Ashoka’s Dream tells the story of Ashoka Maurya, a king of India in the 3rd century B.C. and the only ruler to unify India until the 19th century. Ashoka’s revolutionary approach to government was based on a code of justice whose central principles were compassion, non­aggression and universal tolerance. The opera focuses on Ashoka’s transformation from angry, isolated, young conqueror to enlightened ruler. It imagines events in Ashoka’s life, and in the lives of those close to him, before, during and after his transformation.

A boy, the young Ashoka, angrily throws dirt into the begging bowl of the Sage, who predicts that the boy will rule, but that he must transform his anger. The Four Elements – Earth, Water, Fire and Air – announce the drama of a king.

Years pass. The government ministers – Cankya, Raga, Kroda and Madu – discuss how to replace the old king. Cankya says the next ruler will be Ashoka, whose anger uniquely qualifies him to hold the reins of power. Ashoka cannot believe his loveless, tormented spirit will realize its dream of power, but Cankya poisons Ashoka’s brother, the heir, and crowns Ashoka.

Years pass. Ashoka’s first wife, Queen Lakshmi, reflects on Ashoka’s oppressive cruelty and neglect. His second wife, Triraksha, is approached by the ministers: would she urge Lakshmi to intercede with Ashoka on behalf of peace and good? They imply that Triraksha might some day be Queen. Triraksha does their bidding, and Lakshmi agrees to speak the truth to Ashoka, then leaves the room. Triraksha weighs her compassion for Lakshmi against her own ambition.

The Elements announce that a crack shall open in Ashoka’s world. The King and his charioteer, Girika, return from the hunt – they were terrified when a huge antelope looked directly into Ashoka’s eyes upon being shot. Cankya interprets the event: Ashoka must destroy anything that defies him.

When Lakshmi entreats Ashoka to take love and peace into his heart, he exiles her, keeping their son, his first-born.

Cankya tells the ministers that Ashoka must conquer the only remaining nation outside his realm, the Kalingas. As the Ministers dress for war, Triraksha seduces Ashoka, determined to give him a son of her own.

The Elements watch over a battlefield, where the ministers celebrate Ashoka’s ultimate victory. But Ashoka is devastated by the destruction he has caused. As he calls out to Lakshmi for guidance, Triraksha takes his hand. The transformation of Ashoka’s anger has begun.

Ashoka lies delirious after the battle, dreaming of Lakshmi, who appears wild in aspect and bearing a sword. She calls him to action and, with the Elements, urges him to find the Sage in the forest. Ashoka awakens.

In the forest Ashoka receives instruction from the Sage on enlightened leadership. Now Ashoka can actually see the Elements – a hard-earned vision, and affirmation of his new understanding. Girika has not been able to see or experience what Ashoka has seen, but he has sensed a revelation and parts ways with Ashoka to seek his own truth.

Ashoka returns to the city to begin his work. He dictates edicts to a scribe. The people wonder about the change in their leader. Cankya and the ministers are confused by his bold innovations, and skeptical of them. Ashoka overhears the ministers as they question Triraksha. He speaks to them, words spoken to him by the Sage: “When hearts are filled with confidence, fear dissolves.” They disperse.

Ashoka invites Triraksha to join him in his work. She wants to understand him but is uncertain, and only tentatively takes his hand.

In a ceremony Ashoka offers his kingdom – and all that the Elements have offered him – to his people, and he encourages them to offer it again themselves: “All you have received may be given and given without end.”

As Ashoka works with his scribe, the ministers remark on the great prosperity of the kingdom but question Ashoka’s generosity. Elsewhere, troubled, Triraksha still doubts. When Ashoka asks Cankya to help him in his work, Cankya engages him in a passionate debate: each tries to make the other see the world as he sees it, but neither succeeds. They too part ways, forever; when Ashoka leaves, Cankya drinks poison and dies.

Years pass. Time has given Triraksha no certainty. She weighs her love for Ashoka against her own future and the future of her son.

The remaining ministers again discuss the issue of succession. Ashoka is an old man, and they wonder who will take the thread of power when he dies.

Triraksha blinds the crown prince, Lakshmi’s son, as her own son watches. Ashoka calls her to account and banishes her, keeping Lakshmi’s son as his heir. Now husband and wife must part ways forever; Triraksha leaves.

From his deathbed Ashoka sends his last possession, a bowl of fruit, to the Sage. He dies, free of all encumbrance, with a rapt, harmonious vision. The people/players turn to the audience and offer them the story as Ashoka’s body rises and walks away into the air.