The Twenty-two vows or twenty-two pledges are the 22 Buddhist vows administered by B. R. Ambedkar, the
revivalist of Buddhism in India, to his followers. On converting to
Buddhism, Ambedkar made 22 vows, and asked his 400,000 supporters to do the same.[1] After receiving
lay ordination, Ambedkar gave dhamma diksha to his followers. This ceremony organised on 14 October 1956 in
Nagpur included 22 vows administered to all new converts after
Three Jewels and
Five Precepts. On 16 October 1956, Ambedkar performed another mass religious conversion ceremony at
Chandrapur.[2]
It is believed by
Ambedkarite Buddhists that these vows are the guidelines of the social revolution that motivates human instincts. These vows demonstrate both the
social movement aspect of
Navayana Buddhism, and demonstrate its core deviation from earlier
sects of Buddhism. In India, these vows are taken as an oath by individuals or groups of people when they convert to Buddhism.[3][4]
Vows
(left) On 14 October 1956, Ambedkar administering 22 vows after renouncing Hinduism at Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur; (right)
Deekshabhoomi monument, located in
Nagpur,
Maharashtra where
B. R. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in 1956 is the largest hollow
stupa in the world.[5]
The following are the 22 vows administered by Ambedkar to his followers:[1]
I renounce
Hinduism, which disfavors humanity and impedes the advancement and development of humanity because it is based on inequality, and adopt Buddhism as my religion.
I firmly believe the Dhamma of the Buddha is the only true religion.
I consider that I have taken a new birth. (Alternately, "I believe that by adopting Buddhism I am having a re-birth."[6])
I solemnly declare and affirm that I shall hereafter lead my life according to the teachings of Buddha's Dhamma.
The vows marble stone
Considering the historical significance of these twenty-two vows, the then president of "Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Deekshabhoomi Memorial Committee", and former Governor of Bihar and Kerala
R. S. Gavai and Sadanand Fulzele, the secretary of the organization, have carved these 22 vows on a wide marble stone at the Deekshabhoomi ground and placed the pillar at the first sight of the stupa. At a
Buddha Vihara at Wardha, under M. L. Kasare's leadership, a similar grand pillar has been erected.[7][8]