Ahmed,
Thanks for acknowledging that. Most followers of the Abrahamic faith refuse to even accept this simple truth, so it's hard to continue the discussion. This needs to be seen as an academic discussion on comparative religion, and not as a mud-slinging contest when the deficiencies of religions are pointed out.
Buddhism is definitely more pacifist than Hinduism. Krishna in the Bhagvad Gita permits the fighting of a dharmayuddha and thus convinces the Pandavas to fight their own cousins. From what little I know of Buddhism, the Buddha never permitted war. His advice to everyone was to shed desire and become an ascetic. His philosophy placed more emphasis on vegetarianism, than even Hinduism did. Jainism went even further, and hence Jain monks have a piece of cloth tied to their mouth so that they don't involuntarily swallow micro-organisms. When walking, they sweep the temple floor in front of them so that any insects may not unintentionally be crushed by them.
The point to be noted here, is that Ashoka never used Hindu scriptures to justify his invasions of other lands, and neither did any Hindu/Buddhist king that ever lived. They couldn't, because nowhere in the Hindu scriptures does it say that Hinduism needs to be spread or that non-believers need to be converted or killed. In fact, it is quite the opposite, "Ekam sat, vipraha bahudha vadanti", which means "Truth is one, but sages call it by many names". This philosophy is the antithesis of the philosophy behind the Abrahamic religions, and hence, there was no way Ashoka or any other Hindu/Buddhist king could use their religion to justify their invasions.
Hence, it cannot be said that Hinduism led him to do all the battles that he did. Ashoka engaged in those wars not to spread Hinduism as Islamic or Christian kings did later, but as a normal part of his kingship.
Yes, I do think we're going off-topic, maybe you can move this to a new thread? I agree that wars are fought for power, but the beliefs of the individual waging war motivate him to get that power. For example, most Islamic invaders into India thought that they had some kind of divine mandate from Allah to crush the unbelievers. Hence they indulged in repeated invasions, indulged in more barbarism than they did in their invasions of Muslim lands, and went to the extent of razing Hindu and Buddhist temples to the ground and building mosques on top of them as a sort of symbol of their religious superiority.
We saw this as recently as 2001 or so when the Taliban demolished the Bamiyan buddhas. I was extremely pained when that incident took place, even though I'm not a Buddhist. Then just wonder how barbaric these Afghan invaders must have been 500 years ago.
In the Islamic Republic of Iran. It's only in the muslim world that there are such discriminatory laws against women. Again, this has basis in the Sharia and the Hudoods. And remember, this same Iran was once the proud birthplace of an ancient civilization which, 2000 years ago, was more progressive socially than the Islamic Republic of Iran is now.
Seriously, I dont wish to continue this Discussion here, or on other threads, simply because I might have the intelligence and skill to recognise and debate with you in a desired manner, but many wont be able to do so, and it will degenerate.
The Islam of Razing temples and looting is not the Islam which was practiced by the Prophet and His companions, here is an excerpt I had saved long ago on as I found it very different from the current Islam.
"Back to Omar (peace be upon him), would anyone know that Islam state at the time of Omer gained the governance of Jerusalem by invitation from the city? Yes, indeed the city was in chaos due to the conflicts and rivalry among Christian leaders. When they heard about the justice that Islam state bring to its land and the high reputition of Omar as the caliph, they sent an agreement to Omar saying that they will give the keys to the city only if Omar comes in person. At that time, also Islam armies were approaching to Jerusalem. Omar, humble to God and not having any property or benefit to himself, did not even have the money to buy two animals to ride for himself and for his servant so he rode his animal takings turns with his servant. When they reached Jerusalem, it was his servant's turn and Omar was pulling the leash of the animal (it was Islam's understanding of equity and justice for all). When the Patriarch Sophronius and city people awaiting for him saw this, they were shocked and in the beginning , some of them thought the servant was actually Omar.
When Patriarch gave Omar the keys to the city, Omar already had signed a document saying:
"This is the emandment that Omar, the servant of God and the leader of believers gives to the people of Ilya (Jerusalem). The leader of believers (Omar)guarantees that in good or bad health, the lives and the properties of all people in the city will be protected. At the same time, the temples or churches, religions and religious symbols will be kept and respected as holy. No one will destroy any temple or church or alter them for building houses. People's rights will be protected as they were in the past. There will be never a force by Islam or different sections of Christianity to change people's faith or to take people's belongings. Absolutely no one will be harmed or hurt by any means. Allah, His Messenger, Messenger's companions and believers witness this agreement. "
This document was applied fully from the beginning. Not even one people was hurt or disturbed by taking over. Omar, when the Patriarch showed him around the most famous church, Kamame church in the city, wanted to do his prayer and asked for a space. When the Patriarch told him right in the church he can pray, Omar said: If I do that, my people would build a mosque here for the memory of this moment. And he went out and in a close distance he did his prayer, where Muslims later actually built a mosque across the church. Today, this mosque (Mescidul Omar) is still in Jerusalem ( Kudus)."
For those who dont know Omar, Peace be upon him was a Close companion of the Prophet PBUH. Gandhiji was an ardent admirer of him and wanted a Ruler like him.
Now back- You are Right, Muslim rulers took it upon themselves to Rid the world of Infidels, but deep inside they knew they werent fighting for Allah, but for Wealth and Glory. Why did the Ghoris and Ghaznis just loot and go if they were so pious and wanted to establish the Law of God? They my friend just wanted Gold, lots of It and used God as tool. Try to Understand that, and you and me wont be having this debate.
You are right, Islam of today is repressive towards women, and I am ashamed of it. What Can I do? I dont have to do anything, because In my Country India, and My State Kerala, the women are respected and treated well (Mostly- Its not utopia you know!) But sadly, even in our country, there are problems. If we bring it Shariah etc, then I must say that they have been twisted and corrupted by people for their selfish ends and to enforce their power towards selfish means.
Why did the Manusmriti say " Na stree arhata swatantriya"??? Wasnt it draconian? No, It wasnt that draconian, it just went onto say that Women would be under care of father when a child, Under care of Husband as a wife and Finally under care of Children as she grows old. Tell this to todays feminists and they will tear your head off! I dont belive women need protection from men, but Our Society has degenrated or generated to such an extent that, women need security. Can a 20 year old girl go watch a movie alone (second show?) ??? Maybe she can, and she might not be harmed, but parents/guardians at large wont allow her, because they know the danger lurking outside, while a Boy can easily go! Isnt it discrimination of a kind? Well I say we all should reform and then talk of Womens Empowerment. When we let our Sisters and Wives become truly independent, then only can we be morally right.
PS: Lets end this discussion here. and one more thing, the writer, made the Muslims seem like Saints who went and won Hearts and Minds, but I dont think it was exactly like that, but What I want you to read it the part of the agreement and that the city was not plundered and church destroyed. God Speed.