Buddhism free from Hindu practices – 22 Vows

Buddhism free from Hindu practices – 22 Vows
Buddhism was indeed the religion of the majority of the people in India for over a millennium. But after this, Buddhism declined in India. In fact it is the rivalry which was responsible for the downfall of Buddhism in India. Different strategies were adopted to destroy Buddhism in India. One of it was the forced assimilation of Buddhism into Hinduism and also the infiltration by Brahmins into Buddhism. As a result of this numerous illogical religious practices were inserted into Buddhism, merely for the sake of creating confusion. Dr. Ambedkar wanted all this to be sorted out, separated before it is given to the people to follow as Buddhism. To do this Dr. Ambedkar administered the following 22 vows on the conversion day: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 endeavour to establish equality. 11. I shall follow the ‘noble eightfold path’ of the Buddha. 12. I shall follow the ‘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 endeavour to follow the noble eightfold path and practise 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. 22 vows given by Dr. Ambedkar have given a clear-cut direction to his followers to understand what is Buddhism and what is Hinduism. Thus Dr. Ambedkar took great care in providing a religion, which is fulllproof, a time tasted religion, which can easily pass the tests of today’s scientific temperament. Dhamma Chakka Pravartana Dr.Ambedkar’s revival of Buddhism had a parallel to the initiation of Buddhism by Gautam Buddha. Gautama Buddha’s first sermon has been documented the scripture, called “Dhamma Chakka pavattana Sutta”. It is also called as the “Turning of the wheel of Dhamma”. Dr.Ambedkar also turned the wheel of Dhamma in India after a lapse of a long gap. Hence 14th October is also termed as ‘Dhamma Chakkapavattana Day.