Buddha and His Dhamma

The Buddha and His Dhamma by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, first published in 1957, is a groundbreaking reinterpretation of Buddhism that blends spiritual philosophy with social and political reform. Written in simple, accessible prose, the book presents the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha through a rational, humanistic lens, emphasizing ethical living, compassion, and equality over ritual and metaphysics. Unlike traditional Buddhist texts, Ambedkar s work reimagines the Buddha as a social reformer who opposed caste, inequality, and religious orthodoxy. Divided into sections covering the Buddha s life, enlightenment, the formation of the monastic community, and the principles of Dhamma (righteous path), the book serves as both a biography and a moral guide. A cornerstone of Navayana Buddhism, this work was central to Ambedkar s own conversion and the larger Dalit movement toward spiritual and social liberation. It remains essential reading for those seeking a Buddhism rooted in justice, dignity, and rational thought. The Buddha and His Dhamma is not only a spiritual classic but also a political and cultural manifesto an enduring call to transform society through compassion, wisdom, and moral action.