Legend has it that Emperor Ashoka , ruler of the Maurya Empire, possessed nine books that had the power to change the fate of humanity. He then delivered these books to nine individuals. Delve into the mystery of the nine faceless men of Ashoka and the world-changing secrets they hold.
Introduction to Emperor Ashoka and His Decisions
Brief overview of Emperor Ashoka
Emperor Ashoka, one of India’s most famous rulers, ruled during the Maurya dynasty from 268 to 232 BC. His legacy is a mixture of fierce conquests and profound moral awakening. Initially known for his ruthlessness in expanding his empire, Ashoka’s views underwent a drastic change after the bloody battle of Kalinga—now located between Calcutta and Madras. The widespread death and suffering witnessed in this battle deeply affected him, leading to his widespread conversion to Buddhism.
The appearance of the nine guardians of knowledge
As a Buddhist, Ashoka adopted non-violence and compassion as guiding principles of governance. However, he was not just a pacifist ruler; he was also a visionary. Aware of the potential for misuse of knowledge and technology for malicious purposes, Ashoka decided to protect certain advanced scientific and strategic information. He believes that if it falls into the wrong hands, this knowledge could spell disaster for humanity.
To ensure the protection of this knowledge, Ashoka entrusted it to nine mysterious individuals, each of whom possessed a book containing secrets that could change human destiny. These guardians, chosen for their wisdom and loyalty, are tasked with protecting these secrets from those who might use them for corrupt purposes. This decision marks an important chapter in the history of protecting ancient knowledge, reflecting Ashoka’s deep commitment to the welfare not only of his empire but of all humanity.
The formation and roles of nine mysterious individuals
The process of forming a group of nine people
The formation of Ashoka’s group of nine mysterious individuals, later known as the “Nine Faceless Men”, was a strategic decision by Emperor Ashoka to preserve and protect important knowledge. Concerned about the potential for misuse of powerful information, Ashoka selected nine trusted advisors, each of whom excelled in different fields of knowledge and wisdom. These individuals are chosen not only for their intelligence but also for their moral integrity and ability to keep secrets safe from malevolent forces.
Very little is known about them; they hardly met anyone and their existence was virtually unknown. They avoid social interaction to avoid their books falling into the hands of people with bad intentions.
However, their contact with the outside world is extremely rare, leading many researchers to speculate that they may not even exist.
The roles of nine mysterious individuals
The roles of these nine guardians are profound and varied, each responsible for a specific book of knowledge. These books cover a wide range of topics, from psychological warfare and microbiology to the secrets of gravity and light. The primary role of the guardian is to develop, enhance and protect the content of these books, ensuring that the knowledge will not be misused or fall into the wrong hands.
Contents of the Nine Secret Books
They strictly guard these “dangerous” pieces of knowledge so that no one can absorb them. Therefore, they are not widely known but are only known through a book written by Talbot Mundy in 1927. He was a member of the British police force in India.
In his book, he said that this secret organization used a synthetic language that only they could understand. Every individual holds a mysterious book that holds secret knowledge.
The first book contains knowledge about propaganda techniques and psychological warfare. “The most dangerous knowledge is the synthesis of researchers, for it can allow anyone to dominate the world,” Mundy writes.
The second book discusses physiology and explains various ways to kill a person simply by touching them. It also discusses dangerous Judo techniques.
The third book focuses on microorganisms.
The fourth book deals with the transformation of metals.
The fifth book explores the meaning of communication, including issues related to Earth and extraterrestrial existence, and even discusses the presence of aliens in the universe.
The sixth book mainly contains secrets about gravity.
The seventh book covers matters of the universe.
The eighth book examines issues related to light.
The ninth and final book discusses sociology, including the principles of social evolution and predictions of their decline.
The meaning of the nine mysterious books
Emperor Ashoka believed that if the nine books fell into the hands of those with great ambitions, they could change the destiny of humanity, such as the ambition to dominate the world or launch countless bloody wars. The worst possible consequence is the destruction of civilization and all life on Earth. Therefore, he sought to hide these books so that human history would take place according to its natural laws.
The nine books held by Ashoka’s chosen guardians are more than mere historical artifacts; they encapsulate advanced knowledge and strategies powerful enough to change the course of human history. Each book covers a different area of expertise, from psychological warfare and biotechnology to gravity research and extraterrestrial science. The comprehensive scope of these books suggests that they contain insights that can advance human civilization or, if abused, devastate it.
The story of Emperor Ashoka and his nine guardians highlights the timeless challenges of protecting a powerful source of knowledge. When Ashoka hid these books to prevent misuse, we were reminded of the need to carefully manage the transformative information of our time. This ancient story encourages us to reflect on who holds the key to knowledge that can change the world and the importance of managing it with wisdom and responsibility.