: Alex Wayman
Series: Buddhist Traditions, Volume 6
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass
Place of Publication: Delhi, India
Publication: 2008 reprint
Originally Published: Princeton University Press, 1983
Language: English
Format: Hardcover
Pagination: xiv + 336 pages
ISBN-10: 81-208-0616-6
ISBN-13: 978-81-208-0616-0

Description

This important work combines a sustained scholarly study of Buddhist traditions concerning King Aśoka with the first complete English translation of the Sanskrit Aśokāvadāna. John S. Strong examines how the legendary Aśoka contributes to our understanding of Buddhist kingship, religious patronage, merit-making and the relationship between political authority and the Buddhist community.

Historical studies of Aśoka have often concentrated on his edicts and inscriptions. Strong broadens that perspective by examining the Aśoka remembered in Buddhist narrative tradition. He compares the Sanskrit account with related Pali traditions and explores the king’s relationship with the Buddha, the saṅgha, relics, stūpas, pilgrimage and Buddhist cosmology.

The second part of the volume presents Strong’s English translation of the Aśokāvadāna. An appendix summarizes additional Sanskrit legends about Aśoka that do not appear in the principal text. Supported by a glossary, extensive bibliography and index, the volume is a significant resource for Buddhist studies, South Asian history, religious studies and the study of Buddhist literature.

Condition

This copy has been physically checked and is in excellent condition. It has been preserved on our shelves in a protective plastic cover. Please review the photographs for the condition of the actual copy being offered.

Contents

Foreword by Alex Wayman
Preface

Part One: Aśoka and His Legend

The Legend and Its Background

Dirt and Dharma: Kingship in the Aśokāvadāna

King and Layman: Aśoka’s Relationship to the Buddhist Community

Aśoka and the Buddha

Aśoka: Master of Good Means and Merit Maker

Conspectus

Part Two: The Legend of Aśoka

An English Translation of the Aśokāvadāna

Appendix: Sanskrit Legends About Aśoka Not Appearing in the Aśokāvadāna
Glossary
Bibliography of Works Cited
Index