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Raj Kumar Oshoraj

 All of these articles by Raj Kumar Oshoraj
MY VISIT TO CALIFORNIA   Raj Kumar Oshoraj (Vice President Indian Buddhist Society) Toronto (Canada)

Raj Kumar Oshoraj’s mother
passed away, final prayer on August 27

My beloved mother, Mrs. Parkash Kaur, at 80, peacefully passed away on July 24, 2016 in Jalandhar, Panjab. She loved wife of Subedar Gurdev Chand, beloved mother of Raj, Amarjit and Mohinder Kaur, proud grandmother of Ravi, Raman, Suman, Parveen, Neesha and proud maternal grandmother of Jaswinder and Iqbal. 

All relatives, friends, nears and dears are requested to attend final prayer services. 

Her final prayer services will be performed by Venerable Bhante Chanderbodhi ji at Toronto Maha Vihara, 4698 Kingston Road, Scarborough on August 27, 2016 from 3pm - 7pm. 

In loving memory of my mother,
Raj Kumar Oshoraj (416)-219-4196
Ambedkartimes.com sends its condolence to the Raj Kumar Oshoraj family, relatives and friends on their biggest loss.
Editor: Ambedkartimes.com 
(Posted on August 22, 2016)
INDIAN BUDDHIST SOCIETY TORONTO , CANADA
Congratulates all on
Buddha Jayanti 2013
(Lord Buddha's Birth,
Enlightenment and
Mahaparinirvan Day).
May Lord Buddha
bless you all with
good Health and
Happiness!
Posted on May 24, 2013
Congratualtions to all ! The well known personality Mr. Pawan Kumar Tinu has won
the Panjab Assembly Elections 2012 from Adampur Doaba constituency.
We wish him all the best. May Lord Buddha bless him and guide him.
Raj Kumar Oshoraj
Toronto, Canada
INDIAN BUDDHIST SOCIETY TORONTO, CANADA
CELEBRATING BUDDHA JAYNATI ON JUNE 25, 2011 FROM 6PM - 9PM AT

TORONTO MAHA VIHARA
4698 KINGSTON RD (EAST OF MORNINGSIDE ROAD)
SCARBOROUGH, ONTARIO (CANADA)
Posted on June 21, 2011

R K Oshoraj
On behalf of Indian Buddhist Society Toronto (Canada), I congratulate all of you on the most important day in Buddhism which commemorates The Lord Buddha's Birth, Enlightenment and Passing Away: Buddha Jayanti. This year the Buddha Jayanti is on May 17th, 2011.

In United Nations Organization (UNO) New York, celebrations are organized by Sri Lankan Mission to UN. This mission comprise of committee members from thirteen countries including India. In these celebrations, 300 Monks and 192 State Heads will also be present. The celebrations are on May 16, 2011.
I will be joining in for these celebrations. I am humbled and honored to receive the invitation.
In dhamma,
Raj Kumar Oshoraj
Posted on May 12, 2011
5K DALITS TO CONVERT TO BUDDHISM
Vijaysinh Parmar, TNN | May 5, 2011, 10.45pm IST
Forwarded by R K Oshoraj

5K DALITS TO CONVERT TO BUDDHISM
Vijaysinh Parmar, TNN | May 5, 2011, 10.45pm IST

RAJKOT: Leaving behind the caste system, untouchability and discrimination, large numbers of people from the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Castes (OBC) will embrace Buddhism on May 29 in Rajkot.

The Buddha Dhamma Deeksha Angikar Federation-Gujarat is organizing this conversion program and the process for taking consent of the people who want to adopt Buddhism has been initiated in the Saurashtra region.

"We expect that more than 5,000 people will take deeksha and convert to Buddhism, which was adopted by our great leader B R Ambedkar decades ago. The people who are adopting this religion are mainly from Saurashtra region like Rajkot, Porbandar, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Jamnagar and Surendranagar. We have suffered a lot due to the caste hierarchy for centuries, but Ambedkar showed us a different path - in which there is no discrimination between human beings," said Parikshit Rathod, convenor of the federation.

"We have already started the necessary process to file consent papers of those people who want to adopt the Buddhism and they will be verified by district administration and police as it is mandatory," said Rathod. On May 29, Bhante Dhammdoot Bhadant Sanghratna Manke (President Paiya Meksha Sangh-Japan) and other religious leaders will attend the programme at Chaudhary High School Ground in the city.

The federation is organizing conversion programs across the state, inspiring people to adopt Buddhism. Some months ago, a similar programme was held at Porbandar where more than 100 people, mainly dalits had adopted Buddhism.

Interestingly, the federation has been distributing pamphlets for this programme which praise chief minister Narendra Modi for promoting Buddhist culture and heritage in the state. Recently, the state government had charted out the plan to develop Buddhist sites. "CM Modi has promised a Buddhist temple in the state and it is a proud moment for all of us," the pamphlet said. When asked about it, Rathod said that the state government should be appreciated for good things, but we have also said that anti-conversion law passed by Gujarat state is wrong and we condemn it.

The Buddha Dharma Deeksha Angikar Federation is organizing Buddha Dharma Adoption Program on May 29 in Rajkot
I May 06, 2011 |dated 07.07pm IST Watch IPL online http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/5K-dalits-to-convert-to-Buddhism/articleshow/8171802.cms
Posted on May 10, 2011
INDIA WON WORLD CUP CRICKET TOURNAMENT
My heartiest congratulations to whole India and Indians living abroad on winning World Cup Cricket Tournament.
May Lord Buddha bless India to win many more international trophies in sports in future also.
Raj Kumar Oshoraj, Toronto, Canada (Posted on April 2, 2011)
BEST WISHES FOR THE YEAR 2011FROM THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF INDIAN BUDDHIST SOCIETY TORONTO, CANADA

I, Raj Kumar Oshoraj, on behalf of the management committee of Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, Canada, wishes all the best for the year 2011.

We hope the Ambedkartimes.com will progress day and night in its mission to serve and educate community in the coming year. We commend the hard work of Mr. Prem Kumar Chumber (Editor: Ambedkartimes.com) over the past many years to establish as the media which is the most popular in our diaspora.

If a community raises lot of money, the money can finish, if they construct big buildings those buildings can fall but if a community has thought (vichar/soch) that never die. We pray to Lord Buddha to serve our community with 'Right Thought' (one of the Buddha's ashat margs).

Raj Kumar Oshoraj (Vice President) Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, (Canada)
Posted on December 31, 2010

INDIAN BUDDHIST SOCIETY TORONTO , CANADA
Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, Canada wishes all the best for the New Year 2009. We thank, on this special occasion, the readers, writers and supporters of the ambedkartimes.com and ambedkartimes.org May Lord Buddha bless all with good health, peace and prosperity for the New Year. 
Posted on January 02, 2008
R. K. OSHORAJ
On 52nd Anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Return to Buddhism
By:
Raj Kumar Oshoraj

This article is an attempt to bring together thoughts of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on religious conversion and his reasoning as to why did he think that conversion was the only way to salvation from Hindu religion. Most of the readers will find these quotes familiar to them, if they have read Dr. Ambedkar. I have quoted Baba Saheb in this article from a book ‘Conversion as Emancipation’ published by Critical Quest, New Delhi. These quotes are not in any order and also some of them are not complete. If someone would like to read in their entirety, he should refer to the book. All Baba Saheb’s quotes are ‘Italicized’ throughout the article. I commend and applaud Baba Saheb’s thoughts on every topic and I do agree with his comments in this article also. If anyone of the readers of this article doesn’t agree with these thoughts; they are not disagreeing with me, they are disagreeing with Dr. Ambedkar’s thoughts.

On the most important day of Baba Saheb’s life which did set history in this world when more than half million people followed him by returning to their own religion: Buddhism. Here are some of the reasons why Dr. Ambedkar return to Buddhism and inspired all those who followed him. Various incidents at various stages of his life compelled or made him finalize his decision to return to his own religion.

It is an unresolved question for some, a mystery undisclosed, a surprise and so many other confusions about his decision to return to Buddhism. But he was crystal clear about all his decisions prior to embracing, applying or implementing them. He was always compelled to think about both sides of the same coin and ask questions. When people questioned him on his return to Buddhism he counter questioned: Why NOT?

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s quotes:

Why should we change our religion? A counter question “Why should we NOT change our religion?”

“Those who want to live in obedience to the dictates of the Hindus, those who wish to remain their slaves; they do not need to think over this problem. But those who wish to live a life of self-respect and equality will have to think over this.” Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Only those who love to be slaves can remain in this religion. One can’t attain a status higher than that of a slave.

You look upon me as ‘God’ but I am not a god. I will continue to struggle for your upliftment and to make your life useful and meaningful. You must realize your responsibility and follow the path which I am showing you. If you follow it earnestly, it would not be difficult to achieve your goal.

For a common man this subject of conversion is very important but also very difficult to understand. It is not an easy task to satisfy the common man on the subject of conversion. Hence, it is difficult to bring the idea of conversion into realty, unless you are all satisfied. I shall, therefore, try my level best to explain the subject as simply as possible.

The problem of untouchability is a matter of class struggle. This is a matter of injustice being done by one class against other class. This struggle starts as soon as you start claiming equal treatment with others.

The reason for their anger is very simple; your struggle on par with them insults them. Your status in their eyes is low, you are impure, you must remain at the lowest rung; then alone, they will allow you to live peacefully.

As regards the mental strength, the condition is still worse. For centuries, you have not only served the higher castes but also tolerated their insults and tyranny without grudge and complaint, which has killed the sense to retort and revolt. Even the slightest idea that you can do something does not arise in your mind.

Three factors are required for the uplift of an individual. They are sympathy, Equality and Liberty. Can you say by experience that any of these factors exists for you in Hinduism?

A religion which does not recognize the individual is not personally acceptable to me.

A religion in which an individual has no importance is not acceptable to me.

Do not keep company with those who believe that God is omnipresent, but treat men worse than animals; they are hypocrites. Do not keep contact with those who feed ants with sugar but kill men by prohibiting them from drinking water; they are hypocrites.

The caste Hindus and the untouchables behave in a very friendly fashion during a journey as long as they are unaware of their castes. They exchange betels, bidis, cigarettes, fruits etc. But as soon as the Hindu comes to know that the person with whom he is talking is an untouchable, a sense of hatred germinates in his mind. He thinks that he has been deceived. He gets angry and ultimately this temporary friendship ends in abuses and quarrels.

If we can gain our freedom by conversion, why should we shoulder the responsibility of reforming the Hindu religion? Looking at the problem through this angle, conversion is not the path of escapism. It is not the path of cowardice; it is the path of wisdom.

The Hindus can not destroy their castes without destroying their religion.

Some Hindus say what will happen by conversion alone? Try to improve your financial and educational status. Possibly some of our people will be confused and puzzled by such a question. Another implied meaning of the statement that ‘nothing will happen by the conversion’ means that religion is meaningless. I do not understand why then they advocate and insist upon the Untouchables to remain in the Hindu religion when they argue that religion is meaningless and that there is neither gain nor loss. If they do not find any meaning in religion, why should they unnecessarily argue on, which religion is left and which is accepted?

What is first, Economic progress or conversion? I will prefer conversion to economic reform. Untouchability is a permanent obstacle in your path of progress. And unless you remove it, your path cannot be smooth and without conversion, this hurdle cannot be removed.

If you sincerely desire that your qualifications should be valued, your education should be of some use to you, you must throw away the shackles of untouchability.

A religion which allows a touch of animals but prohibits the touch of human beings is not a religion but a mockery. A religion that compels the illiterate to remain illiterate, and the poor to remain poor, is not a religion but a punishment. If the decision is taken in favor of conversion, and the people start embracing any religion they like individually, I will not intervene in your conversion. If you decide today to be liberated, your future generations will definitely be liberated. If you decide to remain slaves, your future generations will also be slaves.

I tell you specifically that man is not for religion, religion is for man.

To become human, convert yourselves.To get organized, convert yourselves. To achieve strength, convert yourselves. To secure equality, convert yourselves. To get liberty, convert yourselves. To make your domestic life happy, convert yourselves.

Posted on October 30, 2008

Baba Saheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's Commandments

Educate Agitate Organise


Raj Kumar Oshoraj

Educate, Agitate, Organise are three final words of our savior Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Being a Buddhist Baba Saheb gave these slogans based on Buddhist Trisharans Buddham (Educate), Dhammam (Agitate), Sangham (Organise). These commandments must be kept in this order. We are not trying to find faults in others who may have used different order by changing second commandment (Agitate) as third and changed this order to Educate, Organise and Agitate. It is highly recommended to all Ambedkarites across the world to use these final words in the same order as our savior gave us. They should not only be used in this order but also practiced in this order: Educate, Agitate, Organise.

One may question as to why we must follow a particular order of these final words of Baba Saheb. It is Baba Saheb’s well thought strategic order of action to make the movement successful. One must get educated first before he can have agitated thoughts for the movement so that people can organise with his to support. A changed order of these final words of Baba Saheb may not only delay the caravan to reach it’s destination; it may also divert the direction of the caravan which can be harmful for the movement.

Educate:

Getting educated does not mean only to acquire academic designations. One must get educated about Baba Saheb’s mission and his thoughts. We must read and learn about Baba Saheb’s ideology and strategy to uplift our people.

We have people running organizations under Baba Saheb’s name for years and years but one can tell from the way they think and behave that they have no clue about Baba Saheb’s mission. The knowledge they posses about Baba Saheb is their borrowed knowledge of telephone conversations with others and they pretend to be the most dedicated followers of Baba Saheb. It could be fine if they only keep this borrowed knowledge to themselves but they start preaching to others while they hold positions in their organizations which actually hurt the movement instead of helping it.

So let’s try our utmost best to educate ourselves first about Baba Saheb’s thoughts while we wish to work for his mission.

Agitate:

The second step ‘agitate’ does not mean to agitate physically; it is a mental revolution instead. It does not mean to go out and start protesting violently on the streets without getting educated first which most probably our enemy wants us to do. After getting educated about Baba Saheb’s thoughts and strategy: we should start agitating mentally. We need an agitation of thoughts in our mind in order to move to the next stage: organise.

Organize:

Educated and agitated minds will easily organise for a common mission. We must get ourselves educated and let our thoughts agitate so that we can collectively organise. Agitated minds for a common mission will help them to unite and struggle for their common goal as one force.

When it comes to organise; one must be honest with his intentions and mission. A mere lip work never produces any results and people stay ununited. My personal experience taught me that being honestly practical about resolving any issue contributes positively. I have known people making announcements individually and in large gatherings to unite and work together. But in practice, their hidden agendas don’t let them or others unite. Their personal interests interfere in their way to make right decision and they not only remain ununited with others but they also create hurdles for others to unite. Since they can't walk their own talk; they don’t produce any effective results.

Educate, Agitate, Organise: this order must be maintained to see the effective results of the movement for the upliftment of our people. Baba Saheb had a strategic thought and well defined process for his mission to be successful. Following this order can certainly result in achieving more beneficial outcomes not only for our community but for the society as a whole.

“Babasaheb was no small genius. He was a social scientist, historian, philosopher, psychologist and a thinker. He was a titan hitting Himalayan heights. So, every word that he uttered was chosen after considerable thought. He said, "Educate, Agitate, Organise" and also added that they were his “final words”. So it has to be taken as his Three Commandments. But without going to the first floor we tried to jump to the third floor and broke our bones”……V.T. Rajshekar

Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com (April 14, 2008)
MY RECENT VISIT TO ENGLAND
 (London , Wolverhampton and Wales)
Raj Kumar Oshoraj

During my visit, I had the pleasure to meet our active members of various organizations in England . I had my first meeting with  Dr. Ambedkar Centre in London . It was a great meeting and I had the chance to share our activities in Canada with them and also learn about their works in London . Ambedkar Center is a great place which is established by our Ambedkarite Buddhists in the heart of London to spread Baba Saheb's and Lord Buddha's message to our people and to the rest of the world. Mr. C. Gautam was kind enough to make arrangements for the meeting. Mr. and Mrs. Bahal along with their whole family participated in the meeting. Couple of young men also participated in the meeting who were visiting from India and were very impressed by the fact that what they heard about Ambedkar and Lord Buddha movements in abroad was very true and they were more encouraged to go back and join hands with the activists in India to spread Lord Buddha's message of peace and religion.

One of our own media channel ambedkartimes.com   also came up in the discussion to learn about our community activities. Editor: ambedkartimes.com (Mr. Prem Kumar Chumber's labourious and tiredless efforts to maintain this channel of communication were applauded in the meeting. All present in the meeting also agreed that we must focus on the quality of our work and to keep our self educating about the challenges so that we don't fall short if we need to overcome them.

Second meeting was organised by Venerable Chander Bodhi Ji in Wolverhampton with the members of Punjab Buddhist Society  UK where a great religious discussion took place. In this meeting most of the trustees and executive members of PBS UK were present. The nucleus of the meeting was to spread Lord Buddha's message as per Dr. Ambedkar's philosophy in India and abroad, in particular in our home state of Panjab. The main focus of the discussion in this meeting was to spread Lord Buddha's message in our community since this was the religious direction also showed by our savior Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar. All participating in the meeting were of the opinion that to follow Buddhism is a real tribute to Baba Saheb and our community needs to be educated about why Baba Saheb wanted us to have a religious identity which he lead by example and proved by returning to Buddhism in 1956 with his more than half a million followers.

The presence of ladies was overwhelming to my surprise in both of these meetings at London and Wolverhampton which was very encouraging.

Mr. V. T. Rajshekar (Editor: Dalit Voice) was also visting London during this time. Mr. V .T. Rajshekar was there to release his new book ' Know The Hindu Mind' and I had the pleasure to meet him too. Mr. V.T. Rajshekar who is also known as Mr. VTR was kind enough to take his time to meet with me and discuss current issues of our community. During our conversation, he was very honest and serious about the interests of our community and in specific social equality in present India . He also added that we must have our own media that can represent our people and educate them on an ongoing basis. Mr. VTR also expressed his concern about our community not getting into the habit of educating itself by reading daily news and sending their comments to our media regardless it is big or small and we must peddle to the metal.

Finally, I was able to meet an icon who is serving our community to spread Lord Buddha's and Dr. Ambedkar's mission in India and abroad almost for over four decades and his name is well known to all: Mr. Chanan Chahal. This meeting was made possible by another icon of our community Mr. M.S. Bahal. Since Mr. Chahal lives at alomost five hours drive from London but Mr. Bahal was fired up to have this meeting among three of us. Mr. Chahal expressed a deep concern about the religious guidance of our community and also stress the fact that we must use all sources of communication available to us and educate our community about the philosophy of Lord Buddha and Baba Saheb. He also shared his future plans to publish literature on the challenges of the community and a possible direction to overcome them. Mr. Bahal was also of the opinion that we must not turn a blind eye on the issues and repond to the challenges to control them on time.

In conclusion, I was impressed by the activities we perform on this side of the planet in North America are not of any lesser value or volume than other parts of the world. It gave me a tremendous encouragement to continue the work we are doing here to promote Lord Buddha's message of Dhamma and Baba Saheb's philosophy about our community.

On behalf on Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, Canada and personally, I appreciate all those organizations and inviduals who took there time to share their activities and future plans and gave commitment to work together for the common goal of our community.The most valuable learning I got from these meetings is to continue on our path to educate ourself so that we can share that learning and work more effectively in the mission of Baba Saheb and our religious guide Lord Buddha.

May Lord Buddha bless all with peace, happiness and good health!

(Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com September 22, 2008 )

Lord Buddha:

The Greatest Son of India and World Peace Emblem

By: Raj Kumar Oshoraj

Buddhism is also known as Buddha Dhamma, which means ‘teachings of the Awakened One’ in Sanskrit and Pali: languages of ancient India . Buddhism began around the 5th century BCE in India with the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who is also known as ‘The Buddha’ which means the one who is awakened.

Siddhartha Gautama was his name before he left home in search of ultimate truth at the age of twenty eight and after seven years of continuous painful laborious search; he attained enlightenment and was called ‘The Buddha’ whom we also know today as ‘The Lord Buddha’. He is also referred with other names as Bhagwan Buddha, Gautama Buddha, Tathagata and Sakyamuni Buddha etc. Buddha died at the age of eighty and preached Dhamma daily for forty five years. Buddha: Siddhartha Gautama, the historical founder of Buddhism, was born in Lumbini - a place situated in modern Nepal .

The historical Buddha lived around the sixth century BCE. Emperor ‘Ashoka the Great’, who converted to Buddhism and made it a popular religion in India and beyond. It could be said here that he was the first revivalist of Buddhism. Today, Buddhism is the fourth largest religion of the world.

Full moon day of May is the most important day for practicing Buddhists all around the world. Three important events are related to this day: Visakha: Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing away. Each year it is celebrated on full moon day of May and this year it’s on May 19, 2008 in Canada . It is called ‘Visakha’ in Pali language (Buddha preached in Pali) which is also known as Vaisakha in Sanskrit and Vesak in Sinhalese (Sri Lankan) language.

After attaining enlightenment; Buddha preached daily for forty five years for the welfare of the humanity. Here is what Buddha realized and preached after attaining enlightenment.

Four Noble Truths

  • There are sufferings in life (Though life itself is not a suffering)
  • The cause of suffering is craving (Endless desires)
  • By stopping the craving, suffering is stopped (End your desires to end suffering)
  • The way to ending craving is to follow the Eightfold Path (This path will tell you how to end desires and craving)

The Eightfold Path

The Buddha created The Eightfold Path as a way to end the suffering of humanity. These eight aspects help the seeker of truth to become aware about the reasons for these sufferings. As the seeker is becoming more and more aware about his consciousness it helps him to achieve the final goal of Nirvana (ultimate state of peace and happiness).

Eightfold Path:

  • Right Viewpoint - Realizing the Four Noble Truths
  • Right Values - Commitment to mental and ethical growth in moderation
  • Right Speech - One speaks in a non hurtful, truthful way
  • Right Actions - Avoiding actions that can harm others
  • Right Livelihood - One's job/work does not harm in any way: directly or indirectly
  • Right Effort - One makes an effort to improve in all aspects of life
  • Right Mindfulness - Mental ability to see things as they are with clear awareness
  • Right Concentration - A state of enlightenment where ego can disappear

Panchsheel

All religions of the world have fundamental teachings for their followers. Panchsheel in Buddhism is the basic teachings of The Buddha to help all to behave in the society such a way that no one harms anyone including themselves.

The Five Precepts:

  • No killing : Respect for life
  • No stealing : Respect for others’ property
  • No sexual misconduct : Respect for our pure nature
  • No lying : Respect for honesty
  • No intoxicants : Respect for a clear and normal mind

Tripitaka

Buddhism has religious scriptures like other religions of the world. It is formally called Tripitaka simply because it is divided into three categories. In the ancient days the writings of Tripitaka were memorized and recited orally by Buddha’s disciples. They are traditionally classified in three baskets ( tri-pi ṭ ak a ) in the following order:

  • Vinaya Pitaka : Code of Ethics for Monks and Nuns
  • Sutra Pitaka : Buddha’s teachings (contains more than 10000 sutras)
  • Abhidharma Pitaka : Contains Buddha’s higher teachings with philosophical and psychological discussion

Dhammapada (path of the dhamma) is part of Sutra Pitaka which contains 423 verses in 26 categories spoken by Buddha on various occasions.

Buddha’s India

India is proud of her great son ‘Lord Buddha’ and applauded by world community on international platform for Buddha’s contributions to the humanity. India has embraced his teachings and remembered Lord Buddha by having him on most important symbols of the nation: National Emblem of India and Dhamma Chakra in Indian Flag.

National Emblem of India

The national emblem of India is an adaptation of Buddhist Lion which is on Indian currency also. The original sandstone-sculpted Lion Capital of Ashoka preserved at Sarnath Museum which was originally erected around 250 BCE atop an Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath. The angle from which this picture has been taken, minus the inverted bell-shaped lotus flower, has been adopted as the National Emblem of India showing the Horse on the left and the Bull on the right of the Ashoka Chakra in the circular base on which the four Indian lions are standing back to back. On the far side there is an Elephant and a Lion instead. The wheel "Ashoka Chakra" from its base has been placed onto the centre of the National Flag of India . (www.wikipedia.org)

Dharma Chakra

This Dharma Chakra (Ashoka Chakra) depicted the "wheel of righteousness" in the Sarnath Lion Capital made by the 3rd-century BC Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (a Buddhist King). The ‘Ashoka Chakra’ in the centre of the white is the wheel of the law of dharma. Truth or dharma or virtue ought to be the controlling principle of those who work under this flag. Again, the wheel denotes motion. There is death in stagnation. There is life in movement. India should no more resist change, it must move and go forward. The wheel represents the dynamism of a peaceful change. (www.wikipedia.org)

Teachings of Lord Buddha

Buddha preached and taught based on logic and rational. His Kalama Sutta is staunch evidence of this. The Kalama Sutta ( Sanskrit: Kalama Sutra) is a Buddhist sutta in the Anguttara Nikaya of the Tipitaka. Kalama sutta is also called Buddha's charter of free inquiry. After observation and analysis, when it agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.

In this sutta, Gautama Buddha passes through the village of Kesaputta (in ancient Kurukshetra state and presently known as Haryana state in India) and is greeted by the people who live there: the Kalamas. The Kalamas greet the Buddha and ask for advice. According to the Kalamas, many wandering holy men and ascetics pass through the village, expounding their teachings and criticizing others'. The Kalamas ask the Buddha whose teachings they should follow. In response, he delivered a sutta that serves as an entry-point to Buddhist beliefs to those unconvinced by revelatory experiences.

The Buddha instructs the Kalama People on which basis one should decide which religious teaching to accept as true. The Buddha tells the Kalamas to not just believe religious teachings because they are claimed to be true by various sources or through the application of various methods and techniques. He urges that direct knowledge from one's own experience should be called upon. He notably does not, however, say (contrary to popular misconception) that his own teachings should not be accepted or not accorded trust: rather, he counsels that the words of the wise should be heeded and taken into account when deciding upon the value of a teaching.

Do not believe in traditions merely because they have been handed down for many generations and in many places; do not believe in anything because it is rumoured and spoken of by many; do not believe because the written statements of some old sage is produced; do not believe in what you have fancied, thinking that because it is extraordinary, it must have been implanted by a deva or a wonderful being.

Kalamas, when you yourselves know: "These things are good; these things are not blamable; these things are praised by the wise; undertaken and observed, these things lead to benefit and happiness," enter on and abide in them.' (www.wikipedia.org)

Buddhists are reminded to live in harmony with people of other faiths and to respect the beliefs of other people as the Buddha had taught. May all living beings be happy! These were the very last words Buddha spoke:

"Behold, O monks, this is my last advice to you. All component things in the world are changeable. They are not lasting. Work hard to gain your own salvation. Do your best. "

(Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com May 19, 2008 )


RETURNING TO BUDDHISM

Raj Kumar Oshoraj
Vice President
Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, Canada


October 14, 2007, Baba Sahib’s 51st Conversion Anniversary will be celebrated in India and around the globe. Last year alone, on the 50th anniversary of the conversion, worldwide notable mass conversions took place in India. Approximately 30 lakhs (3million) people returned to their original religion Buddhism. In my opinion, these conversions should be called ‘Returning to original religion’ instead.

As well, all participants have a moral duty to discharge their responsibility to follow Baba Sahib’s thoughts and not only follow his mission but also push forward his caravan to fulfill his dream to see India as a Buddhist nation.
Conversion Day (Diksha Diwas) celebrations are a tribute to the messiah of dalits. However, a real tribute is to give a serious thought to his decision as to why did he quit Hinduism and returned to his original religion Buddhism. At the same time it is a wakeup call for all those dalits who are flourishing other social and spiritual sects without actually enjoying the basic privileges of the religion in there.

Especially the dalits living abroad are knowledgeable and capable of understanding the need of a religion in today’s world either for mere religious reasons or to live a satisfied life from all aspects i.e. social, political and religious. One must be practical about these celebrations and continue fulfilling Baba Sahib’s mission on a daily basis, and then only, these celebrations can be considered a real tribute to Baba Sahib.

Baba Sahib himself quoted the following in one of his address in Poona on January 18, 1940.
“Addresses delivered on anniversaries of great men are generally occasional pieces. They do not have much permanent value.” ……B.R. Ambedkar.

Let’s be honest with ourselves and celebrate Baba Sahib’s 51st anniversary of his returning to his original religion: Buddhism.Such occasions must lead one and all to think about what is their religious status in the world.

One must be forced to ask the following questions:

Do I have a religion that I can call it my own?
Does my religion allow me to participate in, from the lowest to the highest order of my religious committees?
Does my religion treat all individuals same regardless of their caste, color and race?
Does my religion provide me self respect, equality, fraternity, justice and liberty?
And if one answers “YES” to any of these questions; he/she may not need to spend time to read the full attached article of Baba Sahib. But if the answer is “No” to any of these questions, one must read on the attached speech of Baba Sahib:“Why go for conversion?”


It’s my honest confession that I can’t meliorate Baba Sahib’s thoughts not only about this specific matter but also about the rest of the issues. Like some other writers may try to be better than Baba Sahib; I will make every diligent effort not to make this faux pas. I rather share Baba Sahib’s thoughts about the issue.

Posted on October 13, 2007
 
Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, Canada
Remembering Sahib Kanshi Ram

Exaggeration……..not at all if we call Babu Kanshi Ram Ji as one and the only successor of Baba Sahib Dr. B. R. Ambedkar to date.

Late Babu Kanshi Ram Ji not only followed Baba Sahib’s dream for his people to “EDUCATE, AGITATE AND ORGANIZE” he fulfilled this dream of Baba Sahib in the real sense too.

Babu Kanshi Ram Ji started fulfilling Baba Sahib’s dream from his childhood: he EDUCATED himself by achieving a professional degree from the university. He AGITATED throughout the country for human rights, justice and liberty. And finally Babu Kanshi Ram Ji ORGANIZED a National Political Party (BSP) to be the rulers of the society. As we all know; Bahujan Samaj Party is now ruling the biggest state of the biggest democratic country of the world.

He faced numerous challenges from our own people. People try to defame and discourage him by writing against his mission but it never stopped him from going forward. He kept his caravan moving and only moving to have success. He proved all his critics wrong and we all know that.

We all should learn a lesson from his life to deserve before we desire. He not only prepared himself to be where he was today but also prepared his whole community. Babu Kanshi Ram Ji was very practical about his mission. He took the lead role to work with his people and never expected miracles to happen.

Even though all his final rituals were performed in Buddhism but his last dream which he declared long ago to return to his original religion – BUDDHISM in 2006 is now a responsibility of all of us to fulfill as a tribute to him.

On his first death anniversary, for his great contribution to the Bahujan Society and Buddhism: We all salute him!!

Members: Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, Canada

Posted on October 09, 2007

MY VISIT TO CALIFORNIA

During my recent visit to California (USA) from August 16th -27th, 2007 I had the pleasure meeting with our organizations that are working actively for the upliftment of our community.

Among these organizations there were Shri Guru Ravidas Sabha Bay Area, Ambedkar Education Aid Society Fremont, IBO and Ambedkarite Buddhist gentlemen.

Firstly I met, an Ambedkarite and Buddhist who had spent a great deal of time serving our community in Toronto and now he is actively working for our community from Yuba City (California, USA) and he is very well known to the active workers of our community: he is Mr. Mohan Gill.

He shared his wealth of practical experience with me about how we can be released from the leprosy of castism that has been around us for thousands and thousands of years.

Mr. Gill commended Baba Sahib Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's contributions for our community and at the same time he felt sad for all those who claim to understand Baba Sahib's mission but do not follow his path to liberation from castism by embracing Buddhism. He also felt grief-stricken for people who are propagating Baba Sahib but don't spend enough time to understand his mission by themselves. But he was very optimistic about the future of Buddhism in India and abroad.

Secondly, Mr. Prem Kumar Chumber (Ambedkartimes.Com) was kind enough to lend his time to meet me. We had a great time discussing about the advantages of Electronic Media in 21st century and the role of Ambedkartimes.com. His website is the first of its kind that is bringing our people together to share their thoughts and also making them aware about the community activities around the globe. Mr. Chumber also shared his thoughts about facing and upgrading the website in near future. He seemed to me that he is very well up to date with the new technology and very keen to provide his services for the community. I was really impressed with his interest and dedication to continue this project without any personal financial benefit to him.

The credit goes to Mr. Prem Kumar Chumber for making arrangements for me to meet Shri Guru Ravidas Sabha Bay Area, California (USA) on Sunday. It was great opportunity for me to share my views with our brothers and sisters in this gathering which had blessing of Sant Shri 108 Sant Amar Dass Ji Dera Sherpur Dhakkon Near Mahil Pur Barian District Hoshiarpur (Punjab) I was able to share the common mission with the sangat to get social equality for our people from the times of Lord Buddha - Shri Guru Ravidas and all the way to the struggle of Baba Sahib Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. Sangat was very appreciative and they provided me their full co-operation to deliver my message.

After the Sunday Gurudwara at noon we had a meeting with some of the active community workers in the evening. They all felt the burning need of electronic media in today’s world. Mr. Prem Clumber’s services of his website were appreciated by all and also everyone assured him the ongoing support. Everyone also shared their practical experiences of social injustices here and in India. All were concerned to remove the social inequality based on castism and commended Baba Sahib's contribution for our community to show us social, economic, political and religious direction. The following gentlemen were present in the meeting...Vinod Kumar Chumber, Sucha Ram Bharta, Baldev Suman, Dharam Paul Jhamat, Prem Kumar Chumber.................................

The following Saturday, Mr. Amrik Chand, a great personality, a great Ambedkarite and a great Buddhist also arranged another collective meeting with all representatives of the local organizations. The meeting was scheduled at Golden Peacock Banquet Hall in San Jose. Mr. Ram Murti Saroy, a well known personality in San Jose and the owner of the Banquet Hall also participated in the meeting. The meeting lasted for almost for five hours. The following gentlemen were present in the meeting: Amrik Chand, Kewal Bolina, Ram Murti Saroy, Ramesh Chander, Surinder Soni, Chander Mohan, Satnam Ram, Ram Lal, Surinder Saroy, Balbir Thind, Sonu Ambedkar, Bhupinder Singh, Major Kumar, Ram Gopal, Paramjit Rai, Randhir Suman.

A great extent of thoughts was exchanged in this meeting. I was given the opportunity to present my thoughts first and share my views with all present in the meeting which was followed by questions to me. All possible opportunities and challenges were discussed during this meeting by all participants. The main theme of the meeting was to find the best possible opportunities for all active workers to help promote the message of our Maha Purkhas and make every possible effort to achieve their dreams.

I was impressed by the questions raised by the participants since all those questions were very common for our community living in India and abroad except some questions. Issues were raised as to what we can do to improve the current condition of our community living in India and abroad. How can we get together and what could be done to bring our community at one platform. But the underlined concern of all participants was the same as all others living abroad that we must stand together for our community. All agreed to commend Guru Ravidas, Baba Sahib Dr. Ambedkar for their struggle to help our community to bring it where we are today. I felt a burning flame in their hearts to do something good for our community.

I enjoyed my trip with my family to California, USA even though I must admit the weather in California 35-40 Celsius was above normal for us as compared to our weather in Canada.

On behalf of INDIAN BUDDHIST SOCIETY TORONTO, CANADA .......I personally thank all of them who took their time to meet me during my trip to California and shared their thoughts with me. I assure them that their time is appreciated and all their thoughts will be considered and given a collective attention to help and support our community

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