Table of Contents

Dr. B.R.Ambedkar

Dr. B.R.Ambedkar and Buddhism.

Dr. B.R.Ambedkar adopted Buddhism on 14 October 1956 at Nagpur was one of the most significant social, political, and spiritual acts in modern Indian history. His choice was not sudden; it was the result of a long and deliberate search for a religion that aligned with his ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity, and social justice. Below are the key aspects and reasons that explain why B.R.Ambedkar adopted Buddhism:

1. Rejection of Hinduism and Caste Oppression

B.R.Ambedkar was born into a Mahar (Dalit) family, historically considered “untouchable.”
Despite his brilliance and global education, he faced severe caste discrimination throughout his life.
He concluded that Hinduism is inseparably tied to the caste system through its scriptures (Manusmriti, Dharmashastras).
In 1935, he declared: “I was born a Hindu, but I will not die a Hindu.”
Thus, leaving Hinduism was necessary to free Dalits from spiritual slavery.

2. Quest for a Rational and Humane Religion

B.R.Ambedkar wanted a religion that upheld reason, morality, and social equality, not blind faith or rituals.
He studied many religions (Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and Buddhism) deeply before deciding.
Buddhism appealed to him because it is non-theistic (does not depend on a creator God), emphasizing human effort, ethics, and compassion.

3. Buddhism as an Egalitarian Faith

The Buddha rejected caste hierarchy, declaring that all humans are equal by birth.
Sangha (monastic community) accepted members regardless of caste, creed, or gender.
This egalitarian vision resonated with Ambedkar’s fight against untouchability and caste injustice.

4. Buddhism as an Indigenous Religion

Unlike Christianity or Islam, Buddhism originated in India.
B.R.Ambedkar believed that adopting Buddhism would not be seen as a betrayal of Indian culture but as reclaiming India’s rational spiritual heritage.
It also connected Dalits with the legacy of Ashoka the Great, who spread Buddhism as a path of peace and tolerance.

5. Compatibility with Modern Values

Ambedkar saw Buddhism as compatible with science, democracy, and modern rationality.
He interpreted Buddhism as a philosophy of social reconstruction rather than mere spirituality.
Its emphasis on self-help, compassion, and critical inquiry matched his vision of a modern, just society.

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6. Political and Social Emancipation of Dalits

Conversion was a collective act of resistance against Brahmanical dominance.
By converting, millions of Dalits followed Ambedkar into a new social identity, free from untouchability.
It became a political tool for empowerment, giving Dalits a new cultural and spiritual dignity.

7. Ambedkar’s Navayana Buddhism (Neo-Buddhism)

B.R.Ambedkar reinterpreted Buddhism in his work “The Buddha and His Dhamma.”
He emphasized social ethics over traditional rituals.
He removed metaphysical elements like rebirth and karma in the traditional sense, focusing instead on justice, equality, and compassion as guiding principles.
His version of Buddhism became known as Navayana (New Vehicle).

8. Symbolism of the 1956 Conversion

On 14 October 1956, in Nagpur, B.R.Ambedkar took refuge in the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha) and undertook 22 vows, explicitly rejecting Hindu gods, the caste system, and rituals.
Around 500,000 followers converted with him in one of the largest mass religious conversions in history.
This was not just a religious shift but a social revolution.

✅ In Summary:
B.R.Ambedkar adopted Buddhism because it was a rational, egalitarian, ethical, and Indian-origin faith that provided a framework for dignity, liberty, and equality. It was the most suitable path for Dalits’ emancipation from caste oppression and for building a society rooted in justice and fraternity. His conversion marked the beginning of the Dalit Buddhist Movement, which continues to inspire millions today.

Hinduism vs. Buddhism (Ambedkar’s Perspective)

Aspect	Hinduism	Buddhism
Caste System	Non-theistic; Buddha rejected the creator-god concept, focusing on human effort and morality.	Rejects caste; Buddha taught that all humans are equal by birth. Sangha admitted people from all castes, even women.
Religious Authority	Dependent on Brahmins as priests and mediators; monopoly of rituals.	No priestly monopoly; monks are teachers, not rulers. Lay people can follow Dhamma directly.
Concept of God	Belief in multiple gods, rituals, and sacrifices.	Based on reason, experience, and questioning, Buddha encouraged free inquiry (Ehipassiko — “come and see”).
Philosophy	Focus on meditation, morality, and wisdom; less ritualistic, more practical.	Based on Shruti (Vedas, which are considered divine and unquestionable.
Morality & Ethics	Linked to caste duties (dharma); morality depends on birth-based position.	Universal ethics (non-violence, compassion, truth); morality applies equally to all.
Social Equality	Deeply hierarchical; untouchables outside caste order; discrimination permanent.	Egalitarian; emphasizes liberty, equality, fraternity in practice.
Rituals & Practices	Buddha allowed women to join the Sangha; affirmed women’s potential for enlightenment.	Heavy reliance on rituals, sacrifices, and worship of deities.
Women’s Position	Offers a path of liberation, dignity, and empowerment for marginalized groups.	Buddha allowed women to join Sangha; affirmed women’s potential for enlightenment.
Scriptures & Texts	Sacred texts (Vedas, Manusmriti, Puranas) justify hierarchy.	Secondary, considered impure; limited rights.
Social Impact	Maintains status quo, perpetuates caste oppression.	Based on varna and jati, sanctioned by scriptures like Manusmriti, enforces untouchability and inequality.
Suitability for Modern Society	Associated with rigid tradition, inequality, and superstition.	Based on varna and jati, sanctioned by scriptures like Manusmriti, it enforces untouchability and inequality.

✅ Conclusion from Ambedkar’s View:

Hinduism = Bondage, inequality, oppression.
Buddhism = Freedom, equality, rationality.

That’s why he declared:
“Buddhism is the only religion that satisfies my soul.”

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