| The
impact of Kalinga War can be traced in almost every department of
human life. Buddhism, which emerged as an aftermath of the war took
deep roots and permeated every organization, functioning for the
progress of both men and beasts. The old institutions underwent such
a thorough transformation that they looked new and divine. Asoka
breathed into each of them, a fresh lease of life and enabled the
newborn zeal progress by leaps and bounds.
Nowhere
did the impact manifest itself in its fulness, as it did in the life
of Asoka. His transformation was tremendous, and its effect,
stupendous. He read the tenets first and assimilated their import
and efficacy-to every letter. He ardently wished to spread the
Lord's message throughout the world and desired sincerely to make it
reach every person for implementation. As a first step, he practised
the truth of every doctrine. Precept becomes inoperative, if it is
not backed by practice.
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