The Buddha and his dhamma

by B.R. Ambedkar

B.R. Ambedkar's magnum opus, The Buddha and his Dhamma, was barely completed before his death and was published posthumously in 1957. The book is known for Ambedkar's review and analysis of the vast Buddhist canon and literature. This is the first critical edition of The Buddha and his Dhamma. Along with a new Introduction, it includes footnotes indicating sources and annotations explaining various topics of discussion. The annotations provide useful information on canons like Suttas and Dhammapada indicating their authoritativeness in the Buddhist tradition and discuss the modifications effected in Ambedkar's use of the source material. An analytical index helps locate various passages and themes in the original text.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion, Philosophy, History, Nonfiction, India, Spirituality

430 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1957

About the author

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born in 1891 into an “Untouchable” family of modest means. One of India’s most radical thinkers, he transformed the social and political landscape in the struggle against British colonialism. He was a prolific writer who oversaw the drafting of the Indian Constitution and served as India’s first Law Minister. In 1935, he publicly declared that though he was born a Hindu, he would not die as one. Ambedkar eventually embraced Buddhism, a few months before his death in 1956.

Reviews

[Saint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buddha and his Dhamma by Dr.Ambedkar is a must read for a Buddhist or a non Buddhist or for that matter just for anyone who wants to look at a realistic, scholarly and challenging book on a Buddhism. A columbia doctorate and erudite Bhimrao Ambedkar revived Buddhism in India during mid to late mid 1950s, one of the greatest Buddhist revival since Iyothee Thaas of Tamil Nadu and King Ashoka's period. But, before he realized the greatness and uplifting teachings of Buddha and Buddhism, he has studied all the religions for about 30-40 years, only then he concluded that if there is one religion that comes any close to Science or very close to science, that is Buddhism. So, he decided to personally take oath as Buddhist as well gathered one of the largest crowed in the memory of Indian history and converted sc/sts of India into Buddhism, as a reality check, it will occur to the reader that those sc/sts (dalits) of India were the original Buddhists of India, so as matter of fact, it is not conversion but a home coming. Anywys, that fact is of essence to describe the writings in this book. Dr.Ambedkar studied extensively about Buddhism, this is just the abridged version of his all knowledge gathered in his life time, and he does not claim what is said in this book is of any originality but borrowed from all other Buddhist writers, that is suffice to say how humble one can put it in writing, as a matter of fact, Dr.Ambedkars Book on Buddha is completely advanced, honest and original in perspective that no other Buddhist authors will provide. The way to know that is to take any Buddhist book and read about the topic of soul, rebirth, gods, and reincarnation, these are all lies and fake propoganda and fradulanet concepts of hinduism that has been slowely and steadily pushed into Buddhists. Most writers will talk about those things, even though, Buddha has never once uttered a word god, reincarnation or soul, because Buddha did not believe in those. Besides, Buddha's teachings are purely about Mind, mind brain interaction and to reach out to once mind to resolve lifes difficult issues without undergoing pain and suffering, in other words, to eliminate suffering by ones onc effort, that is the core of Buddhas teachings, about which Dr.Ambedkar eloquently writes, and no myths in Dr.Ambedkars writings. Also an important distinction of Dr.Ambedkars scholarly approach and interpretation that Buddha was approached by angles and bla bla stories, what is important to know is that when Buddha was living in a palacial life with all the luxury a human can ever ask for or have everything that will keep a person in a dream world, Buddha did not go out of the palace or see the real world, he never had the opportunities to see how people get their bread and butter for the livelihood, that is why when Buddha left his home to tour the nearby areas where people of all walks of life living, he witnessed Old people, and sick who could not afford to treat the disease as well as watched dead body and funeral commotions, this is the first time he ever see people crying, moaning and whining, starving, crippled and handicaped, all these was new and strange to Buddha. The very touch of suffering for the first time came to Buddha's attention at this very first time when he left his house. Most authors decorate this into some mythical and fancy stories, but Dr.Ammbedkar writes in honest and simple terms that he went out of his luxurious life style that is when he started seeing the real world, that is full of sad and terrible things. There is fight for land, for food and for wealth, there is fight due greed and so on, these events made Buddha to seek for ways and means to get out of this suffering life. These are few of the many differences one can find in Dr.Ambedkar's writings.................it is a great book and you will be glad you bought a copy for your shelf. A book worthy every moment and every penny to be in our collection written by one of the finest writers of our time.

Thanks
Saint

[Braga · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. If someone wants to understand the essence of what Buddha taught, this book is a big No, because it captures only about the events of Buddha's life in its entirety and most of these cannot be fully taken to be true mainly because it came through hearsay. However, what Buddha taught - Vipassana was indeed lost from India, went to Burma and stayed there for more than 2 centuries before returning back to India and to the whole world through SN Goenka. If one wants to really get to the essence of his teachings, I would recommend spending time in a Vipassana center rather than reading this text.

Although Ambedkar did an amazing job to compose the timeline of Buddha from his birth until death, his personality, his contemporaries, his pains, his values, his incomparable source of wisdom, it still cannot do justice because Buddha was a man who gave equal importance to theory as well as practice. This book does not talk about the theories too in depth. However, this was written before Goenka Era, so it is understandable. Ambedkar also has taken a personal stand against Brahmins (disclaimer: I am not one) and mixes his subjective opinions which becomes a bit repetitive and annoying at places.

Since I've been practicing Vipassana for the past 2 years, I am concerned whoever picking this book would come to a conclusion thinking that the text in this book was Buddha's teaching was all about thus missing the wonderful Dhamma Buddha left to the world. As I mentioned earlier, I highly recommend taking a full course on Dhamma on any of the centers around the world and this book can be safely ignored.

[Pradnya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books change lives, give us direction, makes us think and comes to us in day-to-day lives. It's the only book which fits there, for me.

[Kavitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my first deep dive into Buddhism. I really enjoyed it and feel like I took away a lot from this book that I can easily apply in my daily life. I am fascinated by how logical, reasonable and simple Buddha’s teachings are. He was progressive and radical in his teachings. His teachings were all about mastering one’s mind to stay on a righteous path. Finally a religion that does not seek to control but to positively motivate its followers to stay on the right path! Here are a few concepts that really resonated with me:

*The eightfold path. This path is simple and easy to teach to everyone, including kids. Unlike Hinduism where one has to read complex scriptures and interpret their meaning (btw, women and lower caste Hindus were not allowed to read the scriptures) the Buddha just laid out a simple eightfold path as a cornerstone of Buddhism.
*There is no soul, hence there is no rebirth of soul, hence there is no karma attached with the rebirths. Totally takes care of the fundamental flaw in Hinduism - caste hierarchy and the belief that one’s birth in the caste hierarchy is dependent on their karma from previous lives. Every body is born equal per Buddhism.
*Karma is limited only to one’s lifetime. It is not carried over to future lives. This is a more tangible and acceptable view of Karma to me.
*Buddha believed in his own scientific version of rebirth. He believed that a human body disintegrates into nature after death but the energy within it mixes with other energies floating around in the universe to be reborn as another human being. I find this explanation very logical and easy to accept.
*Buddha’s encouragement for freedom of thought and his discouragement towards blindly following any teachings, even his own.
*Buddha did not believe in God or the Creator. He argued that if there is one creator of this universe then he should have created the universe from some thing because nothing can be created out of nothing. But if he created this universe out of something then he cannot be the creator. So he tossed out this idea of God from his teachings.
*Buddha did not believe in rituals because he thought rituals are breeding grounds for superstition. Fully agree with him on this!
*Buddha designed the Sangha as a self governing body (without any one person being in authority) whose sole purpose is to motivate its members to stay on the right path and also to hold them accountable for it.
*Buddha firmly believed in freedom of thought and equality of all human beings both of which are my own core values.
*Buddha did not preach that his voice was the voice of God. He held himself accountable to all the principles that he was preaching. He also encouraged his followers to fully analyze his teachings with open minds before accepting them.

There is a lot more that I loved about the Buddha’s teachings. The fundamental concept of looking inward and mastering one’s own mind with full freedom of thought as opposed to worshipping an external entity (God) via meaningless rituals and superstitions is something that my progressive brain can easily accept and apply in daily life. Dr Ambedkar himself is an interesting person whose writings need to be read by everyone. An intelligent, thoughtful, radical thinker who recognized the need for reform in Hinduism and had the courage to speak his mind. Without a doubt, I will be reading more of his books and I will also be digging deeper into the Buddhist philosophy in future.

[Anmol · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this for a short, modern take on the Buddha's life. I found the book very dry, too formalistic, and very much influenced by the author's experiences as both a liberal lawyer(reflected in the almost comical, anachronistic portrayal of democratic process in the Sakya clan), and as an outcaste(reflected in the excessive portrayal of the Buddha's doctrine as a means of defeating casteism, which though important is not essential for a take on the Buddha's life). He offers very little of substance in defeating the ideas of both god and soul, not much better than the usual atheist ideas and affixes them on the Buddha by extrapolating scientific ideas from 2500 year old Sutras.

The thesis on the similarity between Buddha and Karl Marx is, however, interesting. I will explore more on that from the writer later.

[Gowtham · Rating 5 out of 5]

பாபாசாகேப் அம்பேத்கர் அவர்களால் எழுதி முழுமையாக முடிக்கப்பட்ட கடைசி நூல்.
"The Buddha and His Dhamma" [புத்தரும் அவர் தம்மமும்].

இங்கு புத்தர் பற்றியே பல கட்டுக்கதைகள் பரப்பப்படுகின்றன, நமக்கு பொதுவாக தெரிந்த அனைத்தும் பொய்,

1) போதி மரத்தடியில் அமர்ந்து அவர் ஞானம் பெறவில்லை.
2) உயிர்கள் கொள்ளப்படுவதைதான் பௌத்தம் எதிர்க்கிறது, மாமிசம் உண்ணலாம்.[யாராவது தானமாக தரும் பச்சக்தில் பிட்சுகளே உண்ணலாம்]
3) மதத்திற்கும் தம்மத்திற்க்கும்  வேறுபாடு உள்ளது.
4) தியானம் மட்டுமே பௌத்தம் இல்லை. தியானத்தை விட பகுத்தறிவையே முதன்மையாக கொண்டது பௌத்தம்.
5) பௌத்தத்தில் ஆன்மா என்று ஒன்று இல்லைவே இல்லை.
6) சிலை வழிபாட்டு முறையும் இல்லை.
7) யார் வேண்டுமானலும் பௌத்தம் ஏற்க்கலாம். சாதி, மத, இன மற்றும் வர்க பாகுபாடு இல்லை.

இன்னும் எக்கச்சக்கமான விசயங்கள் அடங்கும்.

அவர் வாழ்ந்த காலத்தில், செய்த செயல்களை பார்த்தால் பிரம்மிப்பாக இருக்கிறது, மாபெரும் புரட்சி ஒன்றை ஆதிக்க சக்திகளுக்கு எதிரே தனி மனிதனாக நின்று சாதித்துள்ளார். அப்படி இருந்தும் பௌத்தம் வீழ்ந்ததற்கான காரணம் தான் தெரியாவில்லை.  கடவுள் மறுப்பை பேசும் ஒரே மதம் பௌத்தம். உலகில் அனைத்தும் அழியக்கூடியவையே, யார் எப்படி இருந்தாலும் நீ உண்மையாக, நல்ல நெறி கொண்டவனாக இரு, அறிவை தேடு இன்னும் பல தத்துவார்த்த ரிதியான கற்ப்பிதங்கள் தம்மத்தில் அடங்கும்.

டாக்டர் அம்பேத்கர் இந்த புத்தகத்தை வித்யாசமான முறையில் வடிவமைத்துள்ளார், மொத்தம் 8 புத்தகங்கள்[பகுதிகள்] , 500 பக்கங்கள், சேர்ந்தது தான் இந்த நூல்.
பௌத்தம் பற்றி தெரிந்து கொள்ள, ஒரு தொடக்கப்புள்ளியாக, அதே நேரத்தில் ஆழ்ந்த புரிதல் ஏற்ப்படுத்தும் நூலாக "The Buddha and His Dhamma" நிச்சயம் அமையும்.

படிக்கும் போதே எதோ ஒரு புள்ளியில் உங்களுக்கு "பௌத்தம் ஏற்க்கலாம்" என்று தோன்றும். அப்படி தோன்றினால் நிச்சயம் ஒரு நாள் உங்களுடன் சேர்ந்து நானும் ஏற்ப்பேன்.
பாபாசாகேப் சொல்வது போல் "நான் ஓர் இந்துவாக சாகமாட்டேன்".


Book: The Buddha and His Dhamma
Author : Dr. Babasaheb ambedkar 💙

புத்தம் சரணம் கச்சாமி

[Aarti Nair · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I were to make a list of books that changed me as a person- this has to be one of them. I started reading this in Mar 2020 and we are now in Jul 2020. I just did not want this book to end. It is a good sneak-peek to Buddha and Buddhism.

I'm going to dig deeper into the religion now.

[Prateek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightenment has always been a thorny issue for me. There are many who have emphasised its importance but the concept itself remains vague because no other person but oneself only can know if they have achieved it. Several venerable personalities have tried to illumined the path to it in their own different ways but it is a lonely journey which one must takes on its own and whose destination is not known before hand.

Buddha, according to Ambedkar, says faith is the greatest of the wealths. It is not difficult to ascertain that why he would make such an assertion for indeed one bent upon this path requires it in ample measure if he has to make any progress towards its goal. Enlightenment it is said is that state of being wherein all passions have been vanquished and the mind of the enlightened is always set upon the beautiful and the lovely, the good and the truth.

I have a theory. This is based upon the assumption that mind in some of its attributes is not reducible to the physical and if it can be reigned in then it can pull up the physical towards its greater being - the better version of itself. Though who reigns whom is difficult to ascertain; is not will an attribute of mind? So is not what this amounts to is a reigning of mind by mind? Is this not circular? May be the breath and the beating heart which exemplifies the life force is different from the mind but it must also be different from the mere physical (as it is understood in physics). May be the answer lies in better understanding what life is.

The most fundamental law of the macro physical systems is the law of entropy which says disorder increases with time but life has found a way around it - it increases order for itself while letting other parts of the world it touches to revel in disorder. Thus conforming to the law of the entropy with a twist. It is these twists and turns which are so enigmatic of life and mind.

So much for understanding the body. Turning towards the questions which really motivated the Buddha - the suffering in the world - the plight of death, sickness and poverty.

In Abrahamic religions - it is ascertained that the humanity suffers because of the original sin of Adam. Jesus atones for this and sets forth the path for ordinary humans to also atone like him so that at the judgement day, they are salvaged. Muhammad discredits all non-believers and sets forth his doctrine of severe religious penance and prayer so that on the judgement day one is redeemed.

The Indian religion believes we are living in the Kalyuga where the morality is turned upside down and it becomes exceedingly difficult to stay on the path of faith.

All these major religions and themes profess the wickedness of the world and urge the faithful to remain on the correct course even in face of mounting difficulties. Buddhism is a bit different in that it does not believe in the supernatural or superhuman or even in soul and believes one can find light in this very world through eight fold path. Still it also believes in the wickedness of the body and the physical world.

In the background of this narrative of continuous decline, there is social science, I have in mind here economics, which says that at no time in human history have the conditions for the humans so favourable, there is great increase in wealth, many diseases have found cure, average human longevity is at the highest. Still contradictions stare glaringly in one's face.

If greater has been wealth, greater still has been inequality and in no time in human history has the exhibitions of wealth and status being displayed with so much impunity. What impressions the skyline of New York have on the mind of a child of Afghanistan and what it results in we all know. The inequality amongst nations is hard to ignore for someone even remotely concerned with the welfare of humanity. Capital grows on capital and the nascent talent of most of the impoverished nations of the world gets attracted to this capital too. This means that the differences are only going to grow. This, if remains unchecked, will result in greater and greater resentment which will ultimately lead to violence.

On the other hand, the technological advances which have made possible the advances in civilisation promise to build a world wherein most of the tasks which require brute force be automated or be done by machines. It means a lot of people will find themselves without work in near future. Combine this with already prevailing very few opportunities for ordinary humans. Well paying jobs with a guarantee for a good life will be nowhere to be found. Unless of course states follow the path of what Hitler tried - continuous war mongering which fuels the economic engine, we need a complete re-imagination of the social and economic sphere.

It is on this overarching background I was reading this book on Buddha by one of most keen intellects India produced who held Phd and other degrees in economics. Buddha after achieving Nibbana decided to sustain himself and his order on alms. Now on alms few can live but it cannot become the norm for if everyone becomes an alms receiver who would be left to give alms? So, in modern context the way of Buddha cannot be norm for society as a whole.

But in Buddha and most other religious teachers I am aware of, there is constant emphasis of compassion for all living beings specially towards other humans. It is this teaching we need to adapt to re-imagine the public sphere.

In this age of fast transport and stellar communications, no individual can really live in complete isolation. The possibility of a person living by himself supported by a patch of land or hunting is impossible. We are codependent on each other. For a person to become wealthy he too needs the support of many. Karl Marx's analysis that the capitalist dugs his own grave is true but it fails for two reasons -
1. The agility of capital - it finds newer and newer ventures so that the labour remains distracted and doesn't see the reality for itself. Humans mostly compare themselves to their fellow being and having a job seems more important than identifying with the plight of their fellows.
2. Marx failed to recognise that the capitalist brings something fundamentally different to the table - a vision and the skill to organise and innovate and a shrewd business acumen.

Still, the status quo cannot continue for long. The simple reason is the penetration of internet and availability of radical ideas and doctrines to the impoverished. Yes, the internet is dominated by neo-liberal propaganda that says it is the only game in the town and there is no challenge to it. In time, workable challenges will develop to this paradigm and they will radicalise whole populations and there can be chaos settled by violence.

I beseech well-meaning people to ponder on these questions. Take this as a warning. The boundaries we have divided the world into are due to historical and geographical accidents and the internet makes a mockery of these. Please start treating world as one, a single socio-political, economic unit and work from thereupon forwards. Any other solution will just be a way of managing the symptoms without working on a cure. The forces of radical right with hyper nationalism and a denial of science is a symptom of this problem - an envy of other's success and a desperate attempt at copying and coping.

Still we cannot be hasty about this process. People everywhere must be taken into confidence. Those states which are natural allies should first start coalescing allowing for free movement of people and labour and organise themselves as practical single political units. Then a manageable number of these independent units must come together and form a federation. This is the one workable way forward for a world with global prosperity and perpetual peace.

Some of these political units can be - European union, ASEAN, United States and Canada, Central America, South America, a union of African nations, China and Pakistan, SAARC without Pakistan, Central Asia, West Asia, Oceania, Russia. I am not still an expert in international politics, so in suggesting these I might have grouped as allies which are sworn enemies. This is a mere caricature of the possible groupings. The finer details individual nations should work on themselves. The international federation of 15-30 states will be able to work better than the present 200 odd states which leaves United Nations almost impractical.

Most important is that we recognise the need for this kind of change. This, I believe is the fruition of my faith in humanity and the conviction in me to work for the majority of humanity. In Buddha's time, the trade was local and means of communications and transport not developed so I think his teaching was conducive to that age. Appropriating him to this age, I think Buddha would approve.

[Sati Siroda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book and the author has really taken care to explain it well. Amazingly written and explained. Buddhism has some great teachings and philosophies. This book explains all of them and takes good care in explaining the vital points. Dr B R Ambedkar nevertheless seems to be one of the best authors and teachers!

[Pranjali · Rating 5 out of 5]

best book

[Arunothia Marappan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I only read the first 30% of this book.

From this video of S. N Goenka Ji: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHr9r...,
I was surprised to learn that Dr Ambedkar Ji founded the Bharatiya Bauddha Mahasabha, or the Buddhist Society of India in 1955 - the same year that legends say to be the start of the second Buddha Sasana. I have not read much about Indian freedom fighters, but hearing this made me intrigued about Ambedkar Ji and inspired me to read this book - presumably his last work.

Dr. Ambedkar's deep-seated curiosity about addressing the disparities among humanity, which he keenly observed as a child born into a lower caste family in India, led him to approach spirituality and religion with a profound desire for comprehension. This fervent quest for understanding ultimately drove him to explore the foundational principles of various religious doctrines. It was in the later years of his life that he discovered Buddha's teachings to resonate most strongly with his beliefs and convictions.

Furthermore, this inclination toward Buddha's philosophy initially led him to grapple with the concept of Karma, a point he touches upon at the outset of his book. I think the essay "Karma and Chaos": https://store.pariyatti.org/karma-and..., serves as a valuable tool for unraveling the scientific underpinnings of Karma and how it harmoniously coexists with the notion of Anatta or selflessness (if that is of interest to anyone).

Some of Dr. Ambedkar Ji's translations appear to contain inaccuracies. For instance, he occasionally renders Prajna or Pragya as "intelligence," a choice of wording that may lead to misinterpretation, as the actual term conveys a deeper and more profound meaning akin to the contemporary English concept of 'wisdom.' It is my belief that these discrepancies stem largely from Dr. Ambedkar Ji's limited experiential knowledge, which is typically acquired through extensive years of meditation and practice.

Another example: My understanding of "Samma Samadhi" is that it is the right kind of concentration, which means it should be universal and not object or illusion oriented. Unlike what Ambedkar Ji has written, I believe it has nothing to do with ‘thinking’ neither good nor bad.

Nevertheless, I wholeheartedly commend Dr. Ambedkar for compiling this book during the tumultuous final years of his life. Upon perusing its contents, I gained insight into the impressive extent of Dr. Ambedkar's erudition and intellectual prowess.

[Dr.Muni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buddhas teachings and Dhamma Service of Buddha and his followers, if you want to learn about Buddha and Buddhism from a Book that explores the original Theravada based information, you must get a copy of Dr.B.R.Ambedkar's Buddha and His Dhamma, written by none other than the first law Minister and the architect of Indian Constitution Dr.B.R.Ambedkar, his knowledge and scholarly writings can stir lots of insights, tell the story of Buddha as it is unlike most books that are filled with myths, fake believes and god etc, Buddha never believed or practiced or preached a shred of thing about god or religion, so do Dr.B.R.Ambedkar, if you want a true glimpse of Buddha, get a personal copy of this book and read.

I read this book more than one time, every time it feels like afresh and needed to read more!..

[Preetam Chatterjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

#Binge Reviewing my previous Reads # Buddhism, Buddha’s Biography & Retellings

Ambedkar’s The Buddha & His Dhamma is his final major work, completed shortly before his death in 1956, and published posthumously in 1957. It is ambitious: part biography of the Buddha, part philosophical treatise, and part manifesto for a socially engaged Buddhism. Ambedkar writes not merely to recount the life of Siddhartha Gautama but to distill what he considers to be the authentic teachings of the Buddha (the “Dhamma”) stripped from later accretions—ritual, caste, superstition—and to offer them as a framework for modern society, especially for those historically marginalized in India.

One of the most striking elements of the book is the way Ambedkar sees the Buddha as a social revolutionary as well as a spiritual teacher. For Ambedkar, the Dhamma is not a private, ascetic path alone, but a public, secular‐ethical project: it must address injustice, equality, dignity. The caste system, which in Ambedkar’s view distorted Indian society and embedded inequality, becomes a central concern. Ambedkar treats many doctrines—karma, rebirth, notions of soul—with both respect to Buddhist sources and a critical eye, seeking what he considers to be their meaning for a modern, rational, and scientifically aware readership.

Ambedkar’s style is both powerful and demanding. He doesn’t indulge in poetic mythologizing or devotional lyricism; instead, his prose is direct, analytical, and sometimes polemical. He often draws contrasts between what Buddhist texts say and what later Buddhist communities might have adopted or allowed; in his view, practices that drift away from what the Buddha originally taught. In doing so, he sometimes challenges traditional interpretations and common beliefs, which can be both stimulating and controversial. For readers looking for a conventional devotional tale of the Buddha, this book will feel different—less about awe, more about scrutiny and reform. This is not a weakness so much as a deliberate posture.

That said, the book has its complexities and points of tension. One is that Ambedkar’s strong sociopolitical critique sometimes overshadows or simplifies certain doctrinal subtleties. Concepts like rebirth, karma, or non‐self are reinterpreted through a lens that demands compatibility with rationalism and modernity. This leads Ambedkar to reject or reinterpret supernatural elements, or metaphysics, in favour of ethical, moral, and social consequences.

Some readers argue, for example, that he downplays or rejects the traditional supernatural cosmology that many Buddhist traditions accept. That approach makes the book especially compelling to those who want Buddhism to align with modern secular values, but it also means that The Buddha & His Dhamma is not a neutral retelling; it is shaped by Ambedkar’s vision of what Buddhism should be, not only what it historically has been. This makes the work somewhat hybrid: part history, part reform movement guide, part personal philosophy.

Another issue is with the source‐criticism and scholarship. While Ambedkar makes a serious effort, the original version lacked extensive citations or a scholarly apparatus. Later editions and critical editions have tried to supply references, clarify where Ambedkar is drawing from texts, and highlight where he diverges from canonical sources.

For a reader deeply steeped in Pāli sources, Mahayana sutras, or historical-critical studies, some of Ambedkar’s assertions may seem debatable. Nonetheless, many appreciate the clarity and accessibility of his record: much of the narrative is organised, each part dealing with explicit doctrinal claims, life episodes, and social implications.

Despite these tensions, the book’s strengths are deep. Ambedkar’s vision for Buddhism as a tool of social emancipation gives the work urgent relevance. For Dalits (formerly “untouchables”) and other oppressed communities in India, The Buddha & His Dhamma has been foundational: it provides theological and philosophical affirmation, dignity, and a reinterpretation of religious identity that affirms human equality. The way Ambedkar places ethics, rationality, and justice at the centre is inspiring. He doesn’t treat Buddhism as escapism; he treats it as a framework for living in society, for political action, and for moral accountability.

Also, his account of the Buddha’s life is sober: he presents Siddhartha not as a mythic superman but as a man making choices, facing contradictions, and making breaks with tradition—this human portrait is one of the book’s emotional strengths.

For contemporary readers, The Buddha & His Dhamma poses a challenge: how to hold both respect for the breadth of Buddhist tradition and openness to reform. It asks whether Buddhism can be made fully compatible with modern values—scientific thinking, equality, secularism—without losing its vital core. It also invites reflection on what teachings are central: are the Four Noble Truths, karma, rebirth, meditation, non-self, compassion, and the Sangha—the essence—and which parts are later interpretations? Ambedkar pushes us to think about these questions rather than accept tradition uncritically.

In the landscape of your #Binge Reviewing series on Buddhism and Buddha’s biographies, this book could serve as a contrasting “pole” — not simply a devotional or literary retelling, but one that interrogates, reinterprets, and reimagines Buddhism for modern, socially engaged life. It is a corrective to romantic or mythic biographies: it insists on grounding the Buddha’s teachings in social reality.

If I were to rate it roughly, I’d say: for moral, philosophical, and social resonance, The Buddha & His Dhamma is a 4.5/5; for historical-scholarly precision, maybe a 3/5; overall—a deeply important, personal, provocative read.

[Tanya Sah]

B.R Ambedkar was a strong critic of the old Hindu traditions which were oppressing for the marginalised communities. This made him adopt Buddhism as his religion. This novel is well articulated which is engrossing for the readers. Ambedkar has started the novel targeting the misconceptions people have in their minds about Buddhism. Starting from the birth the entire novel is spun around the life of Buddha.

[Ashish Nagdive · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buddha And His Dhamma, is written by Dr.Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, a best scholar of his time and expertise on the subject, and extraordinary intellectual of many subjects. This book is a extract of his knowledge he had achieved throughout his entire life. Any person who wants to reach the slightest enlightenment with 100% guaranteed victory just read it. It will put the soul of true wisdom inside you.

[Ishan Khobragade · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know about Buddha and his Dhamma then this is it. Read this book and you'll know the things you need to. Most accurate and rational version of Buddha's life by his greatest disciple Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
Also many many thanks to Akash Singh Rathore and Ajay Verma for this critical edition.

[Nishigandha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Dr.B.R.Ambedkar is all about buddha. The views of buddha regarding life, karma, soul are scientifically expressed. Everything you come to know is how to lead life despite of sorrows. This book gives answers of life's 2nd biggest question (1st why to live life) How to live life. Marvellous!!!Life changing nd more scientific.

[Aashay Chaukekar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really respect Dr. Ambedkar as a leader and also thank him for bringing back the path of buddhism to India. It gave a superficial knowledge about Buddhism, a fair introduction. This book could have been detailed. This is my first book by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, hoping to read out his enitre work

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent translation from the Pali lexicon

Very deep and insightful, made me wonder how such a great ideology bear no trace in the land it was born. And how brahminism had diluted and negated this great man's history down to a mere fairy tale!

[Vidya Bhushan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dr. भीमराव अम्बेदकर पर कहीं न कहीं शुद्र होने का क्षोभ उनके अपार ग्यान पर अधिक भारी था . काफ़ी उलझा concept प्रस्तुत किया है उन्होने . उनके द्वारा बताया बौध धर्म विरोधाभासों को समाहित किये है .

[Sameer Shigvan · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best book based on ethics, well researched and philosophical viewed in the history of civilized religious world... Hats Off to B. R. Ambedkar

[Nitesh Tupsagar · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this book for change your view of dhamma

[Jessica Zu · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best

[Ansh Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has interest in 'Rationalism, Logic and Righteousness - this book should be ideally read. If it were upon me , i'd ask everyone to read it. But enough of the Please read its. Here's why every should read it:

For people who don't believe in cosmic powers and gods - there's no heed to things, that are indiscernible to us, and things that matters after life(doesn't solidify afterlife exists ;) . Buddha's whole philosophy was based off on how one should live, in the present, with the mind as their sole conquest.

For followers of all religions - This book dispells a lot of preconceived notions of 'what we perceive as taught to us'. On judgement, sins, salvation, class division, fear, enlightenment, soul, afterlife and everything else that I missed, special shout out to righteousness.

For all agnostics, rationalists, or any human really - I guarantee, this book has something for everybody. Peace.

[Dr. A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read on Budhdh

A Must Read for anyone interested in having authentic and unbiased view on Buddh. Some treat this as the core text book of Buddhist thought, philosophy and also a practical guide. Translated from Pali, the language Buddh used. It dispelled the myth that Sanskrit is oldest language of ourselves. Provides authentic evidence that the texts written in Sanskrit, preceded Buddhist ideas and around 1000 AD propagated Adwait Vedant adding the concept of rebirth of the soul to Buddh's Quantm/cosmic /collective spirituality. Changing Buddh's of no rebirth of each individual soul.

[Book Ecke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book and the author has really taken care to explain it well. Amazingly written and explained. Buddhism has some great teachings and philosophies. This book explains all of them and takes good care in explaining the vital points. Dr B R Ambedkar nevertheless seems to be one of the best authors and teachers!

[Deviprasadh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a mammoth book encompassing various resources about the early life, teachings and the late life of the Buddha. Two words : EYE OPENING.
Dr. Ambedkar is a titan in research and writing about a secular way of life which focusses on uplifting individuals through their own virtue.
Truly fantastic read.

[Sambuddha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I have ever read. Don't look at this book as buddhist material. Be open minded and read this book. You will learn pure buddhas teaching. After you read this book, you will find your own way to happiness independently without expecting from others.

[tondup gabo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life of Buddha

Babasaheb has nicely written the journey of Siddhartha from a layman to the enlightened one... Has quoted His doctrine more or less with perfection... I recommend all the friends to read it once and introspect..

[Bhardwaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Ambedkar has written this book in a manner that all from learner to scholar and fellow can read and understand life of buddh and his teachings and encouraged me .