Although he was a major historical figure, little definitive information was known as there were few records of his reign until the 19th century when a large number of his edicts, inscribed on rocks and pillars, were found in India, Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

[2] Conversely, the Major Rock Edicts in the name of King Priyadasi do not have a clear Buddhist character, being mainly codes of conduct gathered under the name of "Dharma" (translated as Eusebeia ("Piety") in Greek and "Truth" in Aramaic in the Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription), and never mentioning Buddhism, the Buddha or the Sangha.

The subject of the Major Rock Edicts is the Dharma, which is essentially described as a corpus of moral and social values ("compassion, liberality, thruthfulness, purity, gentleness, goodness, few sins, many virtuous deeds") and neither the Buddha, nor the Samgha, nor Buddhism are ever mentioned.

[14] In Major Rock Edict No.8 though, Ashoka unambiguously describes his pilgrimage to Sambodhi ( Saṃ+bodhi, “Complete Enlightenment”),[15] another name of Bodh Gaya, the location of the Buddha's awakening.

[13] In the Major Rock Edicts Ashoka also expresses his belief in karma and rebirth, affirming that good deeds will be rewarded in this life and the next, in Heaven (𑀲𑁆𑀯𑀕 svaga).

[16] Overall, according to Christopher I. Beckwith, the author of the Major Rock Edicts probably adhered to an "early, pietistic, popular" form of Buddhism.

Formerly in the kitchen of King Beloved of the Gods Priyadarsin many hundred thousands of animals were killed daily for the sake of curry.

Everywhere in my dominions the Yuktas, the Lajuka, (and) the Pradesika shall set out on a complete tour (throughout their charges) every five years for this very purpose, (viz.)

Such as they had not existed before for many hundreds of years, thus there are now promoted, through the instruction in morality on the part of king Beloved of the Gods Priyadarsin, abstention from killing animals, abstention from hurting living beings, courtesy to relatives, courtesy to Brahmanas and Sramanas, (and) obedience to mother and father.

(This rescript) was caused to be written by King Beloved of the Gods Priyadarsin (when he had been) anointed twelve years.

Therefore (among) my sons and grandsons, and (among) my descendants (who shall come) after them until the aeon (of destruction of the world), those who will conform to this (duty) will perform good deeds.

They are occupied with servants and masters, with Brahmanas and Ibhiyas, with the destitute; (and) with the aged, for the welfare and happiness of those who are devoted to morality, (and) in releasing (them) from the fetters (of worldly life).

They are occupied in supporting prisoners (with money), in causing (their) fetters to be taken off, and in setting (them) free, if one has children, or is bewitched, or aged, respectively.

But even one who (practises) great liberality, (but) does not possess self-control, purity of mind, gratitude, and firm devotion, is very mean.

This Edict is remarkable in that it describes the visit of the king to Sambodhi ( Saṃ+bodhi, “Complete Enlightenment”),[15] another name of Bodh Gaya.

It is thought that Ashoka built in Bodh Gaya the Diamond Throne, in order to mark the place where the Buddha reached enlightenment.

[24][25] According to tradition, Ashoka was profoundly grieved when he discovered that the sacred pipal tree was not properly being taken care of and dying out due to the neglect of Queen Tiṣyarakṣitā.

A sculpture at Sanchi, southern gateway of Stupa No1, shows Ashoka in grief being supported by his two Queens.

proper courtesy to slaves and servants, reverence to elders, gentleness to animals, (and) liberality to Sramanas and Brahmanas; these and other such (virtues) are called the practice of morality.

King Beloved of the Gods Priyadarsin does not think that either glory or fame conveys much advantage, except whatever glory or fame he desires (on account of his aim) that in the present time, and in the future, men may (be induced) by him to practise obedience to morality, or that they may conform to the duties of morality.

And whatever effort King Beloved of the Gods Priyadarsin is making, all that (is) only for the sake of (merit) in the other (world), (and) in order that all (men) may run little danger.

proper courtesy to slaves and servants, obedience to mother and father, liberality to friends, acquaintances, and relatives, to Sramanas and Brahmanas, (and) abstention from killing animals.

Concerning this a father, or a son, or a brother, or a master, (or) a friend or an acquaintance, (or) even a (mere) neighbour, ought to say "This is meritorious.

Likewise here in the king's territory, among the Greeks (Yonas) and Kambojas, among the Nabhakas and Nabhapanktis, among the Bhojas and Pitinikyas, among the Andhras and Pulindas, everywhere (people) are conforming to Beloved of the Gods's instruction in morality.

These rescripts on morality have been caused to be written by king Beloved of the Gods Priyadarsin either in an abridged (form), or of middle (size), or at full length, For the whole was not suitable everywhere.

The First Separate Major Rock Edicts mainly addresses local officials (from Tosali in the Dhauli Separate Edicts and from Somāpā in the Jaugada versions) referring to the requirements of a fair judicial system, and the system of control established by Ashoka through the Mahamatras, sent from Pataliputra, Ujjain and Taxila.

But one fails to act (thus) on account of the following dispositions: envy, anger, cruelty, hurry, want of practice, laziness, (and) fatigue.

in order to ascertain) whether (the judicial officers), paying attention to this object, are acting thus, as my instruction (implies).

But from Ujjayini also the ruling prince will send out for the same purpose a person of the same description, and he will not allow (more than) three years to pass (without such a deputation).

The Second Separate Edict asks the local officials to try to convince "unconquered bordering tribes" that the intentions of Ashoka towards them are benevolent.