Abhidhamma Divas
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in collaboration with Gautam Buddha University (GBU), Antarrashtriya Baudh Shodh Sansthan and the Ministry of Culture celebrated International Abhidhamma Day.
- Abhidhamma Divas commemorates the day when Lord Buddha descended from the celestial realm, Tāvatiṃsa-devaloka, to Sankassiya (now Sankisa Basantapur) in Uttar Pradesh.
- The Asokan Elephant Pillar, a historical marker at the site, marks this significant event.
- According to Theravāda Buddhist texts, Lord Buddha spent three months teaching the Abhidhamma to the deities in Tāvatiṃsa, including his mother.
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– India, the birthplace of Buddhism, holds a deep spiritual and cultural connection to the life and teachings of Gautam Buddha, especially through sacred sites like Bodh Gaya.
– These places symbolize his journey to enlightenment and inspire seekers toward peace and self-discovery.
– At the heart of his teachings is the Abhidhamma, a profound philosophical text that emphasizes mental discipline, self-awareness, and inner transformation beyond ethical conduct.
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International Abhidhamma Divas
- It is celebrated worldwide to honor the Abhidhamma’s timeless relevance in guiding ethical conduct and mental discipline.
- It highlights India’s enduring connection to Buddhism and its role in preserving and promoting the Buddha’s legacy, serving as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern spiritual practice.
Teachings of Abhidhamma
- The Abhidhamma, known as the “Higher Teaching” of the Buddha, offers a rigorous and analytical exploration of mind and matter, distinct from the everyday language of the Sutta Piṭaka.
- It presents a detailed framework for understanding existence, including birth, death, and mental processes, using a specialized Pali vocabulary—such as citta (consciousness), cetasika (mental factors), rūpa (materiality), and nibbāna (liberation).
- Traditionally taught by the Buddha in the Tavatimsa heaven and later elaborated by his disciple Sariputta, the Abhidhamma Piṭaka comprises seven treatises, including the Paññhāna, which deeply analyzes causal relationships.
- These texts form the foundation of Buddhist philosophy and psychology, serving as vital tools for practitioners seeking insight and spiritual growth.
Government support and efforts
- Abhidhamma’s profound teachings are preserved through the ancient Pali language, recognized as a Classical Language by the Government of India for its literary and historical significance in Buddhism and Jainism.
- Pali, shaped from various dialects around 500 B.C., is the medium for the entire Buddhist canon, including the Vinaya Pitaka (outlines ethical monastic rules), Sutta Pitaka (a rich compilation of the Buddha’s discourses), and Abhidhamma Pitaka (delves into ethics, psychology, and the intricate analysis of mind and reality).
- Pali literature also includes the Jataka tales (recount the stories of the Buddha’s previous lives, reflecting shared moral values prevalent among the Indian populace).
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