This year’s International Abhidhamma Day, observed on October 17, brought together over 2,000 participants from 14 countries, including scholars, monks, diplomats, and young people, to delve into the enduring relevance of Buddhist teachings in tackling global issues. Organized by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Culture, the event highlighted the significance of the Abhidhamma, a core part of the Pali Canon, in addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change, economic crises, and social conflicts.
The celebration commemorates the day that the Buddha is believed to have returned to Earth from the heavenly realms to impart the teachings of the Abhidhamma. Discussions during the event focused on how the wisdom found in these ancient teachings could offer ethical guidance and practical solutions for today’s world.
Bhadant Rahul Bodhi Mahathero, president of the United Buddhist Mission in India, underscored the importance of the Abhidhamma’s insights into human consciousness and ethical living. “These teachings offer profound understanding of the mind and human behavior, which are crucial for navigating the complexities of modern life,” he said.
Bhikkhuni Shakya Dhammadina, associate research professor at the Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts in Taiwan, emphasized the connection between the Abhidhamma’s teachings and modern mental health approaches. She highlighted the alignment of Buddhist principles with contemporary mindfulness practices and emotional resilience, drawing attention to how ancient wisdom remains relevant to modern well-being.
Throughout the event, scholars discussed how Buddhist philosophy, particularly the teachings found in the Abhidhamma, provides frameworks that can help address the root causes of global suffering. These teachings were presented as ethical roadmaps for building sustainable, peaceful societies, offering a spiritual lens through which modern crises could be tackled.
The importance of the Pali language, the medium through which the Buddha’s teachings have been preserved for centuries, was also a central theme of the event. Mahesh Deokar, a scholar from Savitribai Phule University, traced the historical spread of Pali from India to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. He stressed that Pali is not just a relic of the past but a living language, experiencing a revival thanks to increasing interest in Buddhist studies around the world. Nalanda University’s Pranshu Samadarshi echoed this sentiment, referring to this growing interest as the “third phase of revival” for Pali, driven by international engagement with Buddhist philosophy.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the gathering, emphasizing his government’s commitment to promoting the Pali language and its role in preserving the teachings of the Buddha. “Language is the soul of civilization and culture. Therefore, it is our responsibility to keep the Pali language alive, to preserve the words of Bhagwan Buddha with their original values,” Modi stated.
In a symbolic gesture of generosity, Prime Minister Modi also participated in the traditional Chivar Dana ceremony, where new robes are offered to monks, signifying renewal and the spirit of giving. He later met with senior monks from the Buddhist sangha to discuss the importance of Pali in fostering deeper scholarship in Buddhist studies.
IBC Director General Abhijit Haldar echoed Modi’s sentiments, noting that India, as the birthplace of Pali, has a special responsibility to preserve and promote the language. “India’s promotion of Pali is significant, not just for the country but for fostering deeper connections with nations like Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. Understanding the language allows for a richer comprehension of the Buddha’s teachings,” Haldar remarked.
Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, also stressed the importance of ancient texts like the Abhidhamma Pitaka. He called for comparative studies to explore how Buddhist teachings align with modern scientific and philosophical perspectives, noting that these ancient insights could offer valuable contributions to contemporary discourse.
The event featured two exhibitions: one highlighting the historical spread of the Pali language across Southeast Asia, and another showcasing the life and teachings of the Buddha. These exhibitions offered participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the cultural and spiritual significance of Pali, as well as its relevance in modern discussions about ethics and spirituality.
Young attendees were particularly enthusiastic about the event, expressing a desire to learn Pali and engage more deeply with Buddhist teachings. For many, studying Pali is seen as a way to connect with ancient wisdom and apply it to the complex challenges of today’s world, from personal mental health to broader societal issues.
International Abhidhamma Day 2024 proved to be not only a celebration of Buddhist heritage but also a meaningful platform for exploring how ancient teachings can inform solutions to modern global challenges.
