The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and Gautam Buddha University (GBU) jointly hosted the International Abhidhamma Day celebrations on 6–7 October 2025 at GBU, Greater Noida, with support from the Ministry of Culture and other Buddhist institutions. The event, themed “The Relevance of Abhidhamma in Buddhist Thought – Text, Tradition, and Contemporary Perspectives,” brought together eminent scholars and practitioners from India and across Asia to explore the philosophical and practical dimensions of the Abhidhamma in modern life.
Abhidhamma Day commemorates the Buddha’s teaching of the Abhidhamma in Tavatimsa Heaven and its later transmission to his disciple Sariputta. Observed annually on Śharada Pūrṇimā, it honours the profound doctrinal and ethical teachings of the Abhidhamma Pitaka, a cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy.
The two-day conference featured over 35 research papers covering philosophy, ethics, and psychology, linking Abhidhamma concepts with modern disciplines like cognitive science, AI, and mental health. Key speakers included Dr Uma Shankar Vyas, who discussed the evolution of Abhidhamma, and Prof Rana Pratap Singh, who underscored its relevance for personal and social well-being. The 3rd Khenchen Rinpoche of Drikung Kagyu lineage emphasised applying Abhidhamma to overcome ignorance and emotional suffering, while IBC Director General Shri Abhijit Halder highlighted its role in holistic health.
Cultural highlights included exhibitions of 2,500 Buddhist stamps from 90 countries, curated by Vinod Kumar, along with thematic displays on “Buddha Dhamma on Body and Mind” and artifacts from the Piprahwa relics. Films on the spread of Buddha Dhamma in Asia and the life of Kushok Bakula Rinpoche further enriched the celebration.
The event also acknowledged the Government of India’s recognition of Pali as a Classical Language, a move that reinforces efforts to preserve Buddhist literature and promote cross-cultural scholarship.
The 2025 International Abhidhamma Day celebrations underscored the timeless value of Buddhist wisdom and its growing resonance with modern scientific and ethical thought.
