B. R. Ambedkar
The Buddha and His Dhamma A Critical Edition The Buddha and His Dhamma was B. R. Ambedkar's last work. Published posthumously, it presented a radical reorientation of Buddhist thought and literature, aptly called navayana. It deals with Ambedkar's conceptualization of Buddhism and the possibilities it offered for liberation and upliftment of the Dalits. It presents his reflections on the life of the Buddha, his teachings, and the spread of Buddhism by interweaving anecdotes with detailed analyses of the religion's basic tenets. The author also includes important elements of the Buddhist canon and tradition to make the teachings more accessible. In the first critical and annotated edition of this work, the editors address the on-going debate on Ambedkar's interpretation of the Buddha's dhamma by focusing on the accuracy of his citations and providing missing sources. They also discuss Ambedkar's modification of source materials. The introduction contextualizes the scholarly work related to the text. 'Even after 55 years of its publication, no attempt was made either to improve the language or to append the references and citations despite the fact that a large number of scholars for political and social reasons have taken a deep interest in Ambedkar studies. The editors have made stylistic changes, corrected the language to improve the flow, and provided more than 860 citations and references which make the text scholastic. It is a must read for all those who are interested in serious study of Buddhism and Ambedkar.'
Ashok Vohra, The Tribune |
Contents
Editors' Preface B.R. Ambedkar's Preface Editors' Introduction B.R. Ambedkar's Introduction and Prologue 1. Siddharth Gautama: How a Bodhisatta became the Buddha From Birth to Parivraja Renunciation for Ever In Search of New Light Enlightenment and the Vision of a New Way The Buddha and his Predecessors The Buddha and his Contemporaries Comparison and Contrast 2. Campaign of Conversion Buddha and his Vishad Yoga The Conversion of the Parivrajakas Conversion of the High and the Holy Call from Home Campaign for Conversion Resumed Conversion of the Low and the Lowly Conversion of Women Conversion of the Fallen and the Criminals 3. What the Buddha Taught His Place in His Dhamma Different Views of the Buddha's Dhamma What is Dhamma What is Not Dhamma What is Saddhamma 4. Religion and Dhamma Religion and Dhamma How Similarities in Terminology Conceal Fundamental Difference The Buddhist Way of Life His Sermons 5. The Sangh The Sangh The Bhikkhu: the Buddha's Conception of Him The Duties of the Bhikkhu The Bhikkhu and the Laity Vinaya for the Laity 6. He and his Contemporaries His Benefactors His Enemies Critics of His Doctrines Friends and Admirers 7. The Wanderer's Last Journey The Meeting of those Near and Dear Leaving Vaishali His End 8. The Man who was Siddhartha Gautama His Personality His Humanity His Likes and Dislikes Epilogue Glossary Bibliography Index |