New Delhi, October 2024 – In a significant event honoring India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated Buddhist monks during the celebration of International Abhidhamma Divas at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The event also marked the formal recognition of Pali as a classical language, a long-standing demand from Buddhist scholars and practitioners worldwide.
The International Abhidhamma Divas is an annual celebration rooted in Buddhist philosophy, commemorating the day Buddha is believed to have descended from Tushita Heaven after delivering sermons to his mother, Maya Devi. This auspicious occasion, deeply significant to the Buddhist community, drew monks and scholars from various countries, symbolizing India’s enduring connection with Buddhist teachings.
Prime Minister Modi, in his address, highlighted the profound influence of Buddhism on India’s spiritual and cultural landscape. He spoke about the relevance of Abhidhamma, a key part of the Buddhist canon that delves into deep philosophical aspects of the Buddha’s teachings, and its role in promoting mindfulness, ethics, and wisdom in society.
One of the key highlights of the event was the formal recognition of Pali, the ancient language in which the original Buddhist scriptures were written, as a classical language of India. Scholars have long advocated for this recognition, as Pali holds immense historical and cultural value, not only in Buddhist texts but also in the broader Indic civilization. This step is expected to further bolster the study and preservation of Buddhist literature in its original form, enhancing India’s position as a global center for Buddhist studies.
Addressing the gathering of monks and scholars, PM Modi said, “India is the birthplace of Buddhism, and we are proud to have played a key role in spreading the message of peace, compassion, and non-violence across the world. Today, as we celebrate Abhidhamma Divas, we also celebrate the spiritual legacy of Buddha, who transcends borders and religions.”
He emphasized how the recognition of Pali as a classical language is a testament to India’s commitment to preserving its ancient heritage and promoting academic research. This move, he noted, would open new opportunities for scholars and practitioners alike to engage deeply with ancient Buddhist scriptures and teachings.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to discuss India’s role as a key player in reviving Buddhist sites and promoting tourism in places of Buddhist significance, such as Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar. He pointed out the government’s efforts in developing infrastructure to facilitate spiritual tourism, with the aim of creating greater global awareness of India’s Buddhist legacy.
The event concluded with PM Modi personally felicitating several senior Buddhist monks from various countries, recognizing their contributions to spreading the message of Buddhism. The presence of monks from countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam further underscored the global importance of Buddhism as a bridge of cultural and spiritual exchange.
As India continues to embrace its ancient traditions and share its spiritual wisdom with the world, events like the International Abhidhamma Divas and the recognition of Pali as a classical language highlight the government’s vision of making India a hub for Buddhist thought and philosophy.
The event at Vigyan Bhavan was not only a reflection of the deep respect for Buddhist teachings in India but also a powerful symbol of the nation’s commitment to fostering cultural diplomacy through shared spiritual values.
