6_Glorious_Epochs_of_Indian_History

102 SIX GLORIOUS EPOCHS OF INDIAN HISTORY
241. Since Buddhism itself was an Indian religion,
India could boast of a religious victory when Emperor
Kanishlia embraced it. Although this was all well done, it
must be borne in mind that Buddhism that was embraced by
Kanishka was not the unadulterated original one of Lord
Buddha nor that of Asoka. It was the Kanishkan edition
of Buddhism. Eor example, although the Emperor had
surrendered his loyalty to Buddhism, he still worshipped the
Vedic deities like Rudra. Kanishka's Buddhistic faith had
nothing to do whatever with the non-violence (5iff?n) of Asoka
which declared 'Abstain from violence to animals' or 'Not the
victory of the battle-field, but the religious victory is the
only true victory'*®. While on the one hand he was spreading
the Mahayan sect, this avowed Buddhist was, on the other
hand, attacking his enemies with huge armies*^. In order
that he might be called the Emperor of China he passed ten
years of his life in bivouacs with armed soldiers all round
him. In the end tired of his lust for incessant warfare his
army revolted and killed him. Death alone could put a stop
to his insatiate lust for war**.
242. One more thing to be pondered over : How could
Kanishka spread Buddhism in the Chinese territory beyond
the Himalayas ? It was possible because he had first
conquered those provinces with his weapons of war. Spread
of the Buddhistic cult there followed his martial glories on
the battle-fields ! That is why it spread there so rapidly.
He sent hundreds of missionaries there, built various vihars,.
fed and fostered thousands of Bhikkus ! All this was
possible for him because he had under his command a very
powerful empire, i.e., he had a mighty armed strength.
Wasn't it ?
243. In fine it will have to be said that the statements
like, 'Armed victory is superior to religious victory' or vice
versa are untenable.
244. Without armed support, religious victory is tame
and insipid, whereas martial glory without a strong religious,
footing becomes grossly diabolic ! This alone is true.