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The '''Indian Buddhist Movement''' is a modern ] revivalist movement in ]. As a popular movement, Indian Buddhist Movement began on ], ] when ], born in Hindu ] community converted to Buddhism along with nearly 500,000 of his followers.
{{OR}}
{{Buddhism}}
The '''Indian Buddhist Movement''' (] नवयान ''navayāna'' as dubbed by Ambedkerites)<ref name="Buddhism in India : Challenging Brahmanism and Caste">Omvedt, Gail. Buddhism in India : Challenging Brahmanism and Caste. 3rd ed. London/New Delhi/Thousand Oaks: Sage, 2003. pages: 2, 3-7, 8, 14-15, 19, 240, 266, 271</ref> is a modern ] revivalist movement in ]. As a popular movement, Indian Buddhist Movement began on ], ] when ], born in Hindu ] community converted to Buddhism along with nearly 500,000 of his followers. (Note: Navayana is also the name of an anti-caste publishing house)<ref name="Indian publishing house Navayana against caste">http://www.powerofculture.nl/uk/current/2006/april/navayana.html</ref>


==Origins== ==Origins==
At the beginning of the ], Buddhism was all but dead in India<ref name="Census of India 2001">http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/Religion_WhizMap1/housemap.htm</ref>, the land of its origin. Certain tribal groups in ] continued to follow Buddhism, as did peoples in ] and ] where ]an culture was influential, but these groups were on the margins of Indian society. Historical research and increased contact with the rest of the Buddhist world, however, led to renewed interest in Buddhism. Thinkers such as ], ], and ] began to discuss it in very favourable terms. At the beginning of the ], Buddhism was all but dead in India{{cn}}, the land of its origin. Certain tribal groups in ] continued to follow Buddhism, as did peoples in ] and ] where ]an culture was influential, but these groups were on the margins of Indian society. Historical research and increased contact with the rest of the Buddhist world, however, led to renewed interest in Buddhism. Thinkers such as ], ], and ] began to discuss it in very favourable terms.


During the ]'s, Ambedkar, who declared in ] his intention to leave ] because he believed it perpetuated ] injustices, became interested in Buddhism as an alternative. After publishing a series of books and articles arguing that Buddhism was the only way for the Untouchables to gain equality, Ambedkar publicly converted on ], ] in ]. He took the ] and ] from a Buddhist monk in the traditional manner and then in his turn administered them to the 380,000 of his followers that were present. Ambedkar would die less than two months later, just after finishing his definitive work on Buddhism. During the ]'s, Ambedkar, who declared in ] his intention to leave ] because he believed it perpetuated ] injustices, became interested in Buddhism as an alternative. After publishing a series of books and articles arguing that Buddhism was the only way for the Untouchables to gain equality, Ambedkar publicly converted on ], ] in ]. He took the ] and ] from a Buddhist monk in the traditional manner and then in his turn administered them to the 380,000 of his followers that were present. Ambedkar would die less than two months later, just after finishing his definitive work on Buddhism.
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:''22) I solemnly declare and affirm that I shall hereafter lead my life according to the principles and teachings of the ] and his ].'' :''22) I solemnly declare and affirm that I shall hereafter lead my life according to the principles and teachings of the ] and his ].''


These 22 vows make ] and pro-Buddhism stance very clear. These 22 vows make anti-Hinduism and pro-Buddhism stance very clear.


==Distinctive interpretation== ==Distinctive interpretation==

{{POV-Section}}
{{cquote|Ambedkar's Buddhism seemingly differs from that of those who accepted by faith, who 'go for refuge' and accept the canon. This much is clear from its basis: it does not accept in totality the scriptures of the Theravada, the the Mahayana, or the Vajrayana. The question that is then clearly put forth: is a fourth yana, a Navayana, a kind of modernistic Enlightenment version of the Dhamma really possible within the framework of Buddhism?<ref name="Buddhism in India : Challenging Brahmanism and Caste">Omvedt, Gail. Buddhism in India : Challenging Brahmanism and Caste. 3rd ed. London/New Delhi/Thousand Oaks: Sage, 2003. pages: 8</ref>}}


Ambedkarite Buddhists espouse an eclectic version of Buddhism, primarily based on ], but with additional influences from ] and ]. On many subjects, they give Buddhism a distinctive interpretation. Of particular note is their emphasis on ] as a political and social reformer, rather than merely as a spiritual leader. They point out that the Buddha required his ] followers to ignore caste distinctions, and that he was criticical of the social inequality that existed in his own time. Ambedkar's followers do not believe that a person's unfortunate conditions at birth are the result of previous ]. In this respect, the Ambedkarites have some support from doctrinal sources. The Buddhist scriptures themselves do not teach that birth into a ], and the Ambedkarite interpretation has been defended by reference to the various Suttas in which the Buddha teaches that some are born into high social position "Only for their own destruction, as a hollow tree grows high only to crumble down", etc. Conversely, many orthodox Buddhists are profoundly uncomfortable with some of the liberties Ambedkar took in "Quoting" the Buddha --such as re-fashioning the ] to have a direct social message. Ambedkarite Buddhists espouse an eclectic version of Buddhism, primarily based on ], but with additional influences from ] and ]. On many subjects, they give Buddhism a distinctive interpretation. Of particular note is their emphasis on ] as a political and social reformer, rather than merely as a spiritual leader. They point out that the Buddha required his ] followers to ignore caste distinctions, and that he was criticical of the social inequality that existed in his own time. Ambedkar's followers do not believe that a person's unfortunate conditions at birth are the result of previous ]. In this respect, the Ambedkarites have some support from doctrinal sources. The Buddhist scriptures themselves do not teach that birth into a ], and the Ambedkarite interpretation has been defended by reference to the various Suttas in which the Buddha teaches that some are born into high social position "Only for their own destruction, as a hollow tree grows high only to crumble down", etc. Conversely, many orthodox Buddhists are profoundly uncomfortable with some of the liberties Ambedkar took in "Quoting" the Buddha --such as re-fashioning the ] to have a direct social message.

==Understanding Of Buddhism in Present Indian Context==
In an UNPUBLISHED PREFACE on 6th April 1956 of the Buddhist Text also known as Buddhist Bible of Indian ] Movemenet written by Bodhisattva Dr. B. R. Ambedkar said: "I may mention that this is one of the three books which will form a set for the proper understanding of Buddhism. The other books are: (i) ; and (ii) . They are written out in parts. I hope to publish them soon."


==Buddhism in India after Ambedkar== ==Buddhism in India after Ambedkar==


The Buddhist movement was somewhat hindered by Ambedkar's death so shortly after his conversion. It did not receive the immediate mass support from the Untouchable population that Ambedkar had hoped for. Division and lack of direction among the leaders of the Ambedkarite movement have been an additional impediment{{cn}}. The Buddhist revival remains concentrated in two ]: Ambedkar's native ] and ]. According to the 2001 census, there are currently 7.95 million Buddhists in India i.e.0.8 % of total population of India<ref name="Census of India 2001">http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/Religion_WhizMap1/housemap.htm</ref>, at least 5.83 million of whom are Buddhists in Maharashtra<ref name="Census of India 2001">http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/Religion_WhizMap1/housemap.htm</ref>. This makes Buddhism the fifth-largest ] and 6% of the population of ], but less than 1% of the overall population of India. Neo-Buddhist leaders, however, claim that these numbers are inaccurate because of irregularities in the census{{cn}} and because many private Buddhists refrain from publicly converted for fear of sanctions{{cn}}. These leaders argue that the actual numbers are considerably higher{{cn}}. The Buddhist movement was somewhat hindered by Ambedkar's death so shortly after his conversion. It did not receive the immediate mass support from the Untouchable population that Ambedkar had hoped for. Division and lack of direction among the leaders of the Ambedkarite movement have been an additional impediment]: Ambedkar's native ] and ]. According to the 2001 census, there are currently 7.95 million Buddhists in India i.e.0.8 % of total population of India, at least 5.83 million of whom are Buddhists in Maharashtra. This makes Buddhism the fifth-largest ] and 6% of the population of Maharashtra, but less than 1% of the overall population of India. Neo-Buddhist leaders, however, claim that these numbers are inaccurate because of irregularities in the census and because many private Buddhists refrain from publicly converted for fear of sanctions{{cn}}. These leaders argue that the actual numbers are considerably higher{{cn}}.


One of the more prominent Neo-Buddhist leaders in recent years has been ]{{cn}} (formerly Ram Raj.) Raj, also a political activist, organized a large mass conversion on ], ] where he gave the 22 vows, but the event met with active opposition from the government{{cn}}. The ] and ] governments passed new laws in ] to ban "forced" religious conversions which were later withdrawn due to heavy opposition{{cn}}. One of the more prominent Neo-Buddhist leaders in recent years has been ] (formerly Ram Raj.) Raj, also a political activist, organized a large mass conversion on ], ] where he gave the 22 vows, but the event met with active opposition from the government. The ] and ] governments passed new laws in ] to ban "forced" religious conversions which were later withdrawn due to heavy opposition{{cn}}.


===India's National Commission for Minorities (NCM)=== ===India's National Commission for Minorities (NCM)===
Buddhist are recognized a minority communitu in India.<ref name="India's National Commission for Minorities (NCM)">http://ncm.nic.in</ref>. Lama Chosphel Zotpa, Member is current representative of Buddhists. Japanese born Indian Buddhist monk Bhante Surai Sasai the head of ] was also the member of NCM. Buddhist are recognized a minority communitu in India.]. Lama Chosphel Zotpa, Member is current representative of Buddhists. Japanese born Indian Buddhist monk Bhante Surai Sasai the head of ] was also the member of NCM.


==S. N. Goenka== ==S. N. Goenka==


], an Indian meditation teacher trained in ], also has an active following in modern India.<ref name="Vipassana Meditation Website">http://www.dhamma.org/</ref> ], an Indian meditation teacher trained in ], also has an active following in modern India.


The Grand Pagoda, as envisioned by Shri S.N.Goenka, will preserve the Vipassana technique, also known as the way out of suffering and the relics of Buddha. The Grand Pagoda, as envisioned by Shri S.N.Goenka, will preserve the Vipassana technique, also known as the way out of suffering and the relics of Buddha.


The most significant part of this structure is that it will be more than twice as large as the presently largest dome structure in the world, namely the Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur in India. The stones will be skillfully placed to form a load bearing dome structure without supporting pillars inside the hall.<ref name="Global Pagoda, Mumbai, India">http://www.globalpagoda.org/test/index.aspx</ref> The most significant part of this structure is that it will be more than twice as large as the presently largest dome structure in the world, namely the Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur in India. The stones will be skillfully placed to form a load bearing dome structure without supporting pillars inside the hall.


==Recent developments== ==Recent developments==


In ] ], a popular out-caste political leader from a ] religious background, announced his intention to convert to Buddhism on October 14, ]{{cn}}, the fiftieth anniversary of Ambedkar's conversion. He intends for 20,000,000 of his supporters to convert at the same time{{Dubious}}. Part of the significance of this plan is that Ram's followers include not only Untouchables, but persons from a variety of castes{{cn}}, who could significantly broaden Buddhism's support{{cn}}. However, it remains to be seen whether this move will be able to successfully reinvigorate the Indian Buddhist movement. In ] ], a popular out-caste political leader from a ] religious background, announced his intention to convert to Buddhism on October 14, ], the fiftieth anniversary of Ambedkar's conversion. He intends for 20,000,000 of his supporters to convert at the same time. Part of the significance of this plan is that Ram's followers include not only Untouchables, but persons from a variety of castes, who could significantly broaden Buddhism's support. However, it remains to be seen whether this move will be able to successfully reinvigorate the Indian Buddhist movement.



===Buddhist Movement Crossing Hindu Caste Barriers=== ===Buddhist Movement Crossing Hindu Caste Barriers===
{{POV-section}} {{POV-section}}
Over the period of last 50 years several thousand people from different castes have converted to Buddhism{{cn}}. The conversion ceremony is done with Trisarana, PanchSheela and 22 vows. The minority Buddhist community has created a separate identity from the Hindu religion. People from ] ], ],], and ] are converting to Buddhism{{Dubious}}. Over the period of last 50 years several thousand people from different castes have converted to Buddhism{{cn}}. The conversion ceremony is done with Trisarana, PanchSheela and 22 vows. The minority Buddhist community has created a separate identity from the Hindu religion. People from ] ], ],], and ] Or ] are converting to Buddhism.


==Reference Articles==
⚫ *'''', text of the book by B. R. Ambedkar
⚫ *
⚫ *
⚫ *Omvedt, Gail. Buddhism in India : Challenging Brahmanism and Caste. 3rd ed. London/New Delhi/Thousand Oaks: Sage, 2003.



==Global Organizations==
==External links==
*
⚫ *'''', text of the book by B. R. Ambedkar
*
* *
* *
* *
⚫ *

⚫ *
⚫ *Omvedt, Gail. Buddhism in India : Challenging Brahmanism and Caste. 3rd ed. London/New Delhi/Thousand Oaks: Sage, 2003.
] ]
] ]

Revision as of 00:40, 28 September 2006

The Indian Buddhist Movement is a modern Buddhist revivalist movement in India. As a popular movement, Indian Buddhist Movement began on October 14, 1956 when B. R. Ambedkar, born in Hindu Untouchable community converted to Buddhism along with nearly 500,000 of his followers.

Origins

At the beginning of the 20th century, Buddhism was all but dead in India, the land of its origin. Certain tribal groups in Bengal continued to follow Buddhism, as did peoples in Ladakh and Sikkim where Tibetan culture was influential, but these groups were on the margins of Indian society. Historical research and increased contact with the rest of the Buddhist world, however, led to renewed interest in Buddhism. Thinkers such as Iyothee Thass, Brahmananda Reddy, and Dharmananda Kosambi began to discuss it in very favourable terms.

During the 1930's, Ambedkar, who declared in 1935 his intention to leave Hinduism because he believed it perpetuated caste injustices, became interested in Buddhism as an alternative. After publishing a series of books and articles arguing that Buddhism was the only way for the Untouchables to gain equality, Ambedkar publicly converted on October 14, 1956 in Nagpur. He took the three refuges and five precepts from a Buddhist monk in the traditional manner and then in his turn administered them to the 380,000 of his followers that were present. Ambedkar would die less than two months later, just after finishing his definitive work on Buddhism.

22 Vows of Modern Indian Buddhism

After receiving ordination from Buddhist monk Bhadant U. Chandramani, On 14th October 1956 at Nagpur, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar gave Dhamma Diksha to his followers. An important part of the ceremony was 22 vows to all new converts after Three Jewels and Five Precepts. On 16th October 1956 he repeated another mass religious conversion ceremony at Chanda where he gave only 22 vows to all the people gathered there:

1) I shall have no faith in Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh nor shall I worship them.
2) I shall have no faith in Rama and Krishna who are believed to be incarnation of God nor shall I worship them.
3) I shall have no faith in ‘Gauri’, Ganapati and other gods and goddesses of Hindus nor shall I worship them.
4) I do not believe in the incarnation of God.
5) I do not and shall not believe that Lord Buddha was the incarnation of Vishnu. I believe this to be sheer madness and false propaganda.
6) I shall not perform ‘Shraddha’ nor shall I give ‘pind-dan’.
7) I shall not act in a manner violating the principles and teachings of the Buddha.
8) I shall not allow any ceremonies to be performed by Brahmins.
9) I shall believe in the equality of man.
10) I shall endeavor to establish equality.
11) I shall follow the ‘noble eightfold path’ of the Buddha.
12) I shall follow the ten ‘paramitas’ prescribed by the Buddha.
13) I shall have compassion and loving kindness for all living beings and protect them.
14) I shall not steal.
15) I shall not tell lies.
16) I shall not commit carnal sins.
17) I shall not take intoxicants like liquor, drugs etc.
18) I shall endeavor to follow the noble eightfold path and practice compassion and loving kindness in every day life.
19) I renounce Hinduism, which is harmful for humanity and impedes the advancement and development of humanity because it is based on inequality, and adopt Buddhism as my religion.
20) I firmly believe the Dhamma of the Buddha is the only true religion.
21) I believe that I am having a re-birth.
22) I solemnly declare and affirm that I shall hereafter lead my life according to the principles and teachings of the Buddha and his Dhamma.

These 22 vows make anti-Hinduism and pro-Buddhism stance very clear.

Distinctive interpretation

Ambedkarite Buddhists espouse an eclectic version of Buddhism, primarily based on Theravada, but with additional influences from Mahayana and Vajrayana. On many subjects, they give Buddhism a distinctive interpretation. Of particular note is their emphasis on Shakyamuni Buddha as a political and social reformer, rather than merely as a spiritual leader. They point out that the Buddha required his monastic followers to ignore caste distinctions, and that he was criticical of the social inequality that existed in his own time. Ambedkar's followers do not believe that a person's unfortunate conditions at birth are the result of previous karma. In this respect, the Ambedkarites have some support from doctrinal sources. The Buddhist scriptures themselves do not teach that birth into a high social position is a sign of merit, and the Ambedkarite interpretation has been defended by reference to the various Suttas in which the Buddha teaches that some are born into high social position "Only for their own destruction, as a hollow tree grows high only to crumble down", etc. Conversely, many orthodox Buddhists are profoundly uncomfortable with some of the liberties Ambedkar took in "Quoting" the Buddha --such as re-fashioning the four noble truths to have a direct social message.

Understanding Of Buddhism in Present Indian Context

In an UNPUBLISHED PREFACE on 6th April 1956 of the Buddhist Text also known as Buddhist Bible of Indian Buddhist Movemenet "Buddha and His Dhamma" written by Bodhisattva Dr. B. R. Ambedkar said: "I may mention that this is one of the three books which will form a set for the proper understanding of Buddhism. The other books are: (i) Buddha and Karl Marx; and (ii) Revolution and Counter-Revolution in Ancient India. They are written out in parts. I hope to publish them soon."

Buddhism in India after Ambedkar

The Buddhist movement was somewhat hindered by Ambedkar's death so shortly after his conversion. It did not receive the immediate mass support from the Untouchable population that Ambedkar had hoped for. Division and lack of direction among the leaders of the Ambedkarite movement have been an additional impediment[[cn}}. The Buddhist revival remains concentrated in two states: Ambedkar's native Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. According to the 2001 census, there are currently 7.95 million Buddhists in India i.e.0.8 % of total population of India, at least 5.83 million of whom are Buddhists in Maharashtra. This makes Buddhism the fifth-largest religion in India and 6% of the population of Maharashtra, but less than 1% of the overall population of India. Neo-Buddhist leaders, however, claim that these numbers are inaccurate because of irregularities in the census and because many private Buddhists refrain from publicly converted for fear of sanctions. These leaders argue that the actual numbers are considerably higher.

One of the more prominent Neo-Buddhist leaders in recent years has been Udit Raj (formerly Ram Raj.) Raj, also a political activist, organized a large mass conversion on November 4, 2001 where he gave the 22 vows, but the event met with active opposition from the government. The Tamil Nadu and Gujarat governments passed new laws in 2003 to ban "forced" religious conversions which were later withdrawn due to heavy opposition.

India's National Commission for Minorities (NCM)

Buddhist are recognized a minority communitu in India.]. Lama Chosphel Zotpa, Member is current representative of Buddhists. Japanese born Indian Buddhist monk Bhante Surai Sasai the head of Buddhist Mahabodhi Temple Liberation Movement was also the member of NCM.

S. N. Goenka

S. N. Goenka, an Indian meditation teacher trained in Burma, also has an active following in modern India. Vipassana Meditation Website

The Grand Pagoda, as envisioned by Shri S.N.Goenka, will preserve the Vipassana technique, also known as the way out of suffering and the relics of Buddha.

The most significant part of this structure is that it will be more than twice as large as the presently largest dome structure in the world, namely the Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur in India. The stones will be skillfully placed to form a load bearing dome structure without supporting pillars inside the hall. Global Pagoda, Mumbai, India

Recent developments

In 2002 Kanshi Ram, a popular out-caste political leader from a Sikh religious background, announced his intention to convert to Buddhism on October 14, 2006, the fiftieth anniversary of Ambedkar's conversion. He intends for 20,000,000 of his supporters to convert at the same time. Part of the significance of this plan is that Ram's followers include not only Untouchables, but persons from a variety of castes, who could significantly broaden Buddhism's support. However, it remains to be seen whether this move will be able to successfully reinvigorate the Indian Buddhist movement.

Buddhist Movement Crossing Hindu Caste Barriers

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Over the period of last 50 years several thousand people from different castes have converted to Buddhism. The conversion ceremony is done with Trisarana, PanchSheela and 22 vows. The minority Buddhist community has created a separate identity from the Hindu religion. People from Scheduled Caste Scheduled Tribe, Bhangi,Brahmin, and Other Backward Caste Or Shudra are converting to Buddhism.


External links

References

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