In the history of Buddhism, Asoka, the king of Ancient India, and Liang Emperor Wu, the king of ancient China, are both famous for Dharma. After Asoka united Ancient India, Mauryan Empire was in a period of great prosperity. He was called“Runner Saint King”, because that he founded Dharma by which he intended to govern a country, and he put much effort to exalt Buddhism. Liang Emperor Wu reigns 48 years, the majority of time country is peaceful, politics is stable. However, it decayed since Liang Emperor Wu turned his focus from politics to Buddhist doctrine in his old age. Liang Emperor Wu once had a design to create “Emperor the Bodhisattva” , to build a country by Buddhist doctrine which means combine policies with religions, is called“Buddhism Country”. Four factors are going to be discussed in this essay. First, how do Asoka and Liang Emperor Wu become the rulers of their countries respectively? Second, what do they have in mind through their lifetime? Third, what are the differences between“Dharma Country”and“Buddhism Country”? Forth, what are the benefits that Buddhist doctrine has brought to two countries? Furthermore, the essay also aims at analyzing what makes a country declining and the advantages and disadvantages of the combination of policies and religions. Researchers greatly benefit from this essay as it closely looks at the administration of policies and religions carried out by Asoka and Liang Emperor Wu. Also, we can further understand the similarities and dissimilarities between two great kings. Finally, this essay is not only a discussion of policies and religions, but also a lesson of integration of life and beliefs. These are the profits that this paper would like to bring us a deeper look at Buddhist history.
