The 22 Vows of B. R. Ambedkar

These vows were taken by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and his followers on October 14, 1956, at Nagpur during their mass conversion to Buddhism. They mark a complete rejection of Hinduism and caste, and a commitment to a rational, ethical, and egalitarian Buddhist life.

1. 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 incarnations of God, nor shall I worship them.

3. I shall have no faith in Gauri, Ganapati, and other Hindu deities, nor shall I worship them.

4. I do not believe in the incarnation of God.

5. I do not, and shall not, believe that the Lord Buddha was an incarnation of Vishnu. I believe this to be sheer madness and false propaganda.

6. I shall not perform Shraddha (ancestral rituals) nor shall I give pind-dan (offerings to ancestors).

7. I shall not act in a way violating the principles and teachings of the Buddha.

8. I shall not allow any ceremonies to be performed by Brahmins.

9. I shall believe in the equality of man.

10. I shall endeavor to establish equality.

11. I shall follow the Noble Eightfold Path of the Buddha.

12. I shall follow the ten paramitas (perfections) taught by the Buddha.

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

14. I shall not steal.

15. I shall not tell lies.

16. I shall not commit carnal sins (sexual misconduct).

17. I shall not take intoxicants like liquor, drugs, or similar substances.

18. I shall strive to follow the teachings of the Buddha and his Dhamma.

19. I shall renounce Hinduism which is harmful to humanity and impedes the advancement and development of humanity because it is based on inequality, and I shall embrace Buddhism.

20. I firmly believe that the Dhamma of the Buddha is the only true religion.

21. I believe that by embracing Buddhism I am having a rebirth.

22. I solemnly declare and affirm that from this day forward, I shall lead my life according to the teachings of the Buddha and his Dhamma.