Papers presented at the Workshop on "Dr. Ambedkar, Buddhism and Social Change", held at Sarnath during 29-31 March 1991.

The Volume Examines The Ambedkar`S Sociology Of Religion And Highlights The Influences Which Have Shaped His Ideas. Brings Ambedkar`S Views Which Are Significant In Present Times-Shows His Treatment Of Buddhist Scriptures And How He Innovated Buddhism-Also Discusses What Shape The Movement Has Taken And The Direction In Which It Is Headed. Collects Fifteen Papers On The Subject.

This book revisits the philosophy of B.R Ambedkar in the context of the present socio-economic-political realities of India. It examines the philosophical and theoretical interventions of Ambedkar, as well as his egalitarian principles of equality, liberty, fraternity and morality. Noting the current shift in state policy from welfarism to neoliberalism, the book argues that the measures, interventions and recommendations that Ambedkar made are highly appropriate and concrete to face challenges and can be considered as practical solutions to existing problems. It studies various themes that form a part of his oeuvre such as Buddhism, federalism, justice, social exclusion, representation, anti-caste system, women’s equality, among others. It also discusses his impact on literature, visual arts, and literary, democratic and cultural movements throughout history. The volume positions Ambedkar as a theoretician, social reformer, and a real visionary of social justice and democratization. It will be of great interest to scholars and researchers of social exclusion, politics, especially Indian political thought, sociology and South Asian studies.

This is the first scholarly treatment of the emergence of American Buddhist Studies as a significant research field. Until now, few investigators have turned their attention to the interpretive challenge posed by the presence of all the traditional lineages of Asian Buddhism in a consciously multicultural society. Nor have scholars considered the place of their own contributions as writers, teachers, and practising Buddhists in this unfolding saga. In thirteen chapters and a critical introduction to the field, the book treats issues such as Asian American Buddhist identity, the new Buddhism, Buddhism and American culture, and the scholar's place in American Buddhist Studies. The volume offers complete lists of dissertations and theses on American Buddhism and North American dissertations and theses on topics related to Buddhism since 1892.

“What the Communist Manifesto is to the capitalist world, Annihilation of Caste is to India.” —Anand Teltumbde, author of The Persistence of Caste The classic work of Indian Dalit politics, reframed with an extensive introduction by Arundathi Roy B.R. Ambedkar’s Annihilation of Caste is one of the most important, yet neglected, works of political writing from India. Written in 1936, it is an audacious denunciation of Hinduism and its caste system. Ambedkar – a figure like W.E.B. Du Bois – offers a scholarly critique of Hindu scriptures, scriptures that sanction a rigidly hierarchical and iniquitous social system. The world’s best-known Hindu, Mahatma Gandhi, responded publicly to the provocation. The hatchet was never buried. Arundhati Roy introduces this extensively annotated edition of Annihilation of Caste in “The Doctor and the Saint,” examining the persistence of caste in modern India, and how the conflict between Ambedkar and Gandhi continues to resonate. Roy takes us to the beginning of Gandhi’s political career in South Africa, where his views on race, caste and imperialism were shaped. She tracks Ambedkar’s emergence as a major political figure in the national movement, and shows how his scholarship and intelligence illuminated a political struggle beset by sectarianism and obscurantism. Roy breathes new life into Ambedkar’s anti-caste utopia, and says that without a Dalit revolution, India will continue to be hobbled by systemic inequality.

Embark on a transformative journey through the pages of "Dr. Ambedkar's Views on Buddhism: A Path to Social Liberation," where the wisdom of one of the greatest social reformers and thinkers of our time, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, awaits you. Brace yourself for an awe-inspiring exploration of his profound insights into Buddhism and its potential to ignite a revolution of the mind, paving the way for a society rooted in compassion, equality, and liberation. In this mesmerizing book, Dr. Ambedkar's visionary interpretations of Buddhist philosophy will captivate your imagination and challenge your perceptions. With eloquence and depth, he unravels the transformative power of Buddhism, presenting it as a beacon of hope for those seeking liberation from social inequalities that have plagued humanity for centuries. Step into the footsteps of Dr. Ambedkar, the esteemed architect of the Indian Constitution, as he embarks on a personal odyssey to embrace Buddhism as a means to dismantle the oppressive caste system and create a more just society. His profound journey serves as an inspiration to us all, urging us to question societal norms, embrace diversity, and strive for genuine equality. Through the vibrant pages of this book, you will uncover the essence of Dr. Ambedkar's teachings, as he delves into the profound truths encapsulated within the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. With each turn of the page, his insights will awaken your consciousness, urging you to challenge ingrained beliefs and societal structures that perpetuate injustice. This book is not merely an intellectual exploration; it is a heartfelt call to action. Dr. Ambedkar's teachings on Buddhism transcend the boundaries of time and place, resonating with readers from all walks of life. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner of Buddhism, a seeker of truth, or an advocate for social justice, this book will empower you to effect real change in the world. Prepare to be spellbound as you immerse yourself in the intellectual richness of Dr. Ambedkar's vision. His words will kindle a fire within you, igniting a passion for social transformation and empowering you to challenge the status quo. This book is an invitation to awaken your own potential and join a global movement towards a more equitable and compassionate society. With poetic prose and profound insights, "Dr. Ambedkar's Views on Buddhism: A Path to Social Liberation" transcends the boundaries of a traditional book. It is a captivating journey that will leave an indelible imprint on your heart and mind, urging you to reevaluate your own role in creating a more just and inclusive world. Allow yourself to be immersed in the mesmerizing world of Dr. Ambedkar's views on Buddhism. Let his words wash over you, infusing you with the wisdom and courage to challenge the forces of oppression and discrimination. Through this extraordinary exploration, you will discover the transformative power of Buddhism and its ability to guide us towards a path of social liberation. So, take a deep breath, open your heart, and surrender to the enchanting pages of "Dr. Ambedkar's Views on Buddhism: A Path to Social Liberation." Let this mesmerizing journey awaken your spirit and propel you towards a brighter future—a future where compassion, equality, and social liberation reign supreme.

"For years Ambedkar battled alone against the Indian political establishment, including Gandhi, who resisted his attempt to formalize and codify a separate identity for the Dalits. Nonetheless, he became law minister in the first government of independent India and, more important, was elected chairman of the committee which drafted the Indian Constitution. Here he modified Gandhian attempts to influence the Indian polity. He then distanced himself from politics and sought solace in Buddhism, to which he converted in 1956, a few months before his death." "Jaffrelot focuses on Ambedkar's three key roles: as social theorist, as statesman and politician, and as an advocate of conversion to Buddhism as an escape route for India's Dalits. In each case he pioneered new strategies that proved effective in his lifetime and still resonate today."--BOOK JACKET.

A comparison between Karl Marx and Buddha may be regarded as a joke. There need be no surprise in this. Marx and Buddha are divided by 2381 years. Buddha was born in 563 BC and Karl Marx in 1818 AD Karl Marx is supposed to be the architect of a new ideology-polity a new Economic system. The Buddha on the other hand is believed to be no more than the founder of a religion, which has no relation to politics or economics. Please give us your feedback : www.facebook.com/syag21 Your opinion is very important to us. We appreciate your feedback and will use it to evaluate changes and make improvements in our book.