z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 05.indd MK SJ+YS 5 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 325
RELIGION AND DHAMMA
325
state of society is that it sets up a number of different models and standards.
In the absence of common models and common standards society cannot he a harmonious whole.
With such different models and standards it is impossible for the individual to attain consistency of mind.
A society which rests upon the supremacy of one group over another irrespective of its rational or proportionate claims inevitably leads to conflict.
The only way to put a stop to conflict is to have common rules of morality which are sacred to all.
There is the third factor which requires morality to be made sacred and universal. It is to safeguard the growth of the individual.
Under the struggle for existence or under group rule the interests of the individuals are not safe.
The group set-up prevents an individual from acquiring consistency of mind which is possible only when society has common ideals, common models. His thoughts are led astray and this creates a mind whose seeing unity is forced and distorted.
Secondly the group set-up leads to discrimination and denial of justice.
The group set-up leads to stratification of classes. Those who are masters remain masters and those who are born in slavery remain slaves. Owners remain owners and workers remain workers. The privileged remain privileged and the serfs remain serfs.
This means that there can be liberty for some but not for all. This means that there can be equality for a few but none for the majority.
What is the remedy ? The only remedy lies in making fraternity universally effective.
What is fraternity ? It is nothing but another name for brotherhood of men which is another name for morality.
This is why the Buddha preached that Dhamma is morality and as Dhamma is sacred so is morality.
IV