Why in the News?
PM has participated in the celebration of International Abhidhamma Divas and recognition of Pali as a classical language.
What is Abhidhamma?
- Abhidhamma means “Higher Teaching” or “Special Teaching” in Pali, one of the three main divisions of the Tripitaka (Abhidhamma Pitaka) of Theravada Buddhism.
- It offers a systematic and analytical exploration of mind and matter, delving deeper into Buddhist philosophy than the Sutta Pitaka.
- The Abhidhamma explores mental states, consciousness, and psychological processes, providing a framework for understanding reality.
- It is known for its technical and specialized vocabulary in Pali, such as:
- Chitta (consciousness)
- Chetasika (mental factors)
- Rupa (materiality)
- Nibbana (final liberation).
- Abhidhamma Pitaka contains seven treatises, with Pannhana being one of the most notable for its analysis of causal relationships.
- Traditionally, Buddha is believed to have taught the Abhidhamma to the gods in the Tavatimsa heaven, later sharing the teachings with his disciple Sariputta.
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About International Abhidhamma Divas
- It is celebrated Ashwin Purnima (Full Moon), to commemorate Buddha’s descent from Tavatimsa-devaloka (a celestial realm) to Sankassiya (Sankisa Basantapur, UP).
- It actually marks the conclusion of a 3-month rain retreat, known as Varsavasa or Vasa, during which monks remain in a single location for meditation and prayer.
- The celebration involves Dhamma discourses, academic sessions, and exhibitions that connect ancient wisdom with modern spiritual practices.
- Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, hosts the event, organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
Teachings of Abhidhamma
- The Abhidhamma provides a detailed framework for understanding the mind, matter, and existence.
- It addresses complex concepts like birth, death, and mental phenomena in a precise and abstract manner.
- Abhidhamma is known for its analytical approach:
- It categorizes mental states and emotions.
- It explains causal relationships that determine mental and material phenomena.
- The teachings cover topics like:
- Moral and mental states
- Aggregates (components of existence)
- Causal links
- Path to enlightenment.
Historical Background and Significance
- Abhidhamma Divas commemorates the day when Lord Buddha returned to earth after teaching the Abhidhamma in the Tavatimsa realm.
- The descent is marked by the Ashokan Elephant Pillar at Sankassiya, highlighting its historical significance.
- The celebration coincides with the end of the Rainy Retreat (Vassa), a period of monastic seclusion, and the Pavarana festival, a time of mutual reflection among monks.
Classical Status to Pali Language
- In 2024, the event holds special significance due to the recognition of Pali as a Classical Language by the Indian government.
- Pali is the ancient language in which much of Buddhist canonical literature is written, including the Tipitaka.
- Recognized as a Classical Language by the Government of India in 2024, alongside Marathi, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.
- Pali’s significance lies in its role as the medium for delivering Buddha’s teachings, especially the Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
- The Tipitaka is composed of:
- Vinaya Pitaka: Ethical rules for monks and nuns.
- Sutta Pitaka: Discourses and teachings of Buddha.
- Abhidhamma Pitaka: Detailed analysis of mental and physical phenomena.
- Pali has a rich tradition of commentaries such as Atthasalini and Sammohavinodani, which aid in understanding Abhidhamma concepts.
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PYQ:
[2020] With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
- Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
- Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
- The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[2016] With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
- The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
- Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to Enlightenment.
- Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
