Babasaheb Ambedkar, "Riddles in Hinduism" (Riddle#22):
"The Hindu Religious and Philosophic thought gave rise to an idea which had greater potentialities for producing social democracy than the idea of fraternity. It is the doctrine of Brahmaism […]. 1/n
"The Hindu Religious and Philosophic thought gave rise to an idea which had greater potentialities for producing social democracy than the idea of fraternity. It is the doctrine of Brahmaism […]. 1/n
The essence of Brahmaism is summed up in a dogma which is stated in three different forms. They are—(i) Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma—All this is Brahma. (ii) Aham Brahmasmi—Atmana (Self) is the same as Brahma. Therefore I am Brahma. 2/n
(iii) Tattvamasi—Atmana (Self) is the same as Brahma. Therefore thou art also Brahma. […]
The essence of Brahmaism is that the world is real and the reality behind the world is Brahma. Everything therefore is of the essence of Brahma. 3/n
The essence of Brahmaism is that the world is real and the reality behind the world is Brahma. Everything therefore is of the essence of Brahma. 3/n
It may well be that Brahma is unknowable. But all the same this theory of Brahma has certain social implications which have a tremendous value as a foundation for Democracy. 4/n
If all persons are parts of Brahma then all are equal and all must enjoy the same liberty which is what Democracy means. 5/n
Looked at from this point of view Brahma may be unknowable. But there cannot be slightest doubt that no doctrine could furnish a stronger foundation for Democracy than the doctrine of Brahma. 6/n
To support Democracy because we are all children of God is a very weak foundation for Democracy to rest on. That is why Democracy is so shaky wherever it made to rest on such a foundation. 7/n
But to recognize and realize that you and I are parts of the same cosmic principle leaves room for no other theory of associated life except democracy. It does not merely preach Democracy. It makes democracy an obligation of one and all. 8/n
Western students of Democracy have spread the belief that Democracy has stemmed either from Christianity or from Plato and that there is no other source of inspiration for democracy. 9/n
If they had known that India too had developed the doctrine of Brahmaism which furnishes a better foundation for Democracy they would not have been so dogmatic. India too must be admitted to have a contribution towards a theoretical foundation for Democracy. 10/10
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