Ambedkar and Buddhism

by Sangharakshita, Sangharakshita

On the morning of 14 October 1956, at a mass rally in the Indian town of Nagpur, four hundred men and women turned their backs on a millennium of degradation and slavery. Finally renouncing Hinduism, with its cruel system of graded inequality, they turned instead to Buddhism, in search of dignity, hope and a psth to self-improvemsent.

Over the coming months, Hindu India shook as hundreds of thousands more followed their example, and as the Buddha Dhamma came back to life in the land of its birth. The man solely responsible for this historic revival was Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar; politician, and educationalist; India`s first law Minister, chief architect of her constitution—and lifelong champion of her downtrodden millions.

Genres: Religion, Buddhism, Nonfiction, History, Politics

192 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1996

About the author

Sangharakshita was born Dennis Lingwood in South London, in 1925. Largely self-educated, he developed an interest in the cultures and philosophies of the East early on, and realized that he was a Buddhist at the age of sixteen.

The Second World War took him, as a conscript, to India, where he stayed on to become the Buddhist monk Sangharakshita. After studying for some years under leading teachers from the major Buddhist traditions, he went on to teach and write extensively. He also played a key part in the revival of Buddhism in India, particularly through his work among followers of Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

After twenty years in the East, he returned to England to establish the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order in 1967, and the Western Buddhist Order in 1968 (now known as the Triratna Buddhist Community and the Triratna Buddhist Order respectively).

Sangharakshita has always particularly emphasized the decisive significance of commitment in the spiritual life, the paramount value of spiritual friendship and community, the link between religion and art, and the need for a ‘new society’ supportive of spiritual aspirations and ideas.

In recent years Sangharakshita has been handing on most of his responsibilities to his senior disciples in the Order. Based at the Adhisthana retreat centre in Herefordshire UK, he is now focusing on personal contact with people. For more, go to www.sangharakshita.org.

A collection of 27 volumes will represent the definitive edition of his life’s work as a Buddhist writer and teacher. Find out more about The Complete Works of Sangharakshita

A series of talks by Sangharakshita: ‘Launch of The Essential Sangharakshita and Living Ethically’.

Reviews

[Shrey Goyal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had always thought of Buddhism as a footnote in Ambedkar's life, but this book completely changed my perception on it. A good read for anyone interested in the issue of caste and the socio-politics of Hinduism in general in India.

[Kevin McAvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rare biography of B.R. Ambedkar the self proclaimed leader of the Dalits/Untouchables in India.
Only a third of the book deals with his education and political life.
Then you have another third reviewing his books and speeches and finally his self-published speech "The Annihilation of Caste." is given and Gandhi's response .
Ambedkar makes his points and kicks Gandhi's ass into next week.
Well worth the 14+ hours it takes to listen.

[Dh Sraddhabandhu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished this book in 10 hours. A real page turner.

[Vaibhav Tripathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who values the principles of liberty, fraternity, equality, and rationality, "Ambedkar and Buddhism" by Sangharakshita resonated deeply with me. This book offers a succinct and engaging account of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's transformative journey into Buddhism and his establishment of Navayana Buddhism. It's a narrative that not only educates but also inspires, especially for those of us who hold a scientific temper and seek rationality in our spiritual pursuits.

The concept that religions not in sync with the modern world will gradually fade, making room for more progressive ideologies, is particularly hopeful. In times where religious fanaticism seems to be on the rise, this theory provides a beacon of hope, suggesting that what we witness might be the last throes of outdated dogmas, possibly amplified by social media.

The Dalit community, who lacked other leadership and were not in a position to adopt a new religion that demands significant commitment, So the movement faded. It's disheartening to read in the final chapter about the slow traction of Ambedkar's movement, but I believe this is indicative of his visionary status. Ambedkar was perhaps too far ahead of his time, not fully appreciated by his contemporaries.

However, I remain optimistic that as the Dalit community gains a better standing and access to knowledge, they will come to understand and embrace Ambedkar's vision. As a member of the dominant Brahmin caste, I found myself enamored with Ambedkar's vision, which aligns with my own values. It's comforting to discover a kindred spirit in Ambedkar, a man from a century ago who shares similar thoughts. It encourages me to continue on this path to enlighten and reform myself.

The book, while not exhaustive, is an excellent primer on Ambedkar's Navayana Buddhism and is conveniently available as an audiobook, making it accessible for a wider audience. It's a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand a unique perspective on Buddhism shaped by one of the most influential figures in modern India.

Thanks ❤️

[Killthehumans Savetheforest · Rating 4 out of 5]

They say all the feminist rules, but cannot imagine applying these tenants to the rights of women..

[Gemma Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read - I've been meaning to find out more about Ambedkar and the mass conversion movement and this is a good account. Ambedkar comes across as a bit of a forceful and spiky figure but undoubtedly a gifted man and a force for good. Bhante was himself involved in some of the events described, so he is well placed to discuss them. Helpful for filling in the gaps in my knowledge, this complemented Vimlasara's Broken Voices well.

[Trevor Schaefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that deserves to be better known. Ambedkar was born an untouchable/outcaste/Dalit in India in 1891. By sheer will and education, he achieved the distinction of being the writer of India's constitution at independence. However, he never felt fully accepted by the Hindu majority there, and towards his death, he led a movement of mass conversion to Buddhism, an Indian religion that does not recognise caste distinctions.