- People often say that the word ‘Dhamma’ is merely a Pali replacement for the Sanskrit word ‘Dharma’. This can be true linguistically, but the content of these two words is radically and fundamentally different.
- ‘Dharma’ according to the Brahmins, and as propounded in the Purvamimansa of Jamini, only meant the performances of certain ‘Karmas’. These ‘Karmas’ meant the practice of rituals or observances of ‘Yagas’, ‘Yagnas’ and ‘Sacrifices to Gods’.
- This ‘Dharma’ of ‘Karmas’ (rituals and observances) is the essence & foundation of Brahamanic or Vedic Religion. It has nothing to do with ‘Morality’.
- However, ‘Dhamma’ as used by Lord Buddha had nothing to do with rituals or observances. In fact, he repudiated the Yagas and Yagnas as being the essence of religion.
- Lord Buddha replaced ‘Karmas’ with ‘Morality’ as the essence of his ‘Dhamma’.
- Lord Buddha was the first teacher in the world who made ‘Morality’ the essence and foundation of his religion.
- He thus propounded a most revolutionary meaning of the word ‘Dhamma’.
- We see many global Buddhists and Non-Buddhists using ‘Dharma’ instead of Buddha’s ‘Dhamma’.
- This leads to confusion which is harmful to humanity, because of the spread of the kind of Buddhism that has been corrupted by the Brahmanical doctrines of inequality and injustice.
- So, in order to stop the confusion and corruption and to work for the welfare and benefit of all beings, it is the sincere responsibility of Ambedkarites to clarify this basic difference between ’Dhamma’ and ‘Dharma’.
May all beings be happy, healthy, safe and secure.
Jai Bhim!
Written by Baudhkāro Vruttant
