BACKGROUND:
Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar prescribed these vows so that:
1. There may be complete severance of bond with the old Hindu customs that promote superstition and caste which in turn hinders fraternity, human progress and scientific temper
2. To protect Buddhism from unnecessary confusion, contradictions and adulteration
These vows were administered by Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar after the official conversion ceremony on 14th October 1956 and then again on15th October 1956 in Marathi
(REFERENCE: Ambedkar Speaks, Volume 2 edited by Narendra Jadhav)
THE VOWS:
(1) I shall have no faith in Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, nor shall I worship them
(2) I shall have no faith in Rama and Krishna, nor shall I worship them
(3) I shall have no faith in “Gouri”, “Ganpati” and other gods and goddesses of Hindu religion, nor shall I worship them
(4) I do not believe in the theory of incarnation of gods
(5) I do not and shall not believe that the Lord Buddha was the incarnation of Vishnu. I believe this to be, mischievous and false propaganda
(6) I shall not perform “Shraaddha” nor, shall I give “Pind-daan”
(7) I shall not act in any manner contrary to the principles and teachings of the Buddha
(8) I shall not perform any ceremonythrough Brahmins
(9) I believe in the equality of mankind
(10) I shall endeavour to establish equality
(11) I shall follow the Eightfold Path taught by the Buddha
(12) I shall follow the “Ten Paramitas” enunciated by the Buddha
(13) I shall be compassionate to all living beings and nurture them with care
(14) I shall not steal
(15) I shall not lie
(16) I shall not commit carnal sins
(17) I shall not consume liquor
(18) I shall strive to lead my life in conformity with the three principles of Buddhism, that is, Pradnya (wisdom), Sila (character) and Karuna (compassion)
(19) I hereby embrace Buddhism by renouncing my old Hindu religion which is detrimental to the prosperity to human kind, and discriminate human beings and treat them low
(20) I firmly believe that the Buddha Dhamma is the Saddhamma
(21) I believe I am entering a new life
(22) Hereafter, I pledge to conduct myself in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha
