After B. R. Ambedkar, the most prominent modern leader of subordinated people in India, converted to Buddhism, millions followed his example. Ambedkar served as the first minister of law of the newly independent India and is widely known for his work as chair of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution. He is also known as an ex-untouchable, a Dalit who founded and led numerous projects to promote social justice and political rights for subordinated communities, including schools, publications, and political parties. This conversation will be an introduction to Ambedkar’s teaching and practice of the Dharma. For Ambedkar, the purpose of the Dharma is to reconstruct the world. We will explore how Ambedkar’s Buddhism centers ethics and training of the mind in a way that engages society, works for justice, and supports democracy. We will discuss both Ambedkar’s approach to classical Buddhist teachings as well as the living tradition of Ambedkarite Buddhism that inspires millions in India and beyond.
Format: This event will be a conversation with an opportunity for participants on Zoom to ask questions.
We are grateful to Aryaloka Buddhist Center for co-sponsoring this event:
