Rulers throughout Asia were attracted to Buddhism because of its emphasis on individual morality, and also its rituals for obtaining prosperity of the monarch and the state. Also, the Buddhist clergy of monasteries could provide legitimation for rulers.
Ashoka was considered the model of a good Buddhist ruler. Such a ruler could be likened to a bodhisattva (future Buddha or Buddha-to-be), a dharmaraja (just king), or chakravartin (Dharma-abiding ruler).
Monasteries were also often centers of education.
Additionally, due to their receipt of donations, monasteries served as centers for loans to the surrounding communities. In this way, Buddhism became part of the economic landscape.