The philosophical divide between the Buddha and the Vedic Rishis marks a significant turning point in Indian history. While the Vedas, composed by ancient sages, focused on hymns, rituals, and speculative theories about the universe. Buddha rejected these traditions in favor of rational inquiry and ethical living. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s analysis of this contrast highlights how the Buddha’s rejection of the Vedas was not merely theological but a challenge to the Brahmanical social order. This article explores the Vedic theories of creation, the Buddha’s critique of ritualism, and the revolutionary shift towards reason, morality, and equality that shaped his Dhamma.

PART V: The Buddha and His Dhamma – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Vedas and Rishis (The Buddha and the Vedic Rishis)

• The Vedas are collections of hymns (prayers) composed and recited by Rishis (sages) in ancient India.
• These hymns are primarily prayers addressed to various gods, such as Indra, Varuna, Agni, Soma, Prajapati, Brahma, and Yama.
• The central theme of these prayers is seeking divine favor for protection against enemies, material prosperity, and worldly pleasures.
• Offerings of food, meat, and wine were made to the gods in hopes of gaining their blessings.
• Despite being considered sacred, the Vedas do not contain a deep or structured philosophy; rather, they are primarily ritualistic and poetic in nature.
• Some Vedic sages attempted to theorize about the origins of the universe, but their ideas were largely speculative and lacked systematic reasoning.

Theories of Different Vedic Sages

Several Vedic sages proposed different theories regarding the creation of the universe:

• Aghamarsana: Believed that the world originated from Tapas (heat), which then led to the creation of time, the sun, moon, and earth.
• Brahmanaspati: Proposed that the universe emerged from non-existence (nothingness).
• Prajapati Parmesthin: Suggested that water was the primal substance of creation, transformed by Kama (Cosmic Desire) into life.
• Anila: Held that Vayu (air) was the fundamental element responsible for life.
• Dirghatamas: Claimed that the sun was the ultimate force behind all life and that fire and lightning were manifestations of the same elemental power.
• Narayana: Believed that Purusha (a divine being) was the first cause of creation and shaped the universe.
• Hiranyagarbha: Asserted that creation began from Hiranyagarbha (golden germ), an entity linked to fire and cosmic order.
• Vishvakarman: Stated that God existed before all else and was the true architect of the universe.

These theories, while diverse, lacked empirical evidence or logical consistency and were rooted in mystical speculation rather than rational inquiry.

The Buddha’s View on the Vedas and Rishis (The Buddha and the Vedic Rishis)

• The Buddha was deeply critical of the Vedas and their authors, the Rishis.
• While he acknowledged the existence of a few wise Rishis, he found their hymns to be devoid of true moral or philosophical depth.
• He compared the Vedas to a barren desert, emphasizing their irrelevance to the pursuit of truth and human well-being.
• The Buddha rejected the metaphysical speculations of Vedic sages, arguing that their theories were mere guesses without logical foundation.
• Unlike the Rishis, who relied on rituals and hymns to seek divine intervention, the Buddha sought a rational and practical path to understanding existence and alleviating human suffering.
• He dismissed the idea that religious rituals, sacrifices, and the recitation of hymns could lead to enlightenment or salvation.
• The Buddha emphasized personal experience, empirical observation, and ethical conduct over blind faith in scriptural authority.
• He advocated for Dhamma (moral law) as a means of achieving liberation from suffering, rather than relying on the speculative philosophies of the Vedas.
• The Buddha saw the caste-based hierarchy promoted by the Vedic texts as a tool of oppression and actively opposed it, advocating for equality and justice instead.

The Significance of the Buddha’s Rejection of the Vedas

• The Buddha’s rejection of the Vedas marked a radical departure from traditional Brahmanical thought.
• By discarding the authority of the Vedas, he laid the foundation for a more egalitarian and rational approach to spirituality.
• His teachings shifted the focus from ritualistic worship to ethical living, self-awareness, and mindfulness.
• This rejection also challenged the dominance of the Brahmin class, which used the Vedas to justify social inequalities and maintain its supremacy.
• The Buddha’s Dhamma emphasized compassion, wisdom, and the pursuit of enlightenment through self-effort, rather than reliance on divine intervention or religious dogma.

Conclusion (The Buddha and the Vedic Rishis)

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s analysis of the Buddha’s views on the Vedas and Rishis highlights the contrast between ritualistic tradition and rational thought. While the Vedic sages speculated about creation and performed elaborate rituals, the Buddha sought practical solutions to human suffering. His rejection of the Vedas was not just a theological stance but a revolutionary challenge to an oppressive social order. By emphasizing morality, reason, and human dignity over blind faith, the Buddha paved the way for a more just and enlightened society.

Through his teachings, he offered an alternative to the Brahmanical system, inspiring generations to seek truth through wisdom, compassion, and self-exploration.