Buddha Or Karl Marx

₹105

48 Pages
AUTHOR :- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
ISBN :- 978-9352207251

‘Buddha or Karl Marx,’ written by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, explores a comparative study of the ideas proposed by Gautama, the Buddha and Karl Marx. The text was first published in 1987 as part of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Writings and Speeches, Vol. 3, and later reprinted by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation in 2014.

Here are some key points from the essay:
1. Dr. Ambedkar attempts to investigate the failings of Indian society, particularly in regards to caste discrimination, by comparing the teachings of Buddha and Marx.

2. Ambedkar highlights how the Buddha’s teachings focus on individual enlightenment and the abolition of private property, which could lead to a more equal society akin to modern-day communism.
He contrasts this with Marx’s theory of ‘Scientific Socialism,’ which involves violent means such as the dictatorship of the proletariat.

4. The essay delves into the means proposed by both figures, with Buddha emphasizing personal ethics and moral conduct, while Marx advocates for revolutionary violence and dictatorship.

5. Ambedkar ultimately argues that Buddha’s teachings, emphasizing a casteless society and individual enlightenment, are more relevant and appropriate for India compared to Marx’s ideas.

While Dr. Ambedkar’s opinions are prevalent in the text and may seem biased towards Buddhist teachings, the essay provides an intriguing perspective on the comparison between Buddha and Marx. It encourages readers to rethink both Marxist discourse and Buddhist philosophy in the context of equality and societal change.

About Author	Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956) was an Indian jurist, economist, social reformer and political leader who headed the committee drafting the Constitution of India from the Constituent Assembly debates, served as Law and Justice minister in the first cabinet of Jawaharlal Nehru, and inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement after renouncing Hinduism. After graduating from Elphinstone College, University of Bombay, Ambedkar studied economics at Columbia University and the London School of Economics, receiving doctorates in 1927 and 1923, respectively, and was among a handful of Indian students to have done so at either institution in the 1920s. He also trained in the law at Gray's Inn, London. In his early career, he was an economist, professor, and lawyer. His later life was marked by his political activities; he became involved in campaigning and negotiations for partition, publishing journals, advocating political rights and social freedom for Dalits, and contributing to the establishment of the state of India. In 1956, he converted to Buddhism, initiating mass conversions of Dalits. In 1990, the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, was posthumously conferred on Ambedkar. The salutation Jai Bhim (lit. "Hail Bhim") used by followers honours him. He is also referred to by the nickname Babasaheb, meaning "Respected Father".

About Author

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956) was an Indian jurist, economist, social reformer and political leader who headed the committee drafting the Constitution of India from the Constituent Assembly debates, served as Law and Justice minister in the first cabinet of Jawaharlal Nehru, and inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement after renouncing Hinduism.
After graduating from Elphinstone College, University of Bombay, Ambedkar studied economics at Columbia University and the London School of Economics, receiving doctorates in 1927 and 1923, respectively, and was among a handful of Indian students to have done so at either institution in the 1920s. He also trained in the law at Gray's Inn, London. In his early career, he was an economist, professor, and lawyer. His later life was marked by his political activities; he became involved in campaigning and negotiations for partition, publishing journals, advocating political rights and social freedom for Dalits, and contributing to the establishment of the state of India. In 1956, he converted to Buddhism, initiating mass conversions of Dalits.
In 1990, the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, was posthumously conferred on Ambedkar. The salutation Jai Bhim (lit. "Hail Bhim") used by followers honours him. He is also referred to by the nickname Babasaheb, meaning "Respected Father".