Ashoka's Dhamma is an ideological edifice erected upon three pillars - compassion, toleration and liberality. His emphasis on obedience to father and mother, and to elders; compassion towards animals; reverence of a teacher by his pupils; generosity towards friends and relatives, all portray his idea of compassion. He upholds the dignity of human beings when he expects respect of a person for others. His compassion extended to slaves and animals as well. Devanampiya, as he used to call himself, has repeatedly exhorted the people to show consideration towards the slaves, and the officers to be considerate towards the prisoners. His concern for all living things, including animals, birds and fish, is noteworthy. Ashoka mentions in his inscriptions that he pared down the cooking of meat in his kitchen and discouraged  slaughtering and mutilation of animals in the name of rituals and sacrifice. In an edict, Ashoka, Devanampiya Piyadassi, refers to the planting of medicinal herbs to help both men and animals. Moreover, his idea of compassion incorporated welfare of his subjects. In the Pillar Edict VII, Ashoka refers to his planting of banyan trees along the roads to provide shade to beasts and men. He, further, refers to his digging of wells and building of guest-houses for the travelers, and construction of several watering places, meant to benefit both men and animals. Doubtless, his idea of compassion emanated from strict adherence to non-violence.