Mysore/Mysuru: “Dr. B.R. Ambedkar accepted Buddhism at a time when Buddhism was on the downslide due to political, social and other reasons and strengthened the religion,” said former Head of the Department of English, University of Mysore (UoM), Prof. D.A. Shankar. He was delivering a lecture on the topic “Dhammapada: Jaagatika Anivarya” (Dhammapada: Global Imperative) organised as part of 2568th Buddha Purnima at UoM’s Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Research and Extension Centre, Manasagangothri, here this morning.

Pointing out that though Hindu religion had many Gods and Goddesses, Dr. Ambedkar accepted Buddhism because of its principles of Universal love, brotherhood, compassion and tolerance, Prof. Shankar said Buddhism is a Philosophical tradition based on Buddha’s teachings. “There were no mysteries or wonders behind the birth of Buddha. Buddha grew and lived a natural and married life, just like in the case of others. But what attracted Dr. Ambedkar to Buddha was his Philosophical ideologies and preachings. Buddha believed that human life is one of suffering and that meditation, spiritual and physical labour and good behaviour are the ways to achieve enlightenment,” he said.

Maintaining that Buddha preached in a simple language, Prof. Shankar said that Buddha became more and more acceptable because of his simplified teachings on the values of life.

The Centre Director Prof. J. Somashekar presided.