International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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Call for Paper Volume 7, Issue 4 (July-August 2025) Submit your research before last 3 days of August to publish your research paper in the issue of July-August.

Buddhism in Ambedkar’s Philosophy: A Critical Analysis

Author(s) Mr. MD SAJID RAZA
Country India
Abstract This paper critically examines Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s reinterpretation of Buddhism and the socio-philosophical motivations behind his conversion. Unlike conventional religious conversions driven by spiritual concerns, Ambedkar’s embrace of Buddhism was a strategic and ethical act of resistance against the caste system deeply embedded in Hinduism. He rejected Hinduism for its sanction of caste-based inequality and sought a religion aligned with justice, rationality, and human dignity. Among various alternatives, Buddhism appealed to him for its egalitarian ethos, rational principles, and compatibility with democratic values. Ambedkar, however, did not accept traditional Buddhism uncritically. He questioned metaphysical elements such as karma, rebirth, and nirvana, offering revised, socially meaningful interpretations. His redefined version, called Navayana or the “New Way,” emphasized morality, social justice, and the empowerment of the marginalized. Dukkha (suffering) was interpreted not as a personal psychological state, but as a consequence of systemic social and economic injustice. Similarly, Dhamma was seen not as religious ritual but as a moral and ethical path rooted in compassion and justice. The paper also explores the mixed reception of Ambedkar’s reinterpretation. While traditional Buddhists criticize Navayana as a deviation from canonical teachings, many modern scholars and activists view it as a timely and necessary reform that aligns Buddhism with contemporary social realities. Ambedkar’s rational and ethical interpretation transforms Buddhism into a dynamic force for social change. Ultimately, this study argues that Navayana is a legitimate and philosophically grounded development in Buddhist thought, offering a powerful framework for combating caste, inequality, and injustice in modern India.
Keywords Ambedkar, Navayana Buddhism, Social Justice, Caste System, Rational Religion, Dhamma, Buddhist Reinterpretation.
Field Sociology > Philosophy / Psychology / Religion
Published In Volume 7, Issue 4, July-August 2025
Published On 2025-07-24
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i04.51801
Short DOI https://doi.org/g9vpj7

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