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International Abhidhamma Divas

International Abhidhamma Divas

Medium⏱️ 6 min read95% Verified
art and culture

📖 Introduction

<h4>Introduction to International Abhidhamma Divas</h4><p>The <strong>International Abhidhamma Divas (IAD)</strong> is a significant occasion celebrated by the global <strong>Buddhist community</strong>.</p><p>It commemorates <strong>Lord Buddha's</strong> descent from the <strong>Tushita heaven</strong> to <strong>Sankassa</strong>, after preaching the <strong>Abhidhamma Pitaka</strong> to his mother, <strong>Matrudevata</strong>, for three months.</p><h4>Recent Observance in India</h4><p>Recently, <strong>India's Prime Minister</strong> addressed a special ceremony in celebration of <strong>International Abhidhamma Divas</strong>.</p><p>The event also served to acknowledge the significance of <strong>Pali</strong> as a <strong>classical language</strong>.</p><h4>Organizers of the Event</h4><p>The ceremony was jointly organized by the <strong>International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)</strong> and the <strong>Ministry of Culture</strong>, Government of India.</p><div class="info-box"><strong>Key Entities:</strong><ul><li><strong>International Buddhist Confederation (IBC):</strong> A global umbrella body for Buddhists.</li><li><strong>Ministry of Culture:</strong> Government of India ministry promoting Indian heritage.</li></ul></div><h4>Significance of Pali Language Recognition</h4><p>The recognition of <strong>Pali</strong> as a <strong>classical language</strong> holds immense cultural and historical importance.</p><p><strong>Pali</strong> is the language in which the <strong>Theravada Buddhist scriptures</strong>, including the <strong>Tipitaka</strong>, are primarily preserved.</p><div class="key-point-box"><strong>Abhidhamma Pitaka:</strong> The third part of the <strong>Tipitaka</strong> (Pali Canon), dealing with profound Buddhist philosophy and psychology.</div><div class="exam-tip-box">For <strong>UPSC Prelims</strong>, remember the organizers (<strong>IBC</strong>, <strong>Ministry of Culture</strong>) and the dual purpose of the event (<strong>IAD celebration</strong>, <strong>Pali recognition</strong>).</div>
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💡 Key Takeaways

  • International Abhidhamma Divas celebrates Lord Buddha's descent after teaching Abhidhamma in Tushita heaven.
  • The recent Indian ceremony was addressed by the Prime Minister and organized by the IBC and Ministry of Culture.
  • The event also included the recognition of Pali as a classical language.
  • Abhidhamma is the philosophical and psychological section of the Theravada Buddhist canon.
  • Pali is the ancient Middle Indo-Aryan language primarily used for Theravada Buddhist scriptures.
  • India utilizes its Buddhist heritage for cultural diplomacy and strengthening international ties.
  • Government initiatives support the preservation of ancient languages and Buddhist sites.

🧠 Memory Techniques

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📚 Reference Sources

Ministry of Culture, Government of India official statements
General knowledge of Buddhist history and Pali language