Indians today are governed by two different ideologies. Their political ideal set in the preamble of the Constitution affirms a life of liberty, equality and fraternity. Their social ideal embodied in their religion denies them.
B. R. AmbedkarRead
That the object of the Brahmins in giving up beef-eating was to snatch away from the Buddhist Bhikshus the supremacy they had acquired is evidenced by the adoption of vegetarianism by Brahmins.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that Brahmins adopted vegetarianism to undermine the Buddhist Bhikshus' status.
In this quote, B. R. Ambedkar discusses the historical context of dietary practices among Brahmins and Buddhists. He argues that the Brahmins' choice to adopt vegetarianism was not solely based on ethical grounds but was a strategic move to challenge and diminish the influence of Buddhist monks, who had gained a superior social standing. This reflects on broader themes of social competition and cultural practices in the context of Indian religious traditions.
Themes
BrahminsBuddhismVegetarianismCultural PracticesSocial Status
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about cultural dietary practices in a sociology class.
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