International Buddhist Confederation (IBU) in collaboration with Gautam Buddha University (GBU) organised the International Abhidhamma Divas on the full moon day of Sharada Purnima on Sunday at the university in Greater Noida.
The event began with the lighting of the lamp and offering of flowers to the Buddha statue by the Chief Guest, Dr Ashin Nanissara, Chancellor, Sitagu International Buddhist Academies, Myanmar, and other dignitaries.
“I am very happy to share my knowledge this morning on how to study the Abhidhamma.
Abhidhamma is the most important thing in any religion because if someone studies the Abhidhamma, he/she will understand what I am, where I am, what I have to do. He or she will have to understand,” the chief guest said.
Dr Dhammapiya, Secretary General, the International Buddhist Confederation, said: “Our Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, used to emphasise on various occasions the teaching of the Buddha and the message of peace and harmony.
He used to say that India has given to the world a message of peace, the Buddha, the symbol of global peace, and the teachings of the Buddha is a message for unity and harmony.”
Abhidhamma Day, a Theravada Buddhist tradition that celebrates Gautama Buddha’s descent from heaven after teaching his mother the Abhidhamma. The teaching took three months, after which Buddha came back to Earth. His followers observe the three-month period by remaining in one location and praying.It is known as the three-month rainy retreat-Varshavaas or Vassa-for the Buddhist monks and nuns.
During the event, Buddhist monks presented Dhammasangani Matika Path to create a spiritual atmosphere all around. A book titled «Recent Developments in the Studies of Abhidhamma in India›, was also launched during the event.
Buddhist monk Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayake Thero of Sri Lanka, who also participated in the event, said, «Today on the eve of the full moon we the international Buddhist community have gathered in India to celebrate this important festival tomorrow. Especially under the Modi government, we see a great revival of Buddhism in India. «Buddhism is about compassion and happiness.»
Eminent monks from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, ambassadors based in India and other diplomats representing various countries also took part in the Abhidhamma Divas celebrations. This is the third flagship programme of the IBC; the other two being Buddha Purnima and Asadha Purnima.