22 Vows administered by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on 14th Oct. 1956 at Diksha Bhoomi, Nagpur (India)

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Samaj Weekly-

1. I shall not consider Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh as God nor shall I worship them.

2. I shall not consider Ram and Krishna as God nor shall I worship them.

3. I shall not believe in Gouri-Ganesh and other Gods and goddesses of Hindu Religion nor   shall I worship them.

4. I don’t have faith incarnation of God.

5. I believe that, Buddha is incarnation of Vishnu, is a false and malicious propaganda.

6. I shall not perform shraddha, nor shall I give pind-dan.

7. I shall not practice anything which is against and different from Buddha’s Dhamma.

8. I will not perform any rituals to be performed by Brahmins.

9. I believe that all human beings are equal.

10. I shall make efforts to establish equality.

11. I shall follow the Eightfold path as told by the Buddha.

12. I shall practice ten Paramitas as told by the Buddha.

13. I shall have compassion and living kindness for all living beings and protect them.

14. I shall not steal.

15. I shall not tell lies.

16. I shall not commit any sexual misconduct.

17. I shall not consume liquor/intoxicants.

18. I shall lead a life based on Buddhist Principle of wisdom, Precepts, and compassion.

19. I denounce Hindu religion which is Harmful for my development as a human being and   which has treated human being unequal lowly and I accept Buddha’s Dhamma.

20. I am convinced that Buddha’s Dhamma is Saddhamma.

21. I believe that I am taking new birth.

22. I commit that henceforth I shall act as per Buddha’s principles and teachings.

“I have never claimed to be a universal leader of suffering humanity. The problem of the untouchables is quite enough for my slender strength. I do not say that other causes are not equally noble. But knowing that life is short, one can only serve one cause and I have never aspired to do more than serve the Untouchables.”

“The basis of my politics lies in the proposition that the Untouchables are not a sub-division or sub-section of Hindus, and that they are a separate and distinct element in the national life of India.”

“My social philosophy may be said to be enshrined in three words: liberty, equality and fraternity. My philosophy has roots in religion and not in political science. I have derived them from the teachings of my master, the Buddha.”

“I also take refuge in the words of the Buddha to be your own guide. Take refuge in your own reason. Do not listen to the advice of others. Do not succumb to others. Be truthful and take refuge in the truth. Never surrender to anything. If you keep in mind this message of Lord Buddha at this juncture, I am sure, your decision will not be wrong.”

“With great Difficulty, I have brought this CARAVAN where it is seen today.Let the CARAVAN march ON and further ON despite the hurdles, pitfalls and difficulties that may come in its way. If my people, my lieutenants are not able to take the CARAVAN ahead, they should leave it where it is seen today, but in no circumstances they should allow the CARAVAN to go back.”

– Dr B R Ambedkar