The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in association with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with Gautam Buddha University (GBU) and Antarrashtriya Baudh Shodh Sansthan, Lucknow, celebrated the International Abhidhamma Divas and hosted an International Conference on October 6–7, 2025, at the GBU campus, Greater Noida. The event coincided with Sharada Purnima and was themed “The Relevance of Abhidhamma in Understanding Buddhist Thought: Text, Tradition and Contemporary Perspectives.”

Marking the Buddha’s descent from Tavatimsa Heaven to Sankassiya, the celebration brought together eminent monastics, scholars, diplomats, and cultural representatives from India and abroad. The Chief Guest, H.E. the 3rd Khenchen Konchok Rangdol Rinpoche, underscored the Abhidhamma’s power to heal the mind and counter ignorance, attachment, and anger. Keynote speaker Prof. Uma Shankar Vyas emphasized the text’s alignment with contemporary cognitive science and its application to issues such as mental health and ethical living.

GBU Vice Chancellor Prof. Rana Pratap Singh reaffirmed the university’s commitment to Buddhist studies and global dialogue, while IBC Secretary General Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche traced the Abhidhamma’s historical and doctrinal lineage, highlighting its philosophical depth. IBC Director General Shri Abhijit Halder linked Abhidhamma teachings to modern ethical challenges, particularly in mental wellness and digital mindfulness.

The conference featured scholarly papers from over 35 participants representing India, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. Sessions explored the intersections between Abhidhamma philosophy, psychology, artificial intelligence, and cognitive science, reinforcing its continuing relevance to contemporary thought and peacebuilding.

Accompanying events included the screening of documentaries Dissemination of Buddha Dhamma in Asia and Kushok Bakula Rinpoche – The Extraordinary Story of an Extraordinary Monk, along with exhibitions such as Buddha Dhamma on Body and Mind and Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa – The Story of the Holy Buddha Relics. A unique philatelic display featuring 2,500 Buddhist stamps from 90 countries further enriched the celebrations.

Since 2021, IBC has celebrated Abhidhamma Divas as a flagship global event promoting Buddhist wisdom, interfaith harmony, and cultural continuity.