Ashoka the Great — "The Beloved of the Gods, King Piyadasi, honors all sects and both ascetics and l…"

"The beloved of the gods does not consider glory and fame to be of great account unless they are achieved through having my subjects respect Dhamma and practice Dhamma."

"The beloved of the gods, king Piyadasi, speaks thus: I have had this Dhamma edict written that it may last long and that my descendants may act in conformity with it."

"And for the following purpose am I having this inscription written: in order that my sons and grandsons may not consider making new conquests; or, if they do conquer, that they may take pleasure in me…"

"And whatever efforts I am making are made in order that I may discharge the debt which I owe to all living beings, that I may make them happy in this world, and that they may attain heaven in the next…"

"And this Dhamma consists of mercy, charity, truthfulness, purity, gentleness, and goodness."