April 14--Jai Bhim!

My first child was born on the day that Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born. He was born untouchable in the caste system of India in 1891. He would sit outside the classroom and watch the teacher at the blackboard, because his untouchability meant he could not come inside. He went on to get a PhD in the USA, and one in England. He helped write the India constitution and served as it's first justice minister. He said he was born a Hindu, but he wasn't going to die a Hindu. He studied world religions and decided to convert to Buddhism. Unfortunately he died 6 weeks after his conversion ceremony and left the Dalit movement of Buddhists without a leader. Some of those Buddhists joined in the Triratna Buddhist Community and thrive today. Jai Bhim! Nagabodhi has a lovely book about his time in India learning about this movement. Many other Buddhists have worked hard to continue this movement. It is a community to be proud of. Jai Bhim!