Scholars from India and abroad deliberate on Buddhist philosophy, intellectual traditions and the diverse dimensions of Buddhaghosa’s philosophical contributions
Shimla, 13 November 2026: The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Nivas, Shimla, inaugurated a two-day International Conference on ‘Buddhaghosa: A Philosophical, Historical and Critical Enquiry’ today. Being held on 13 and 14 November, the conference aims to examine the ideas, works and intellectual contributions of Buddhaghosa, a prominent scholar and philosopher of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, from diverse philosophical, historical, conceptual and comparative perspectives.
Prof. Balaganapathi Devarakonda, Convener of the Seminar, delivered the welcome address. This was followed by an introduction to the conference theme by Prof. Balaganapathi Devarakonda and Dr. Sudeep Raj Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Hindu College, University of Delhi, who highlighted the central theme and academic objectives of the conference.
The conference’s Chief Guest and keynote speaker, Prof. Bimalendu Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies (SUBIS), was felicitated by Prof. Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director, IIAS, with a traditional Himachali shawl and cap as a mark of respect and warm hospitality.
In his keynote address, Prof. Bimalendu Kumar shared his perspectives on Buddhaghosa’s philosophical thought, his distinctive place in the Buddhist tradition and the significance of his works in understanding India’s intellectual heritage. He emphasised the need to examine Buddhaghosa’s contributions within a broader philosophical framework and to undertake an in-depth study of the various dimensions of his thought. This was followed by the Presidential Address by Prof. Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director, IIAS, who shared his views on the academic relevance of the conference theme and the importance of a rigorous and critical study of Indian philosophical traditions.
The inaugural session was moderated by Dr. Akhilesh Pathak, Sales and Public Relations Officer, IIAS, who also proposed the formal vote of thanks on behalf of the Institute at the conclusion of the session.
The central objective of the conference is to understand Buddhaghosa not merely as a commentator on Buddhist texts, but as a thinker who played a significant role in interpreting, reinterpreting and systematising the concepts of Buddhist philosophy. Through an engagement with his ideas, the conference seeks to explore the broader intellectual traditions of Indian philosophy, dialogue among different philosophical schools, and questions concerning the interpretation and reconstruction of classical texts.
The academic sessions on the first day are focusing on philosophical questions relating to causality, time and continuity in Buddhaghosa’s Visuddhimagga, as well as his insights into philosophical psychology in the context of the mind, emotions and well-being. Scholars from various universities and academic institutions are presenting their research papers during these sessions, with some participants joining the conference online.
On the second day, academic discussions will focus on Buddhaghosa as a commentator, his life, language and intellectual legacy; comparative and cross-cultural philosophical perspectives; and literary, doctrinal and regional perspectives on his legacy.
Faculty members, research scholars and eminent academics from universities and institutions across the country are participating in the conference. The event provides an important platform for encouraging new academic discourse in Buddhist philosophy, Indian intellectual history and comparative philosophy, while promoting a deeper understanding of Buddhaghosa’s philosophical contributions.
