Although Emperor Ashoka was a Buddhist, his attitude towards other religions or sects was liberal and tolerant.
His conception of religion was broad and arrogant, beyond the prevailing sectarian concepts.
Ashoka's religiosity includes secularism, religious tolerance, non-violence, chastity, moral life, love, cooperation, charity, respect for philanthropic elders, etc.
His pious policy was based on the universally accepted rules of virtuous and advanced life.
Ashoka has expressed his religious spirit in the inscriptions.
He said to have mercy only on human beings and animals only.
He considered bio-violence to be forbidden.
He practiced virtue in his life.
He always tells his parents, Brahmins, Gurus and elders to respect him.
He emphasizes hard work and honesty in life.
He states that the fruit of the next birth depends on the karma of this birth.
He considers self-control, self-contemplation etc. as essential qualities of life.
He considers cruelty, envy, pride, etc. to be major sins and recommends eliminating them from life.
He was a proponent of the austerities and holiness prophesied by the Buddha.
Thus Ashoka's religiosity embodies the idea of human religion.
As stated in the inscription number seven, "Dear Ashoka, the deity is respected by the monks of all
denominations with charity and worship.
Those who condemn another religion or sect and praise their own religion or sect are actually harming their own religion.
He appointed Dharma Mahapatra in the state to take care of whether his people were following the path of Dharma.
His inscriptions and tax columns are preserved in many places even today expressing his noble devotion.