Ratnesh Katulkar
Navayāna constitutes a global and universal philosophy. Numerous authors have written on its diverse dimensions, and many books have presented its perspectives. Yet, regrettably, no single comprehensive volume has thus far been available on this entire philosophy. For this reason, as soon as the proposal for the present work was received, we immediately initiated the process of publication.
Written in a style that is simple, practical, engaging, yet rational and affirmative, this book will serve as an excellent medium for new readers of Buddhism to gain accurate knowledge of the Dhamma. At the same time, it will acquaint those who have long identified themselves as Buddhists—but who remain bound, in some respects, to antiquated beliefs—with the authentic Dhamma.
The author notes that some critics have objected to the notion of “Navayāna philosophy,” remarking: “Are there not already enough divisions, that you now introduce Navayāna to create yet another?”
While such questions may be well-intentioned, they betray a lack of historical awareness. Buddhism—or Dhamma, as we call it—has never been monolithic, except perhaps in its earliest phase. Over time, diverse sects and multiple branches within the same sect have emerged, sometimes for practical reasons, sometimes for doctrinal ones. Each school has tended to regard its own interpretation as correct, while dismissing others as flawed.
In this context, the articulation of Navayāna philosophy does not represent an unnecessary division, but rather an honest inquiry into truth—one that sets aside inherited dogmas and beliefs. Its guiding principle may be summarised in Kabir’s words as: “Neither friendship nor enmity with anyone.” This book is, in essence, a practical analysis of the Kālāma Sutta.
Some readers, upon hearing the term Navayāna, immediately associate it exclusively with Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. To do so, however, is to confine the great Dhammakranti (Dhamma Revolution) of 1956 within narrow limits. This book demonstrates that the roots of Navayāna are far deeper. In particular, its beginnings lie in the Buddhist Renaissance, when British explorers and scholars first inscribed the Buddha, Emperor Aśoka, and Buddhist culture into the pages of history. Before this, the Buddha was often regarded as a mythological figure, akin to numerous deities.
This scholarly rediscovery drew many intellectuals toward Buddhist philosophy, resulting in a body of works that redefined Buddhism. In South India, Professor P. L. Narasu, a physicist, and in Maharashtra, Ācārya Dharmanand Kosambi, stripped away layers of superstition and dogma that had accumulated upon Buddhism. Their writings profoundly influenced Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who carried the movement forward with far greater force and energy. Thinkers such as Dr. Bhadant Ānand Kausalyāyan were also deeply impacted by these efforts, and the process continues to this day.
The endeavour was not confined to India; its resonance reached Thailand, Japan, and Western countries, where the philosophy now spreads with vigour. This book examines the arguments and studies of these thinkers, enabling readers to recognize that Navayāna is not the product of the author’s imagination, but rather a quest for a universal and timeless truth.
Composed with a scientific and humanistic outlook, setting aside dogma, belief, and tradition, this book will appeal to all open-minded individuals, irrespective of caste, religion, or region. Yet, for those who sustain hypocrisy, superstition, discrimination, injustice, and exploitation under the shadow of religion—particularly Buddhism—this work will not only prove unsettling, but will serve as the last nail in the coffin of such beliefs.
Undoubtedly, traditionalists are numerous, and their books are plentiful, but there is no cause for despair. Our publishing house is fully prepared to meet this challenge. Our objective is to present a Navayāna-based interpretation of the entire Tipiṭaka literature.
Our forthcoming volume, Questions of Milinda: Milinda Pañha in Navayāna Perspective, is already in progress. In addition, the author, Ratnesh Katulkar, is writing a historical novel on the Buddha, so that the present generation may understand him with ease and walk upon the path of Dhamma.
As a publisher, our sustained effort will be to make ancient Buddhist knowledge continually available in new forms through the Navayāna Text Series. For this, we seek your cooperation; without you, this publication would not have been possible.
May all beings be Happy
Navayana Prakashan, Nasik, Maharashtra
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Dr. Ratnesh Katulkar is currently affiliated as a Non-Resident Fellow at Ubon Ratchathani University, Thailand.
