Navayana Buddhism

Navayana Buddhism is an interpretation of Buddhism popularized by Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956)--India's constitutionalist, political visionary, economist, and anti-caste activist--for the upliftment of the low-caste Dalit community. While the history of Buddhism is much older, the history of Navayana Buddhism effectively began in 1956 with the mass conversion of millions of Dalits under the leadership of Dr. Ambedkar. The mass conversion occurred in Nagpur, a city in the present-day state of Maharashtra, India. Today, Navayana Buddhism is a global community. The bibliography includes readings on Navayana Buddhism in Myanmar, Thailand, London, Sri Lanka, the U.S.A., and several states of India, especially Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh where most Navayana Buddhists reside. Reverence for the Buddha, Dr. Ambedkar's anti-caste work, and caste consciousness are foundational to Navayana Buddhist beliefs and practices.