Primary Source: Ashoka

In what ways and for what reasons might this story from the Ashokavadana have appealed to various groups of early Buddhists?

The story from the Ashokavadana appealed to various groups of early Buddhists because it taught that Buddhism did not discriminate based on caste. The king, Ashoka, would bow to any Buddhist monk even though they come from all four castes. Ashoka explains that caste should not determine the character of a person but rather preaches for equality and the qualities of the person should determine the character of a person. More specifically, this type of story would appeal to members of the lower castes (shudras and vaishyas) because to them, they would feel inferior since they cannot become monks and also think it is unfair how they are below the brahmins and kshatriyas. Another way how this story would have appealed to early Buddhists is because a story is easier to understand and can be taught to children as well because it is short and has a moral. In addition, because the story involves Ashoka, the king, and Yasas, the minister, people would feel safe in following a state-sanctioned religion.