Discover the fascinating legend of Emperor Ashoka's Nine Unknown Men, their secret books of wisdom, and their timeless legacy in protecting humanity.
The Beginning of a Timeless Legend
The Origins of the Nine Unknown Men
It all began in the aftermath of the Kalinga War, a brutal conflict fought during Emperor Ashoka's reign in the 3rd century BCE. This war, which left hundreds of thousands dead, was a turning point for Ashoka. Witnessing the devastation, he renounced violence and embraced Buddhism, pledging to spread peace and wisdom across his empire. However, the transformation of Ashoka did not end with his spiritual journey. It was during this time that the legend of the Nine Unknown Men was born.
According to folklore, Ashoka feared that certain knowledge could be catastrophic if it fell into the wrong hands. To safeguard such information, he is said to have formed a secret society of nine trusted men. Each of these individuals was entrusted with a book of knowledge covering an area critical to human advancement and societal stability. The secrecy ensured this knowledge would be protected, evolving under the guidance of these chosen stewards.
The Nine Books of Eternal Wisdom
What Did the Nine Books Contain?
The Nine Unknown Men were believed to be guardians of advanced knowledge, each possessing a book that delved into a specialized field. #SecretWisdom #AncientKnowledge #Ashoka
Let’s take a closer look at these mysterious volumes:
1. Propaganda and Psychological Warfare: This book dealt with influencing and manipulating public thought, a precursor to modern-day mass communication techniques.
2. Physiology: Focused on understanding the secrets of the human body, it may have included surgical techniques and biological insights that could advance medicine.
3. Microbiology and Biotechnology: Said to delve into microbial life, this book might have contained the precursors to antibiotics and vaccines.
4. Alchemy and Chemistry: It likely included methods to transmute metals and create powerful chemical reactions, including early ideas about weaponry or materials science.
5. Communication: Covering the means to communicate across vast distances, it hinted at early innovations that predate modern telecommunications.
6. Gravity and Cosmology: An exploration of gravitational forces, celestial mechanics, and the structure of the universe.
7. Light and Optics: This book may have included principles of optics and technology akin to lasers.
8. Sociology: Delving into societal structures and governance, this book likely analyzed the dynamics of human interaction and conflict resolution.
9. Weaponry: This book contained knowledge about advanced weaponry, potentially including technology that humanity wasn’t ready to handle responsibly.
Guardians of Knowledge – Who Could They Be?
Speculations Based on Historical Context
Ashoka’s reign was marked by a flourishing intellectual environment, and many brilliant minds could have been candidates for the Nine Unknown Men. While there is no definitive proof, historians and enthusiasts have speculated on the possible identities of these guardians:
· Chanakya (Kautilya): The brilliant political strategist and author of Arthashastra.
· Charaka: A pioneer in ancient Indian medicine and author of the Charaka Samhita.
· Patanjali: The sage who systematized yoga and authored foundational texts on grammar and meditation.
· Susruta: A master surgeon whose contributions laid the foundation for Indian medicine.
· Aryabhata: An early astronomer and mathematician who contributed to our understanding of the cosmos.
The selection would likely have included scholars, scientists, and sages who exemplified both intellectual brilliance and moral integrity. #HistoricalFigures #MysteryMen #AshokanLegacy
The individuals speculated to be part of the Nine Unknown Men, like Charaka, Chanakya, Patanjali, and others, lived in different periods, and most of them did not overlap with Emperor Ashoka's reign (268–232 BCE). Here's a breakdown of their timelines relative to the Kalinga War (circa 261 BCE):
Chanakya (circa 375–283 BCE)
Role: Architect of the Mauryan Empire and advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka's grandfather.
Timeline: Chanakya likely died before Ashoka's reign. While his ideas influenced the empire's governance, he was not alive after the Kalinga War.
Charaka (circa 1st century CE)
Role: Pioneer of Ayurveda and author of the Charaka Samhita.
Timeline: Charaka lived centuries after Ashoka. His medical texts, however, may have drawn on earlier traditions, possibly including knowledge preserved from Ashoka’s era.
Patanjali (circa 2nd century BCE)
Role: Compiler of the Yoga Sutras and Mahabhashya on Sanskrit grammar.
Timeline: Patanjali might have been alive after the Kalinga War, as his work is typically dated to around the 2nd century BCE.
Aryabhata (476–550 CE)
Role: Mathematician and astronomer.
Timeline: Aryabhata lived long after Ashoka’s time, making it impossible for him to be part of the original Nine Unknown Men.
Nagarjuna (circa 150–250 CE)
Role: Philosopher and alchemist of the Madhyamaka school of Mahayana Buddhism.
Timeline: Nagarjuna lived centuries after Ashoka, though his work on alchemy aligns with the domains of the Nine Books.
Sushruta (circa 7th–6th century BCE)
Role: Father of surgery and author of the Sushruta Samhita.
Timeline: Sushruta lived centuries before Ashoka, making his direct involvement unlikely. However, his teachings may have influenced the medical knowledge of the time.
Panini (circa 6th–4th century BCE)
Role: Father of Sanskrit grammar and author of the Ashtadhyayi.
Timeline: Panini preceded Ashoka, so he could not have been one of the Nine Unknown Men during Ashoka's reign.
Varahamihira (505–587 CE)
Role: Astronomer and astrologer.
Timeline: Varahamihira lived several centuries after Ashoka, making his involvement impossible.
Bharata (circa 200 BCE – 200 CE)
Role: Author of the Natyashastra, a treatise on dramaturgy.
Timeline: Bharata might have lived after Ashoka’s time, aligning him closer to the post-Kalinga era.
Most of the renowned historical figures associated with the knowledge domains of the Nine Books either lived before or after Ashoka's time. If the Nine Unknown Men existed, they were likely contemporaries of Ashoka or chosen from a pool of scholars of his era whose names have not been preserved in history. Alternatively, the legend might symbolize the cumulative intellectual contributions of ancient Indian thinkers, preserved and passed down through generations.
Would you like to focus on contemporaries of Ashoka specifically or explore how the Nine Books might have evolved across centuries?
Speculating who might have been contemporaries of Emperor Ashoka (268–232 BCE) and could align with the legend of the Nine Unknown Men involves identifying historical figures or potential scholars from Ashoka's era who might have excelled in fields corresponding to the Nine Books. While historical records from this period are sparse, we can use the Mauryan Empire’s intellectual, cultural, and scientific advancements as a guide.
Speculative List of Potential Candidates
Katyayana (Linguistics and Communication)
Field: Communication, Sanskrit grammar, and linguistics.
Why?: Katyayana was a grammarian and commentator on Panini’s Ashtadhyayi. He might have been active during or shortly before Ashoka’s time, contributing to the knowledge of language and communication.
Relevance to the Nine Books: Could be associated with the Book on Communication.
Rishi Agnivesha (Medicine and Physiology)
Field: Ayurveda and life sciences.
Why?: A disciple of Sage Atreya, Agnivesha is credited with writing the Agnivesha Tantra, a foundational Ayurvedic text. His knowledge of healing and human physiology would make him a plausible candidate.
Relevance to the Nine Books: Could be linked to the Book on Physiology.
Ashvaghosha (Psychology and Propaganda)
Field: Literature, philosophy, and psychological influence.
Why?: Known for his poetic works and philosophical treatises, Ashvaghosha was an early proponent of Mahayana Buddhism. His understanding of human emotions and the power of storytelling could relate to psychological warfare and influencing mass thought.
Relevance to the Nine Books: Could represent the Book on Psychological Warfare.
Bindusara's Court Astronomers (Astronomy and Gravity)
Field: Astronomy and cosmology.
Why?: Bindusara, Ashoka's father, is said to have patronized astronomers and scientists, whose knowledge may have been passed on or preserved during Ashoka's reign.
Relevance to the Nine Books: These scholars could have contributed to the Book on Gravity or the Book on Cosmology.
Jivaka (Medicine and Surgery)
Field: Surgery and medical science.
Why?: Although Jivaka lived slightly earlier, during Buddha’s time, his influence on the medical practices of the Mauryan era might have carried forward into Ashoka’s reign.
Relevance to the Nine Books: Could contribute to the Book on Physiology and Medicine.
Mauryan Metallurgists (Alchemy and Chemistry)
Field: Metallurgy and alchemical processes.
Why?: The Mauryan Empire was known for its advancements in metallurgy, including the construction of iron pillars and sophisticated weaponry. These metallurgists may have guarded advanced knowledge in alchemy.
Relevance to the Nine Books: Likely contributors to the Book on Alchemy.
Buddhist Monks (Sociology and Ethics)
Field: Sociology, ethics, and governance.
Why? Ashoka heavily relied on Buddhist monks for advice on governance and the propagation of the Dhamma. Figures like Moggaliputta-Tissa, who chaired the Third Buddhist Council, could have been instrumental in shaping societal structures.
Relevance to the Nine Books: Likely connected to the Book on Sociology.
Architects and Engineers of the Mauryan Empire (Light and Mechanics)
Field: Optics, engineering, and architecture.
Why?: The Mauryan period saw advancements in engineering, as evidenced by Ashoka’s stupas and irrigation systems. These experts may have had knowledge related to light and its manipulation, particularly in architecture.
Relevance to the Nine Books: Could align with the Book on Light.
Philosophers of the Mauryan Court (Philosophy and Ethics)
Field: Philosophy and ethical governance.
Why? Ashoka was surrounded by philosophers and advisors who helped him implement his Dhamma policies. These thinkers might have played a role in codifying knowledge into ethical and philosophical frameworks.
Relevance to the Nine Books: This could be related to the Book on Sociology or psychological aspects.
The Rationale for Their Inclusion
· The individuals or groups speculated here represent areas of expertise known to be flourishing during Ashoka's reign.
· The Mauryan Empire was a period of great intellectual activity, especially in fields like medicine, metallurgy, astronomy, and governance.
· Ashoka’s patronage of scholars and his dedication to ethical governance would have required the support of experts in various fields.
· A Symbolic Interpretation
· If the Nine Unknown Men were real, they might have been a symbolic construct—a way to represent the collective efforts of various scholars and experts working under Ashoka to advance and safeguard knowledge.
· The legend of the Nine Unknown Men does not explicitly detail how Emperor Ashoka acquired the profound knowledge said to be contained in the Nine Books. However, some theories and interpretations of the myth provide speculative insights:
· Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems
· Inherited Knowledge: Ashoka, as a ruler of the Mauryan Empire, had access to the vast intellectual traditions of ancient India, including Vedic sciences, medicine (Ayurveda), mathematics, and philosophy.
· Scholarly Collaboration: He may have commissioned scholars and sages to compile the knowledge into the Nine Books after the Kalinga War, as he sought to ensure that such powerful information would not be misused.
· Post-Kalinga Transformation
· After witnessing the devastation of the Kalinga War, Ashoka turned to Buddhism and embraced nonviolence. It's said this transformation inspired him to control knowledge that could cause harm. He might have gathered this information from existing scriptures, universities (like Takshashila or Nalanda), and the practices of his time.
· He is believed to have convened intellectuals, scientists, and mystics of the era to codify this wisdom.
· Interaction with Mystics and Sages
· Ancient legends suggest that Ashoka interacted with enlightened mystics and sages who possessed esoteric knowledge. This spiritual connection may have guided him to identify fields of knowledge that needed preservation and secrecy.
· Mythical or Supernatural Sources
· Some interpretations suggest that the knowledge came from divine or extraterrestrial origins, aligning with speculative theories that ancient civilizations had access to advanced science and technology.
· Strategic Knowledge Preservation
· Ashoka, as a visionary ruler, may have realized the need for a systematic approach to preserving knowledge. The Nine Books could have been a response to the global dissemination of dangerous knowledge, paralleling early forms of intellectual property or secrecy.
· Historical Context
· While these ideas are rooted in legend and speculation, it’s important to note that Ashoka was a historical figure who actively promoted education, cultural exchange, and peace. His establishment of inscriptions, stupas, and educational initiatives demonstrates his commitment to knowledge preservation and ethical governance.
· Would you like to connect this myth with any specific historical or philosophical theme?
The Purpose of Creating the Society
Why Did Ashoka Form This Secret Society?
Ashoka’s transformation from a ruthless conqueror to a promoter of peace gave him a profound awareness of the dual nature of knowledge. On the one hand, it could uplift humanity, but on the other, it could be weaponized for destruction. #WisdomKeepers #KnowledgeIsPower #AshokaTheGreat
The society’s objectives were clear:
1. Preservation: To ensure invaluable knowledge survives across generations without being misused.
2. Control: To regulate access to potentially dangerous information.
3. Advancement: To foster the safe evolution of science, medicine, and governance.
4. Guidance: To serve as moral custodians of knowledge, ensuring its application for the greater good.
Secrecy and Legacy
How Did the Nine Unknown Men Operate?
The society’s strength lay in its secrecy. The Nine were tasked with updating their respective books as knowledge evolved. As each member aged, they would mentor a successor, ensuring an unbroken chain of wisdom. The clandestine nature of their work meant the general public was unaware of their existence, safeguarding them from political intrigue and exploitation.
Society’s influence may have subtly guided the course of history, contributing to breakthroughs in various fields without ever revealing their direct involvement. #SecretSocieties #KnowledgeGuardians #AncientIndia
The Influence of the Nine Unknown Men
Did Their Knowledge Shape Modern Innovations?
While no tangible evidence links modern advancements to the Nine Unknown Men, the fields covered by their books suggest they were centuries ahead of their time. Some speculative connections include:
• Medicine: The development of surgery and early pharmacology.
• Physics: Theoretical foundations of gravity and optics.
• Engineering: Innovations in communication and transportation.
Could their legacy be hidden within India’s scientific and spiritual heritage? It’s an inspiring thought. #Innovation #AncientWisdom #Inspiration
Speculations on Their Present-Day Existence
Are They Still Around?
The idea of the Nine Unknown Men enduring to this day is intriguing. Some believe their wisdom continues to be passed down through secret lineages or modern institutions. The rise of esoteric organizations and global think tanks often invites comparisons to this ancient society.
Whether myth or reality, the Nine Unknown Men symbolize the eternal quest to balance knowledge with responsibility. #ModernMysteries #EnduringLegends #TimelessWisdom
The Eternal Legacy of the Nine Unknown Men
What Was Their Impact?
The legend of the Nine Unknown Men embodies humanity’s aspiration to achieve greatness responsibly. By safeguarding knowledge, they ensured progress without compromising moral integrity. Their story inspires us to harness knowledge as a force for good, urging caution and wisdom in its application.
Let’s celebrate their enduring legacy as guardians of a brighter, more enlightened future. #LegacyOfWisdom #GuardiansOfKnowledge #AncientInspiration