International Abhidhamma Divas

महाकुंभ 2025 मेले में अखाड़ों की भूमिकाअंतर्राष्ट्रीय अभिधम्म दिवस के उद्घाटन पर प्रधानमंत्री का संबोधन
अंतर्राष्ट्रीय अभिधम्म दिवस

International Abhidhamma Divas is a Buddhist observance that marks a significant event in the life of the Buddha, particularly related to the teaching of the Abhidhamma. The Abhidhamma (or Abhidharma) is one of the three major divisions of the Tripitaka (the Buddhist Canon), focusing on the philosophical and doctrinal analysis of mind, mental phenomena, and ultimate reality.

Background of the Event:

International Abhidhamma Divas is primarily associated with the commemoration of the Buddha’s return from the Tavatimsa Heaven. According to Buddhist tradition, after attaining enlightenment, the Buddha ascended to Tavatimsa Heaven to teach the Abhidhamma to his mother, Queen Maya, who had been reborn in this heavenly realm. The Buddha is said to have stayed there for three months during the vassa (rainy retreat) and, after completing his teaching, descended back to the human realm. This descent is celebrated as Abhidhamma Day, which usually falls on the full moon day of Ashwin (the seventh lunar month in the traditional Buddhist calendar).

Significance:

  • Doctrinal Importance: The Abhidhamma provides an intricate analysis of consciousness, thought processes, and the nature of reality, going deeper than the simpler ethical teachings of the Buddha. For this reason, Abhidhamma Day is often celebrated with great reverence, especially among Theravada Buddhists who study and practice these complex teachings.
  • Devotional Practices: On this day, Buddhists engage in special ceremonies, meditation, and recitations of the Abhidhamma texts. It is also a time for reflection on the deep teachings of the mind and reality that the Buddha shared.

Observance:

The observance of International Abhidhamma Divas varies between countries but is particularly significant in places like Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand, where the study of the Abhidhamma plays an essential role in the religious life of monks and lay practitioners alike. Devotees might visit temples, make offerings, and engage in acts of merit to commemorate the Buddha’s teaching of the Abhidhamma.

Modern Recognition:

  • In recent years, some Buddhist groups and nations have started promoting International Abhidhamma Divas on a larger scale to enhance global awareness of this profound aspect of Buddhist philosophy.
  • International Abhidhamma Divas is a significant Buddhist observance celebrated annually on the full moon day of the Ashwin month, which typically falls in October.
  • The event commemorates the day when Lord Buddha is believed to have descended from Tavatimsa heaven after spending three months there teaching Abhidhamma (the higher doctrine or philosophy in Buddhism) to his mother,
  • Maya Devi, who had been reborn in that heaven.
  • The term “Abhidhamma” refers to the philosophical and doctrinal system that forms part of the Pali Canon, specifically addressing the ultimate nature of mind and matter.
  • It is regarded as a more profound and analytical exposition of the teachings presented in the Suttas.

Significance:

  1. Spiritual Importance: This day highlights the importance of the Abhidhamma teachings, which are central to understanding the nature of consciousness, perception, and reality in Buddhism.
  2. Buddha’s Descent: According to legend, after teaching Abhidhamma to his mother and other deities in Tavatimsa, Buddha descended to earth via a “ladder of deities,” accompanied by celestial beings. His return is symbolic of the spread of Buddhist wisdom from the divine to the human realm.
  3. Public Celebrations: Various Buddhist communities, especially in countries like Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, observe this day with meditation, sermons on the Abhidhamma, processions, and offerings at temples.

The day is of particular importance in Myanmar, where it has been formalized as Abhidhamma Day or Abhidhamma Jayanthi in certain regions. Celebrations involve recitation of Abhidhamma texts and meditation sessions to honor the deep philosophical aspects of Buddhism.

International Abhidhamma Divas is a Buddhist celebration that commemorates the return of the Buddha from Tavatimsa heaven after teaching the Abhidhamma (the higher teachings or philosophical aspects of Buddhism) to his mother, who had been reborn there. The event is particularly significant in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, which gives special emphasis to the Abhidhamma Pitaka, one of the three baskets of the Pali Canon (Tripitaka).

This day is celebrated on Ashwin Purnima, the full moon day in the month of Ashwin (usually falling in October). It coincides with Sharada Purnima in India, and is a major occasion in Buddhist countries like Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Laos. On this day, Buddhists engage in religious activities such as offering alms to monks, listening to sermons, reciting the Abhidhamma texts, and performing acts of generosity and compassion.

International Abhidhamma Divas was formally recognized in 2021, when the Government of India declared the occasion during the annual celebrations at Kushinagar, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site where Gautama Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final release from the cycle of rebirth).

The celebration not only honors the wisdom of the Abhidhamma teachings but also promotes the broader values of Buddhism, such as mindfulness, wisdom, compassion, and moral integrity.

International Abhidhamma Divas is celebrated annually, particularly by Buddhists, to commemorate the descent of the Buddha from the Tāvatiṃsa Heaven after teaching the Abhidhamma (the higher teachings or the philosophical and doctrinal part of the Buddhist canon) to his mother, Māyā, who had been reborn there. This event is observed with great reverence in various Buddhist countries, especially in Myanmar (Burma) and Sri Lanka, where the Abhidhamma plays a significant role in their Theravāda tradition.

The Abhidhamma is one of the three baskets (Tripitaka) of the Pali Canon, focusing on detailed Buddhist philosophy and psychology. The celebration falls on the full moon day of Ashwin, which corresponds to the seventh month of the Burmese calendar. In Myanmar, this coincides with the end of the three-month Buddhist Lent (Vassa), and it is marked by religious ceremonies, offerings to monks, and various communal activities.

In India, International Abhidhamma Divas has recently gained significance, especially under the guidance of followers of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as it coincides with the day Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in 1956. This day is seen as both a religious and cultural revival of Buddhism in India. Various celebrations, discourses on the teachings of the Abhidhamma, and reflections on Buddhist philosophy are conducted on this day.

Thus, International Abhidhamma Divas symbolizes both a religious tradition in Buddhist history and a day of reflection on Buddhist teachings for practitioners worldwide.

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