IBC celebrates International Abhidhamma Day in New Delhi

- through Henry Oudin

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From abplive.com

International Abhidhamma Day was celebrated this year on October 17, bringing together scholars, monks, diplomats and youth to explore the relevance of Buddhist teachings in addressing global challenges. The event, attended by over 2 participants from 000 countries, was organised in New Delhi by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Indian Ministry of Culture.

The celebration marks the day when the Buddha is said to have returned to Earth from the heavenly realms to teach the Abhidhamma. Discussions at the event focused on ideas found in the Abhidhammaan important part of the Pali Canon, and their applicability to contemporary issues, such as climate change, economic challenges and social conflicts.

Bhadant Rahul Bodhi Mahathero, president of the India-based United Buddhist Mission of Bhikkhu Sangha, stressed the importance of Abhidhamma teachings, noting that they offered profound insight into human consciousness and ethics.

Bhikkhuni Shakya Dhammadina, associate research professor at the Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts in Taiwan, stressed that these teachings also have implications for mental health and well-being, noting that many of the principles of Abhidhamma aligned with modern approaches to mindfulness and emotional resilience.

Scholars at the event reflected on how Buddhist wisdom, particularly that of Abhidhammapresented potential solutions to today's global crises and how the teachings addressed the root of suffering and offered ethical frameworks to guide communities toward sustainable and peaceful living.

IBC Director General Abhijit Haldar with Buddhist monks. From aninews.in

The conference also included discussions on the importance of the Pali language, through which the teachings of the Buddha have been preserved for centuries. Mahesh Deokar of Savitribai Phule University traced the spread of Pali from India to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Deokar stressed that Pali was not just a historical artifact but a living language undergoing a renaissance, driven by a global resurgence in interest in Buddhist studies. Pranshu Samadarshi of Nalanda University referred to the growing enthusiasm for Pali as part of a “third phase of revival,” attributed to a growing international engagement with Buddhist philosophy. (ANI News)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the gathering, speaking about his government's recent initiatives to preserve and promote the Pali language: "Language is the soul of civilisation and culture. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all of us to keep the Pali language alive, to keep the words of Bhagwan Buddha alive with their original values. (Organizer)

IBC Director General Abhijit Haldar noted that India's promotion of Pali ". . . it is going to make a very big difference because India is the country of origin of this language and so we should give it the respect and esteem it deserves. So with the declaration of the classical language, I am sure it is going to bring a lot of positivity in terms of the spread of the Pali language, and a lot of exchange between countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and India. . . The most important thing is that when you have direct access to a language, you understand the teachings of the Buddha even better." (YouTube)

As part of the event, Modi performed the traditional Chivar Dana ceremony, in which monks are given new robes, symbolizing generosity and renewal. He also met with senior monks from the Buddhist sangha to discuss the importance of Pali in promoting deeper research in Buddhist studies.

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the recognition of Pali as a classical language. He further highlighted the importance of ancient texts such as the Abhidhamma Pitaka providing valuable insights, calling for comparative studies to explore how Buddhist teachings align with modern scientific and philosophical frameworks.

The event featured two exhibitions: one showcasing the historical spread of Pali across Southeast Asia and the other focusing on the life and teachings of the Buddha, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of the cultural and spiritual significance of Pali and its current relevance in contemporary discussions of ethics and spirituality.

Throughout the event, participants engaged in discussions about the importance of the Pali language and the enduring relevance of Buddhist wisdom. Many young participants expressed enthusiasm for learning Pali and exploring its teachings, seeing it as a way to connect with ancient wisdom while addressing the challenges of today’s world.

* India recognizes Pali as a classical language, emphasizing its cultural and religious importance (BDG)

See more

Scholars highlight Buddhist wisdom to address modern challenges at International Abhidhamma Divas (ANI News)
International Abhidhamma Divas: PM Modi hails Bharat's role in reviving Buddha's legacy, recognising Pali: organiser
Professor Chandrakirti advocates for the inclusion of Pali in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution (Weekly Voice)
International Abhidhamma Divas Honor Lord Buddha's Teachings and Celebrate Pali Revival (YouTube)
Pali is crucial to understand Buddha's teachings, we must keep it alive: PM Modi at Abhidhamma Divas event (ABP Live)

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Dhamma Theory: Philosophical Cornerstone of Abhidhamma

The article IBC celebrates International Abhidhamma Day in New Delhi appeared first on Buddhadoor Global.

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Henry Oudin

Henry Oudin is a Buddhist scholar, spiritual adventurer and journalist. He is a passionate seeker of the depths of Buddhist wisdom, and travels regularly to learn more about Buddhism and spiritual cultures. By sharing his knowledge and life experiences on Buddhist News, Henry hopes to inspire others to embrace more spiritual and mindful ways of living.

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