Jai Bhim!
For the past few years I have been studying the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar, a social reformer and contemporary of Gandhi's, who committed his life to abolishing casteism in India. I was amazed that I had never even heard of this legendary man, nor of the true horrors of the caste system.
Dr. Amedkar helped shape the direction of modern, independent India. In fact, he wrote the first Indian constitution, as Chairman of Indian Constitution's Drafting Committee. Ambedkar believed that there would only be true freedom in his country once the practice of caste was abolished. Part of his own journey, having been born an "untouchable", was eventually denouncing Hinduism because of its inherent caste structure, and the extreme violence and discrimination suffered by his people as a result of caste . He declared, "I was born a Hindu, but will not die a Hindu."
Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in October 1956, along with nearly half a million of his followers, at an event known as The Great Mass Conversion. This event sparked a rebirth of Buddhism in modern India, and millions more from the ex-untouchable or "Dalit" community, have followed his example. This mass conversion is part of an active, engaged, inclusive, social reform movement.
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, "Bhim", is deeply loved and respected by The Buddhist Dalit community, and people greet one another with folded hands and the salutation of "Jai Bhim", or "Long Live Dr. Ambedkar and his work". There are statues throughout India honoring Ambedkar's contributions to modern India.
The information that follows is a synthesis of my research (sources listed below) with conversations I had with people on a Buddhist youth retreat at Bor Dharan in India, December 2007. What I have offered on this page, and the subsequent pages linked below, is a beginner's knowledge of Dr. Ambedkar and of casteism. I have done my best to identify my sources. I welcome input on any inaccuracies or misrepresentations.
Personally, I feel deeply inspired by the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar. I also feel connected to the community of Dalit Buddhists I have met who are continuing the work, by practicing Buddhism and by creating social change. Their example challenges me to truly live my Buddhism.
May all beings be happy, well, and free of suffering.
Jai Bhim.
Untouchability and the Caste System
Dr. Ambedkar ~ Early Years Dr. Ambedkar's Vision of a New Society
Why Buddhism? The Great Mass Conversion
Dalit Women On Retreat in India, 2007
East Coast Presentations 2008 UPCOMING Presentation: Fall 2008
SOURCES:
Lokamitra's "India – A NewBeginning", (FWBO Newsletter 1978)
Nagabodhi "The Birth of a Movement" on Dr. Ambedkar and Bhante in India.
Christopher Queen's article "The Great Conversion:Dr. Ambedkar and the Buddhist Revival in India" (Tricycle Magazine, Spring 1993)
Sangharakshita's book "Ambedkar and Buddhism" (Windhorse, 1986)
Sangharakshita's Tape 183: Great Buddhists of the Twentieth Century