Ashokavadana
The Ashokavadana ("Narrative of Ashoka") is a 2nd century CE text related to the legend of the Maurya Emperor Ashoka the Great. The legend was translated into Chinese by Fa Hien in 300 CE.
The Ashokavadana is one of the texts contained in the Divyavadana("Divine Narrative"), a compilation of several such narratives.
The Ashokavadana is an account of the birth and reign of King Ashoka. According to the legend, the birth of Ashoka was predicted by the Buddha, in the story, "The Gift of Dust":
"A hundred years after my death there will be an emperor named Ashoka in Pataliputra. He will rule one of the four continents and adorn Jambudvipa with my relics, building eighty four thousand stupas for the welfare of people. He will have them honored by gods and men. His fame will be widespread. His meritorious gift was just this: Jaya threw a handful of dust into the Tathaagatas bowl." Sayings of the Buddha according to the Ashokavadana.
