Two Lessons from Ashoka and Ambedkar https://www.roundtableindia.co.in/two-lessons-from-ashoka-and-ambedkar/
May 26, 2012 (Talk presented at the conference on ‘Dr.Ambedkar and the Modern Buddhist World’, Nagaloka, Nagpur, October, 2006
One, why did Ashoka consider it necessary for himself, and for his subjects, to convert to Buddhism? Could he not have accomplished as much remaining ‘Hindu’? Hinduism not only deadens the conscience of a people, but also their intellect, their capacity for critical thought and action.
the second lesson – it is not at all surprising that Hindus continue to learn nothing from Ashoka’s conversion. Learning is mimicry, it is not meant to lead to critical evaluation and understanding. Buddhism is also free from meaningless, worthless ritual. Its emphasis on responsible action and self-evaluation – be a lamp unto yourself – surely held a special attraction for him. For in Buddhism Ambedkar saw the means of not only liberating his people from cruel oppression, but also in inculcating in them a self-critical awareness.