Religion must mainly be a matter of principles only. It cannot be

"Religion must mainly be a matter of principles only. It cannot be a matter of rules. The moment it degenerates into rules, it ceases to be a religion, as it kills responsibility which is an essence of the true religious act." – B. R. Ambedkar.

In these powerful words, B. R. Ambedkar expresses a profound insight into the nature of religion. He argues that religion, at its core, should be about principles—about guiding values, truths, and virtues that shape how individuals live their lives and interact with the world. But when religion is reduced to a system of rules, it loses its essence, for it is no longer driven by moral responsibility, but by compliance. Ambedkar warns that when we treat religion as a set of rules, we strip away the personal responsibility that makes the religious experience transformative. True religion, he argues, must empower individuals to live by their principles, not merely follow prescribed rituals and dogmas.

The ancient philosophers understood the tension between principles and rules. Socrates, for example, saw the pursuit of virtue not as the following of rigid rules, but as the cultivation of an inner moral compass that guides one toward wisdom and justice. For Socrates, the true essence of religion was to engage with the self and to strive for an inner transformation that could not be achieved by mere outward observance of societal rules. In his view, virtue and moral responsibility were not the results of blindly adhering to external codes, but of a deeply internalized understanding of what it meant to live a good, just, and virtuous life.

Similarly, Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher, placed principles at the center of his teachings. While he emphasized respect for rituals and traditions, he also believed that true virtue came from understanding the underlying principles of benevolence, respect, and filial piety. Confucius taught that one must embody these principles in their actions, rather than simply adhere to external rules or expectations. In this way, he believed that the true act of religion—and indeed, of life itself—was not about conforming to rigid structures, but about living with a heart aligned to virtue and responsibility.

In Ambedkar’s own life, this understanding of principles over rules was central to his rejection of the oppressive caste system that pervaded much of Hinduism. Born into an untouchable family, Ambedkar saw how the rules of caste not only limited the lives of millions but also placed them in positions where they had little control over their spiritual and social identity. He embraced Buddhism not because of its rigid rules, but because of its underlying principles—its call for equality, compassion, and the responsibility of every individual to seek enlightenment. For Ambedkar, religion was not about the rules that divide or oppress, but about the principles that elevate and liberate.

A real-life example of this principle in action is Mahatma Gandhi, who also saw the importance of principles over rules in the practice of religion. Gandhi's commitment to non-violence (or ahimsa) and truth was not born out of adherence to religious rules or rituals, but from a deep, internal commitment to the principles of justice and moral responsibility. Gandhi’s religion was not something that was confined to temples or ceremonies; it was a living practice that manifested in his daily actions, his relationships with others, and his struggle for Indian independence. His life was a testament to the power of principles—truth, love, and non-violence—working to shape his actions, rather than a focus on external ritualistic practices.

The lesson that Ambedkar teaches us is one of personal responsibility and moral integrity. True religion is not a matter of mindlessly following external rules; it is a matter of internalizing principles that guide us toward a life of purpose and virtue. We are called not to conform to the structures and rituals handed down to us, but to engage with our own sense of moral responsibility, using the principles of love, justice, and compassion to guide our actions. It is through this engagement with principles that we can transform not only ourselves but also the world around us.

In our own lives, we must ask ourselves: Are we living according to the principles that guide us, or are we simply following rules and customs without understanding their deeper meaning? True spirituality is not about outward compliance, but about a deep, personal commitment to living with moral responsibility. Whether it is in our faith, relationships, or work, we must strive to live according to the principles that align with our highest ideals—principles of love, justice, and integrity. In doing so, we fulfill our role in the world as agents of change, who live out the true essence of religion—a religion that begins within and shapes the world around us.