530 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
Meaning :
(1. I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from killing living beings.
I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from taking things not given.
I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from sexual misconduct.
I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from false speech.
I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs.)
In this way Mahasthavir Chadramani initiated Dr. Babasaheb and Maisaheb Ambedkar to Buddhism.
Thereafter Dr. B. R. Ambedkar garlanded the idol of Buddha and bowed thrice before it.
The conversion ceremony for the masses started at 10 a. m. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar proclaimed that, those who are willing to renounce Hindu religion and embrace Buddhism should stand with folded hands and recite Trisharan and Panchsheela after him. In response to this proclamation, the whole gathering stood up and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar initiated them to Buddhism.
As a part of this Ceremony Dr. B. R. Ambedkar got recited the 22 Oaths from the people, which are as follows :
“1. I shall have no faith in Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, nor shall I worship them.
I shall have no faith in Rama and Krishna, nor shall I worship them.
I shall have no faith in ‘Gouri’, ‘Ganpathi’ and other Gods and Goddesses of Hindu religion, nor shall I worship them.
I do not believe in the theory of incarnation of Gods.