Question

Which of the following was NOT a way that Emperor Ashoka tried to change his empire's culture after he converted to Buddhism?

a. By establishing medical facilities designed to help the needy
b. By urging government officials to treat his subjects with respect
c. By becoming a vegetarian and encouraging his people not to harm living things
d. By imposing harsh punishments for anyone who did not uphold the Eightfold Path

Answer 1

Emperor Ashoka did not impose harsh punishments for not upholding the Eightfold Path; this was not in line with the Buddhist principles of compassion that he embraced after converting to Buddhism.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement 'By imposing harsh punishments for anyone who did not uphold the Eightfold Path' was NOT a way that Emperor Ashoka tried to change his empire's culture after he converted to Buddhism. After his conversion following the battle of Kalinga, Emperor Ashoka regretted the violence of his past actions and adopted Buddhist principles of non-violence and compassion. He established medical facilities, urged officials to show respect to his subjects, became a vegetarian, and encouraged non-harm to living things. However, there is no evidence to suggest that Ashoka imposed harsh punishments for failing to uphold the Eightfold Path, which contradicts the Buddhist principles of compassion and benevolence he aimed to promote.