Navayāna Buddhism

**Navayāna Buddhism** (meaning “New Vehicle”) is a form of socially active Buddhism started by B. R. Ambedkar, an Indian lawyer, scholar, and social reformer. It is also called **Neo-Buddhism** or **Ambedkarite Buddhism**. People in this movement follow Buddhist principles to help society and improve the lives of many.

## About Ambedkar

B. R. Ambedkar was born in a Dalit (formerly “untouchable”) family during British rule in India. He studied abroad, became a lawyer and politician, and was the main author of India’s Constitution. In 1935, he decided to leave Hinduism and study other religions for over 20 years, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity, and Islam.

On October 13, 1956, Ambedkar publicly announced that he was leaving Hinduism and converting to Buddhism, six weeks before his death. After him, people started calling the movement Ambedkarite Buddhism. Followers see Navayāna Buddhism as a social movement based on Buddhist ideas rather than a completely new religion.

## Beliefs

Navayāna Buddhism is not an independent branch of Buddhism like Theravāda, Mahāyāna, or Vajrayāna. It reinterprets Buddhist teachings to address modern social issues in India. Ambedkar saw Buddhism as a better solution than Marxism or Communism for Indian society.

## Spread and followers

While “Navayāna” usually refers to Ambedkar’s movement in India, it can also refer to Westernized forms of Buddhism. Ambedkar called his version Navayāna or “Neo-Buddhism”. His book The Buddha and His Dhamma is the main text for followers.

Followers are called Buddhists, Ambedkarite Buddhists, Neo-Buddhists, or Navayāna Buddhists. About 90% of Navayāna Buddhists live in Maharashtra, India.

## History and practice

Navayāna Buddhism began in 1956 when Ambedkar converted, along with 380,000 members of oppressed communities. The annual Dhammachakra Pravartan Day on 14 October celebrates this event. Ambedkar emphasized Buddhist principles for social welfare rather than spiritual renunciation.

Ambedkar is regarded as a bodhisattva among followers, and his writings in The Buddha and His Dhamma are treated as scripture. Navayāna shrines often show images of both Buddha and Ambedkar, and followers bow and make offerings.

## Reception

Ambedkar’s reinterpretation of Buddhism has received both admiration and criticism. Scholars note that traditional Buddhism did not emphasize social reform, but Navayāna has been important for Dalit social and political mobilization.

## Status in India

According to the 2011 Census, there are 8.4 million Buddhists in India, and Navayāna Buddhists make up about 87% (7.3 million). Nearly 90% live in Maharashtra.

## Infobox (religion)

- **name**: Navayāna
- **native name**: नवयान
- **type**: Dharmic religions, Dharmic
- **founder**: B. R. Ambedkar
- **founded date**: 1956
- **founded place**: Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur, India
- **image**: Buddha Shrine with Ambedkar (244910903).jpg
- **caption**: A Navayāna Buddhist shrine with B. R. Ambedkar, Ambedkar's portrait and _The Buddha and His Dhamma_ book. The photograph is on the event of the 50th Dhammachakra Pravartan Day.
- **leader name**: Bodhisattva Ambedkar
- **leader title1**: Type
- **members**: 7.30 million followers (2011)
- **area**: India