The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in collaboration with Gautam Buddha University (GBU), Greater Noida, Antarrashtriya Baudh Shodh Sansthan (Lucknow), and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, celebrated International Abhidhamma Day on the full moon day of Śharada Pūrṇimā on 6–7 October 2025 at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida.

An International Conference on the theme “The Relevance of Abhidhamma in Understanding Buddhist Thought: Text, Tradition and Contemporary Perspectives” was organized to explore the philosophical, ethical, and psychological dimensions of Abhidhamma and its relevance in the modern context.

More than 35 papers were presented by eminent scholars and researchers from India, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. The conference discussed comparative approaches between Abhidhamma and modern sciences including psychology, artificial intelligence, and cognitive studies.

In his welcome address, Prof. Rana Pratap Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Gautam Buddha University, highlighted the profound teachings of the Buddha and their contribution to both individual and collective development.

Offering holy chanting, Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Secretary General, IBC, underlined the importance of understanding the sutras of Abhidhamma in disseminating Buddha Dhamma.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Uma Shankar Vyas, eminent scholar of Pali and Sanskrit and recipient of the Presidential Certificate of Honour, explained the evolution of Abhidhamma, describing it as “Dharma ka Vishesh Prakash” or “special enlightenment.”

The Chief Guest, H.E. 3rd Khenchen Rinpoche of the Drikung Kagyu lineage, stated that the relevance of Abhidhamma lies in its application to daily life as an antidote to ignorance, attachment, and anger.

Shri Abhijit Halder, Director General, IBC, emphasized the contemporary applicability of Abhidhamma and its role in promoting mental and physical well-being in modern society.

The event featured special and technical sessions on doctrinal foundations, interdisciplinary perspectives, comparative studies, and contemporary relevance.

A unique exhibition of Buddhist stamps, curated by Mr. Vinod Kumar of Dharwad, Karnataka—featuring over 2,500 stamps from 90 countries—was showcased. IBC also organized two thematic exhibitions, “Buddha Dhamma on Body and Mind” and one highlighting the Piprahwa relics, symbolizing the enduring spiritual and cultural heritage of the Buddha.

 

Two films were screened — “Dissemination of Buddha Dhamma in Asia” and “Kushok Bakula Rinpoche – The Extraordinary Story of an Extraordinary Monk”, directed by Dr. Hindol Sengupta, O.P. Jindal Global University.

 

Abhidhamma Day commemorates the occasion when the Buddha preached the Abhidhamma to the gods of Tavatimsa Heaven, led by his mother Mahamaya, and later shared it with his disciple Arahant Sariputta.

It may be recalled that the Government of India declared Pali a Classical Language, recognizing its significance as the canonical language of Theravada Buddhist texts, including the Abhidhamma Pitaka.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

 

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