Question

"This world and the other are hard to gain without great love of righteousness, great self-examination, great obedience, great circumspection, great effort.? These lines are mentioned in-

• A. Dhammapada
• B. Kural
• C. Sutrakṛtanga
• D. First Pillar edict of Aśoka

Hint:

The Edicts of Aśoka are a crucial source for understanding Mauryan history and the concept of Dhamma. Pay special attention to the content of the Major Rock Edicts, Minor Rock Edicts, and Pillar Edicts, as quotes from them frequently appear in exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the source of a specific quote related to righteousness and effort. This requires knowledge of important inscriptions and texts from ancient India.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The quote is: "This world and the other are hard to gain without great love of righteousness, great self-examination, great obedience, great circumspection, great effort."
This is a direct translation from a passage in the First Pillar Edict of the Mauryan Emperor Aśoka. In his edicts, Aśoka frequently talks about Dhamma (righteousness), self-control, and the effort required for both worldly and otherworldly happiness. This particular statement summarizes his ethical philosophy, emphasizing that happiness in this life and the next is attainable only through adherence to the principles of Dhamma.
Let's review the other options:
1. Dhammapada: A Buddhist text containing verses on ethics, but this specific phrasing, particularly in the tone of a royal proclamation, is not from it.
2. Kural (Tirukkuṟaḷ): A classic Tamil text on ethics and polity, but this quote is not from it.
3. Sutrakṛtanga: A Jain text; this quote is not part of its teachings.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The quote is a well-known passage from Aśoka's First Pillar Edict, which was erected at various locations in his empire. Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.