IBC, Gautam Buddha University to host International Abhidhamma Divas today

INTERNATIONAL DESK: To mark the auspicious day when Lord Buddha came back to Earth from heaven, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in collaboration with Gautam Buddha University (GBU), Greater Noida, is organizing the International Abhidhamma Divas on the full moon day of Sharada Purnima today (October 9) at the Gautam Buddha University (GBU).

It was at Sankassiya, presently known as Sankisa Basantapur, Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh where the Sakhyamuni descended from the celestial domain of the thirty-three divine beings (Tvatiṃsa-devaloka).

The Chief Guest at the event will be Ashin Nanissara (Sitagu Sayadaw), Chancellor, Sitagu International Buddhist Academies, Myanmar.

“The participation of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of UP, Shri Yogi Adityanath, Chancellor, Gautam Buddha University as the Guest of Honour is yet to be confirmed,” the organizers of the event said in a statement.

The Abhidhamma Divas, last year was organized at Kushinagar at Mahaparinirvana Temple, where Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi was the Chief Guest.

He also inaugurated the international airport at the Buddhist pilgrimage town.

According to the Theravāda tradition, it is believed that this day is blessed as the Buddha had gone to heaven to teach Abhidhamma Pitaka (a basket of ultimate things) to his mother.

The place is documented by the Asokan marker – Asokan Elephant Pillar signifying the importance of the place and of the event. It is noted in the Buddhist texts that after teaching Abhidhamma to the Devas and his mother as witness, he descended here.

Eminent monks from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, ambassadors based in India and other diplomats representing various countries will also take part in the Abhidhamma Divas celebrations at GBU.

This is the third Flagship program of the IBC; the other two being Buddha Purnima and the Asadha Purnima.

Other highlights of the day’s event include a Panel Discussions on the ‘Significance of Abhidhamma’, a book launch- the titled is ‘Recent Development in the studies of Abhidhamma in India’, screening of the film on IBC’s project in Lumbini and the day concludes with a Cultural Programme by students of Buddhist Universities.

(India Blooms)