International Abhidhamma Divas

  • 16 Oct 2024

In News:

Recently, International Abhidhamma Divas was celebrated at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, with PM Narendra Modi.

Key Details:

  • India's Spiritual Legacy: Birthplace of Buddhism; site of Gautam Buddha's enlightenment.
  • Sacred Sites: Veneration of locations like Bodh Gaya, symbolizing Buddha's journey and teachings.
  • Core Teachings: Abhidhamma as a key philosophical component emphasizing mental discipline and self-awareness.

International Abhidhamma Divas

  • Global Observation: Celebrates the significance of Abhidhamma in ethical conduct and mindfulness.
  • Cultural Connection: Highlights India's role in preserving Buddhism and bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary practices.

Historical Background and Significance

  • Commemoration: Marks Buddha’s descent from T?vati?sa to Sankassiya (Sankisa Basantapur).
  • Teaching Period: Buddha taught the Abhidhamma to deities for three months; linked to the end of the Rainy Retreat and the Pav?ra?? festival.

Teachings of Abhidhamma

  • Systematic Analysis: Provides a detailed exploration of mind and matter, differing from Sutta Pi?aka.
  • Specialized Vocabulary: Key terms include "citta" (consciousness), "cetasika" (mental factors), "r?pa" (materiality), and "nibb?na" (liberation).
  • Textual Framework: Six core books of Abhidhamma Piñaka cover moral states, aggregates, and causal relationships.
  • Key Treatise: The Paññh?na offers in-depth causal analysis, essential for practitioners’ understanding.

Modern Observance and Celebrations

  • Significance of Pali: Recognition of Pali as a classical language; promoting India's Buddhist heritage.
  • Participants: Gathering of ambassadors, monks, scholars from 14 countries; emphasizes Abhidhamma's relevance today.
  • Program Highlights: Dhamma discourse, academic sessions on Abhidhamma’s significance, exhibitions on Pali's evolution and Buddha's teachings.

Classical Status of Pali Language

  • Pali's Role: Sacred language for delivering Buddha's teachings; recognized as a Classical Language by India.
  • Buddhist Canon: Major texts include the Tipitaka (Vinaya, Sutta, Abhidhamma Pitaka) and commentarial traditions.
  • Literary Heritage: Jataka Kathas reflect shared moral values; status enhances Pali studies in education and research.

Significance

  • Significance of Celebration: Abhidhamma Divas underscores efforts to preserve and promote Buddhism’s legacy.
  • Revitalization of Buddhism: Fosters global engagement and appreciation for Buddha’s teachings, reaffirming India's role in Buddhist studies.