Ashoka sent a mission to spread the principle of Dhamma led by his son, Mahendra and daughter, Sanghamitra to _______.

Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor, sent a mission to Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka) to spread the principles of Dhamma. This mission was led by his son, Mahendra (also known as Mahinda), and his daughter, Sanghamitra.

Explanation:

• Mahendra and Sanghamitra: Ashoka's son, Mahendra, was a Buddhist monk, and his daughter, Sanghamitra, was a Buddhist nun. Both were deeply involved in spreading Buddhism beyond the Indian subcontinent.
• Mission to Ceylon: Around 250 BCE, Ashoka sent Mahendra and Sanghamitra to Ceylon to spread the teachings of Buddhism. The king of Ceylon at that time, Devanampiya Tissa, embraced Buddhism under their guidance.
• Significance: The mission was significant in establishing Buddhism in Ceylon, which eventually became one of the major centers of Theravada Buddhism.

Additional Information:

• Mahendra's Role: Mahendra played a crucial role in converting the Ceylonese royalty and a significant portion of the population to Buddhism. He is credited with establishing the Mahavihara, an important monastic center in Anuradhapura, which became the heart of Theravada Buddhism in Ceylon.
• Sanghamitra's Contribution: Sanghamitra is known for bringing a sapling of the Bodhi tree, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, from India to Ceylon. This sapling was planted at the Mahamegha Park in Anuradhapura and is considered sacred.
• Impact on Ceylon: The introduction of Buddhism led to a profound cultural transformation in Ceylon, influencing its art, architecture, and societal values. The island became a key center for Buddhist learning and practice, and the Pali Canon was preserved there.
• Theravada Tradition: The form of Buddhism that Mahendra and Sanghamitra introduced to Ceylon was the Theravada tradition, which remains the dominant form of Buddhism in Sri Lanka today.