Book Description

B.R. Ambedkar founded NeoBuddhism, a revolutionary Buddhist societal reformation movement. Neo-Buddhism began on October 14, 1956, as a revolutionary Buddhist movement, when Ambedkar and about 4000,000 of his supporters converted to Buddhism. Since the Dalits first became Buddhist in Nagpur in 1956, Buddhism spread across India, generating different nationalist movements throughout Maharashtra State. The purpose of the study was to deal with (dis)unity in postmodern Maharashtra through interaction with and understanding the practice of a new generation of Ambedkarite group Buddhists living in Mumbai. I emphasize the two intertwined themes: first, the practice of Navayana and its influence on Buddhism developments, and second, the approach of Buddhist mobilization within traditions. Contradictions about expression, daily experiences, the meaning of tradition, and the effect of human acts on changing and transforming cultures are fundamental to the topic of analysis. The findings reveal that there are tensions between B. R. Ambedkar and Buddha's perceptions and reverence. The ambedkarite Buddhists favor the Navayana's secular and ethical values, which conflict with Ambedkar and Buddha in Maharashtra's local districts. Abuse, structural challenges, and efforts by Revolutionaries to incorporate Buddhists in Indian society generate anxiety, crisis, and radical mobilization among Buddhists. I suggest how this response is a minority defence way to protect its culture and identity. It primarily focuses on social empowerment, particularly for the Mahar group among the underprivileged. Above all, it is a movement for self-respect, equality, and justice for all people, regardless of class, caste, religion, or faith. Aside from that, as a socialist theory, Neo-Buddhism is a powerful force for religious movements founded on socioeconomic and moral ideals. In essence, it could be argued that neo-Buddhism is primarily concerned with a move that is seen as a stimulant for the well of society's oppressed classes.