In which inscription or edict does Emperor Ashoka clearly express his personal faith and devotion to the Buddhist creed?

Introduction / Context:
Ashoka edicts are a primary source for understanding his policies and personal beliefs. While many inscriptions talk about dhamma, one specific edict is famous because Ashoka directly declares his own profound faith in the Buddha, the dhamma, and the sangha, and recommends certain Buddhist texts. This question asks you to identify that edict.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The focus is on Ashoka personal commitment to Buddhism, not just general moral teachings.

Concept / Approach:
The Bhabru edict, sometimes called the Bairat rock edict, contains Ashoka statement of deep devotion to the Buddha and explicit recommendations of particular discourses. This sets it apart from other edicts such as the Rummindei inscription, which marks the birthplace of the Buddha, or the Schism edict, which deals with unity of the sangha.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall that the Rummindei inscription mainly records Ashoka visit to Lumbini and the reduction of taxes there.The Schism edict focuses on preventing divisions in the Buddhist monastic community.The Kandahar inscription concerns bilingual or diplomatic messages and is less explicitly devotional.The Bhabru edict specifically mentions Ashoka deep faith in the Buddha, dhamma, and sangha and lists discourses he admires.Therefore, the correct answer is the Bhabru edict.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard works on Ashoka make special mention of the Bhabru edict as evidence that he personally embraced Buddhism and promoted particular suttas, which confirms that this is the edict where his faith is clearest.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Rummindei inscription is important for identifying the historical Buddha birthplace but does not primarily convey Ashoka personal creed.
The Schism edict stresses discipline and unity rather than devotional reflection.
The Kandahar inscription is known more for its use of Greek and Aramaic and its content does not centre on Ashoka personal faith.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may confuse edicts that mention the Buddha with those that express Ashoka personal devotion. It is important to remember that Bhabru or Bairat is the one where he openly names Buddhist discourses and states his own commitment.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Bhabru edict.