Dr Ambedekar Day

So who was this man? Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born 14th April 1891 into a Dalit family.  He grew up to be a great reformist.  

A caste system exists in India.  The Hindu Caste system is based on lineage and occupation. It is divided into four distinct categories: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Sudras. There are also the Untouchables, who are considered the “caste-less”.  They are called Dalits. 

Dalit from Sanskrit: dalita meaning "broken/scattered") are the lowest stratum of the castes in the Indian subcontinent. Dalits were excluded from the four-fold varna system of Hinduism and were seen as forming a fifth Varna. 

The Caste system greatly affects the lives of many individuals who live in a society where the system is used, whether you’d be in one of the four castes or be an untouchable. 

So, on the 13th of October, we will have two personal talks from Raj Kumar, a member of our sangha and from Vimalanath, an order member in Cambridge.  They will talk about their personal journeys and why they decided to convert from Hinduism to Buddhism.  

We will start with a meditation and end the day with a ritual. 

As usual, bring vegetarian or vegan lunch to share.