Abhidhamma Divas
Also called: International Abhidhamma Divas · Topic: Buddhism, Jainism and Heterodox Traditions · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Abhidhamma Divas is a Buddhist holy day. It marks the Buddha's return to earth from heaven, where tradition says he taught the Abhidhamma (the philosophical teachings) to the gods and to his mother. In recent years India has celebrated it as an international event, which links the day to India's Buddhist heritage and the Pali language.
Example
In October 2024, India's Ministry of Culture held an International Abhidhamma Divas event in New Delhi. It also celebrated the recent recognition of Pali, the language of the oldest Buddhist texts, as a classical language.
Don't confuse with
- Abhidhamma Pitaka: this is the third basket of the Tipitaka, the Pali canon, and deals with philosophical matters. Abhidhamma Divas is a festival day, not a text.
Related concepts
- Tipitaka
- Vinaya Pitaka
- Sutta Pitaka
- Abhidhamma Pitaka
- Pali
- Pali classical language
- Buddhist councils
- First Buddhist council
- Second Buddhist council
- Sthaviravada and Mahasanghika