A two-day international conference titled ‘Buddhaghosa: A Philosophical, Historical and Critical Enquiry’ concluded today at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Nivas, Shimla. Held on November 13 and 14, the event brought together scholars and researchers in person and online to re-examine the intellectual legacy of Buddhaghosa, a towering figure of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition.
At the heart of the deliberations was a key question: was Buddhaghosa merely a compiler of Pali Buddhist texts, or an independent, creative philosopher in his own right? Moving beyond conventional views, scholars explored his dialogue with broader Indian philosophical schools. Day one focused on causality, time, and continuity in his magnum opus Visuddhimagga, alongside philosophical psychology, mindfulness, and Brahmavihāras. Day two examined his literary and cross-cultural legacy, sparking discussions on consciousness, ethics, and self versus non-self (anattā).
The valedictory session was chaired by Prof. Balaganapathi Devarakonda (University of Delhi). Following a welcome address by IIAS Fellow Prof. Sanjai Bhatt, Conference Convener Dr. Sudeep Raj Kumar (Hindu College, DU) presented the event report, and Former IIAS Fellow Prof. (Dr.) S. Ranganath delivered the valedictory address. Moderated by IIAS PRO Dr. Akhilesh Pathak—who also proposed the vote of thanks—the conference concluded with the National Song and the National Anthem.
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