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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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

[2020] With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

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