JOIN USIn a press release, he said that the Dalits cannot expect eradication of untouchability by embracing Buddhism. There will not be much change in the status of the Dalits if they embrace Buddhism. Instead the Dalits culture will be destroyed by the same.
“By embracing Buddhism, the Dalits are giving up the gods, goddesses, and deities, whom they had worshiped for so long. However, the only consolation is that Buddhism has evolved from Hinduism and that is why even Buddhism believes in the concept of heaven, hell, sin, and reincarnation,” he said.
The seer said that he was ready to give ‘Bhakti Deekshe’ or ‘Vaishnava Deekshe’ to the Dalits. This deekshe can be divided into two categories: samanya deekshe and vishesha deekshe. Under samanya deekshe, people need not give up consumption of meat and liquor. There will be no rigid rules. They can chant simple mantras. Under the special religious initiation, people will have to give up the consumption of meat and liquor.
Those interested in these deekshe may contact: Manager, Vijayadhwaja Mandira, Pejawar Mutt, Udupi.