In collaboration with GBU, IBC to commemorate International Abhidhamma Divas

Greater Noida, 7th October, 2022: The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in collaboration with Gautam Buddha University (GBU), Greater Noida, is organising the International Abhidhamma Divas on the full moon day of Sharad Purnima on 9th October, 2022 at the Gautam Buddha University (GBU), Greater Noida to commemorate the auspicious day when Lord Buddha returned to the world from heaven.

According to Theravda mythology, this day is fortunate because the Buddha went to heaven to teach his mother the Abhidhamma Pitaka (a basket of ultimate things). After three months of teaching, Buddha returned to Earth. His disciples observe the three-month period by remaining at one place and praying. Varshavaas, or Vassa, is a three-month rainy retreat for Buddhist monks and nuns.

The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) is a Buddhist umbrella organisation based in New Delhi, that acts as a common platform for Buddhists worldwide. It was founded under the patronage of the supreme Buddhist religious hierarchy and now has a global membership of over 320 monastic and lay organisations, including world bodies, national and regional federations, monasteries, International organisations, and institutes.

This is the IBC’s third Flagship programme, other than Buddha Purnima and Asadha Purnim where Eminent monks from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan, as well as ambassadors residing in India and other diplomats representing other nations, will participate in the Abhidhamma Divas celebrations at GBU, Greater Noida.

Dr. Ashin Nanissara (Sitagu Sayadaw), Chancellor of the Sitagu International Buddhist Academies in Myanmar, will be the event’s Chief Guest. The participation of the Chief Minister of UP, Yogi Adityanath, (Chancellor of Gautam Buddha University) as the Guest of Honour is yet to be confirmed.

Several other key dignitaries including Metteya Shakyaputta, (Vice Chairman of Lumbini Development Trust in Nepal), Sanghasena Mahathera, (Founder and Spiritual Director of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre in Leh-Ladakh), Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindavms Damenda Porage, Bhikkhu Nigrodha from Nepal, Lye Ket Yong from Indosnesia will participate in the event.

The event will also feature a panel discussion on the ‘Significance of Abhidhamma,’ a book launch titled ‘Recent Development in the Studies of Abhidhamma in India,’ a screening of the video on IBC’s project in Lumbini, and a Cultural Program by students from Buddhist Universities.

The primary goal of this event is to bring together the collective wisdom of Buddhists from around the world in order to speak with a unified Buddhist voice and to make Buddhist principles part of global engagement while working to preserve and promote Buddhist heritage, traditions, and practises.

Last year, the Abhidhamma Divas was conducted in Kushinagar at the Mahaparinirvana Temple, with the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India as the Chief Guest. He also inaugurated the International airport in the Buddhist pilgrimage town.