Vows of Dr. Ambedkar
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar prescribhed 22 vows to his followers during the historic religious re-embracing to Buddhism on 14th October 1956 at Deeksha Bhoomi, Nagpur in India. The re-embracing to Buddhism by 10,00,000 people was histroic because it ewas the largest religious conversion, the world has ever witnessed. He prescribed these oaths so that there may be complete severance of bond with hinduism. Yes from this time onwards we are not hindus, and we will never be hindus!. These 22 vows struck a blow at the roots of hindu beliefs and practices. These vows could serve as a bulwark to protect Buddhism from confusion and contradictions. These vows could liberate re-embracers from superstitions, wasteful and meaningless rituals, which have led to pauperization of masses deadening of their brains and enrichment of caste-infested hindus.
The Famous 22 vows areas follows:
I 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
(the so-called god nor shall I worship them.
3. I shall have no faith in ‘gauri’, ganapati and other (the so-called) gods and
goddesses of hindus nor shall I worship them.
4. I do not believe in the incarnation of (the so-called) god.
5. I do not and shall not believe that the Enlightened Buddha was the incarnation
of vishnu. I believe this to be sheer madness and false propaganda.
6. I shall not perform the hindu death rituals, like (shraddha) nor shall I give (‘pind-dan’)
7. I shall not act in a manner violating the principles and teachings of the Sakyamuni Buddha.
8. I shall not allow any ceremonies to be performed by any caste-infested hindus,
including any brahmin.
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’ (“great virtues”) prescribed by the Buddha.
13. I shall have compassion and loving kindness for all living beings and shall 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 practice 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 not 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.
