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The
charm of the office and the power of the crown could not comfort
him. They rather oppressed him and robbed him of his mental peace.
Moreover, the fear of death never left him. As a matter of fact, it
was made to appear in its dreadful shape before him every moment. It
pounded him to powder. When he turned his mind for a way out,
Buddhism stood before him with gleaming eyes and stretching hands
for protection.
Vitasoka
in utter helplessness knelt down and uttered the sacred name of
Buddha for the first time. The call met with an instant answer.
Sthavira yaas, a leading exponent of the Buddhist doctrines took on
himself the sacred duty of converting him at his own instance. Thus
Vitasoka was initiated into the Buddhist Dharma. Asoka's stratagem
yielded the expected result. He felt lifted to heaven. Anticipating
a happy turn of results, he arranged for the successful completion
of Vitasoka's apprenticeship.
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