King Asoka and Buddhism - Urban Dharma

Therefore, acting accordingly, you should perform your duties.You should also inspire the people of the bordering lands with confidencein me, so that they might realize that the king is to themeven as their father, that he sympathizes with them even as hesympathizes with his own self, and that they are to the kingeven as his own children.Having instructed you and informed you of my will as wellas my unshakeable resolution and vow, I feel that my appeal to youin this respect will be known to the people of the whole country. Indeedyou are capable of inspiring them with confidence in myself and securingtheir welfare and happiness in this world and in the next.And, by so doing, you will attain heaven and discharge the debtyou owe to me.So this record has been written here on stone for the followingpurpose, viz., that the Mahāmātras should strive to do theirduty at all times in order to inspire the people living on the bordersof my dominions with confidence in me and to induce them to practisethe duties associated with Dharma:Therefore all of you should listen to this record read out onevery Chāturmasi day as well as on the day of the Tishya constellation.You may also listen to it even on any other occasionas it presents itself. And, by so doing, you will be able to accomplishyour duties. (Emphasis mine.)And here is RE XVI:The Mahāmātras of Tosalī, who are the judicial officers of thecity, have to be addressed in the following words of the Belovedof the Gods:As regards whatever good I notice, I desire that I may carryit out by deeds and accomplish it by proper means, and I considerthe following to be the principal means to this end, viz., toimpart instruction to you. For you are placed by me over manythousands of beings with the object that I may gain the affectionof all men.58