What is Not Dhamma. - Page 283

z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 04.indd MK SJ+YS 5 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 264

264 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES

60. It is thus clear that all the functions of a sentient being are performed by the sentient being through and as a result of consciousness.

III

61. After this analysis the Buddha asked what are the functions which are left to be performed by the soul ? All functions assigned to the soul are performed by consciousness.

62. A soul without any function is an absurdity.

63. This is how the Buddha disproved the existence of the soul.

64. That is why the existence of the soul cannot be a part of Dhamma.

§ 5. Belief in Sacrifices is Not—Dhamma

(i)

1. The Brahmanic religion was based upon sacrifices.

2. Some sacrifices were classified as Nittya and other sacrifices were classified as Naimitik.

3. The Nittya sacrifices were obligations and had to be performed whether one got any fruit therefrom or not.

4. The Naimittitik sacrifices were performed when the performer wanted to gain something by way of worldly advantage.

5. The Brahmanic sacrifices involved drinking, killing animals and merry-making.

6. Yet these sacrifices were held as religious observances.

7. The Buddha declined to regard a religion based on sacrifices as worth having.

8. He has given his reasons to many a Brahmin who went to have a controversy with him as to why sacrifices were not part of religion.

9. It is reported that there were three Brahmins who had a controversy with him on the subject.

10. They were Kutadanta, Ujjaya and the third was Udayin.

11. Kutadanta the Brahmin requested the Blessed