Table Of Content

fj ^ 4T- M 7^7 ISSN 0971-0655 JOURNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PALI VOLUME : EIGHTEEN, 2014 UNIVERSITY OF CALCUTTA ISSN 0971-0655 JOURNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PALI Volume : XVIII, 2014 Editor of this Volume Saswati Mutsuddy UNIVERSITY OF CALCUTTA Journal of the Department of Pali ©University of Calcutta Published in India by the Registrar, University of Calcutta 87/1 College Street, Senate House, Kolkata 700 073 and Printed by Dr. Aparesh Das, Superintendent, C.U. Press, 48, Hazra Road, Kolkata 700 019. Price: 200.00 only Reg. No. 2744B EDITOR’S NOTE The Department of Pali University of Calcutta is pleased to publish the XVIUth Volume of the Journal of the Department of Pali. The previous volume [Volume XVII] was the Commemoration Volume of 125th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Prof. B.M. Barua. The Department initiated the 125th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Prof. B.M. Barua last year on and from 31st December 2013 which will be concluded this year. This volume begins with a Report on the recent activities of the Department followed by various research articles authored by distinguished scholars from different fields of academia Ven. Dr. Varasambodhi Thera, “Dr. Beni Madhab Barua: A Doyen Buddhist Scholarship (31st December 1888-23rd March 1948)” which is the brief biographical sketch of Dr. B,M. Barua. Prof. Bimalendra Kumar, “Prof. Benimadhab Barua and Interpretation of Buddhism” is a woric on documentation of various academic activities in Bengal on Prof.Barua and anthology of Barua’s interpretation on Buddhism which has been focused in his research works. Prof. Dipak Kumar Barua, The Concept of Dhamma as Reflected in Applied Buddhism, focuses on the interpretation and application of Pali word ‘Dhamma’ as reflected in Pali literature and Asokan inscription. Prof. J. Sitaramamma, “The Historical and the Philosophical Significance of the Caityaka Sect of Buddhists”, expresses the importance of Caityakas as a branch of Mahdsanghika school, its interpretation by different scholars along with evidences and definition Caityakas by their principles and practices transformed a simple code of morals into a picturesque religion which could satisfy the religious sentiments of common people and cleared the way for the emergence of Mahayanism. Dr. Ramesh Prasad, “Ayatana in Early Buddhism” explains the term Ayatana as a multi-significant meanings in different contexts as observed in Pali literature. Dr. Saheli Das, “Hair (kesa) as Depicted in Visuddhimagga” deals with the several references of hair in Pali literature mostly .focusing on Visuddhimagga. It also describes the repulsive characters of hairs (kesa) as found in literature. Sanjib Kumar Das, “New Dimensions of Buddhist Literature (other than Pali) for understanding Buddhism” explains Buddhism as philosophy along with literary sources from other than Pali literature. Also it explains the necessity of understanding Buddhist literature. Dr. Bandana Mukhopadhyay (Bhattacharyya), “Tibetan Study Materials in the Asiatic Society with Special Reference to Atisa” is a documentation of Tibetan study materials of Atisa Dipankar Srijnan in the Asiatic Society, Berngal.The paper enlisted various works of Atisha. Dr. Rinchin Phuntsok, “Contribution of Pali in Tibetan Literature” describes the unjust treatment to Pali literature as well as contribution of Pali in Tibetan literature. ■ Dr. Aiswarya Biswas wrote on “Role of BhSnakas for Preservation of Pali” .It describes the importance of Bhanakas in Pali literature along with its present status in Theravada tradition. Dr. Anita Banerjee, “A Comparative Study of Pali and ArdhamagadhT it based on linguistics approach to study of Pali and Ardhamagadhi language with special emphasis on treatment of some conjunct consonants with lot of examples. Dr. Chittaranjan Patra, “Indian MuseurmBuddhist Art Displayed” is the documentation of materials preserved in the Indian Meuseum, Kolkata. Prof. Satyajit Layek, “Intellectualism versus Spiritualism: An Appraisal” deals with the philosophical conception of Intellectualism and Spiritualism. Sudipta Barua’s “Morality and Mankind in Buddhism” is based on Pali literature and its expressions on morality and mankind. Dr. Gyana Ratna, “Buddhist Meditation: An Anthology of the Pali Canonical Texts” consists of various interpretations of Buddhist meditation as found in Buddhist literature. Dr. Niru Barua and Ratna rani Das, CTfW ■'llRt.'sj the Bengali article based on Jataka.The term morality is described in the light of Jataka. Prof. Bela Bhattacharya, “Buddhist Meditation—An Odyssey” is based on meditation of Buddhism. Dr. Hemendu Bikash Chowdhury, “Rabindra manane Buddha”, the Bengali article based on writings of Rabindranath Tagore on Buddha. Dr. Jayanti Chatterjee, “Importance of Atthasalim”—as an introduction to the Pali Tipitaka is based on the detail information of Atthasalim. Dr. Sumanpal Bhikkhu, the Conscious Vijfianam and its nature in Buddhism, is based on the discussion of the concept of vififiana in Buddhism. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Suranjan Das, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay, Hon’ble Pro- Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sonali Chakravarti Banerjee, Pro- Vice-Chancellor Business Affairs and Finance, Prof. Basab Chaudhury, Hon’ble Registrar, and also Prof. Samir Kumar Das, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Dr. Soumitra Sarkar, University Librarian, Dr. Harisadhan Ghosh, Finance Officer, Dr. Shyamal Kumar Sarkar, Development and Planning Officer (Acting), Dr. Aparesh Das, Superintendent, Calcutta University Press for their sincere help and encouragement for the publication of this Volume and the entire programme in general. We further convey our sincere thanks to Prof. Satyesh Chandra Pakrashi, Prof. Dipak Kumar Barua, Dr. Binayendranath Chowdhury, Dr. Sukomol Chowdhury, Dr. Sadhan Chandra Sarkar, Prof. Bela Bhattacharya, Prof. Manikuntala Haidar (Dey), Dr. Jayanti Chatterjee, Dr. Aiswarya Biswas, Dr. Subhra Barua, Dr. Sujit Kumar Barua, Dr. Arindam Bhattacharyya, Sri Sanjoy Chandra, Dr. Sumanpal Bhikkhu, Smt. Krishna Roy Bhattacharyya, Smt. Piyanka Paul, Sri Hari Talukdar and many others who have contributed with their invaluable support to make this Volume a reality. Department of Pali, University of Calcutta: A Report on its Recent Activities It is indeed great pleasure to present a Report of the Department of Pali, University of Calcutta as far as practicable. The Department has touched its high status like—the instrument—for the conservation of knowledge, for the discovery of knowledge, for the distribution of knowledge, for the application of knowledge, and—for the creation of knowledge-makers with the entire support of its teachers, students, office bearers and well-wishers. I would like to thanks the entire Pali family for being its togetherness. The chronological report is as follows : One day National seminar to celebrate the Buddha Pumima, on 31st May, 2013 The Department has organised a one day National Seminar on “Pali Sahitya O Bauddha Sanskriti—Prasangikata”. The Program was organised to celebrate Buddha Pumima on 31st May, 2013 at 11.30 Pm. The whole day program was celebrated at Chandramukhi Kadambini Hall,Central Library, University of Calcutta.The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Saswati Mutsuddy, Head of the Department of Pali. The dignitaries present in the program were Prof. Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Academic; Prof. Mamata Ray, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Business Affairs and Finance; Prof. Basab Chaudhury, Registrar, Prof. Suniti Kumar Pathak. Vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Jayanti Chatterjee. Our distinguished speakers were Ven. Dr. Bodhipal Bhikkhu, Swami Narasimhananda. Research students like SmL Basudha Bose, Sri Suman Chatterjee, Smt. Swarupa Charan, Smt Rumki Mandol, Smt. Chandita Sinha, Smt. Jayoiita Raha also presented their papers. The cultural Program was presented by the students of our Department. One Day lecture on 20th September, 2013 in the Department of Pali. Prof. Sanghsen Singh, Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Delhi and Prof Suniti Kumar Pathak, Ex-Prof. Department of Tibetan Studies, Viswabharati University, Shantiniketan delivered Special Lectures on “Fundamental Buddhism” on 20th September, 2013 at the Department of Pali. Three days International Conference from 31st December 2013—2nd January 2014 to commemorate the 125th Birth Anniversary of Prof. B.M. Barua The Department of Pali, University of Calcutta also successfully organised a Three days International Conference from 31st December 2013-2nd January 2014 to commemorate the 125th Birth Anniversary of Prof. B.M. Barua in association with the Federation of Bengali Buddhists Association, Kolkata; the Bengal Buddhist. Association, Kolkata, and the Mahabodhi Society of India, Kolkata. The program was inaugurated by Dr. Upendra Nath Biswas, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Backward Classes Welfare Dept, Government of West Bengal; welcome address was delivered by Dr. Saswati Mutsuddy, Head, Department of Pali, University of Calcutta; key-note address was delivered by Prof. Dipak Kumar Barua, Ex-Director, Nava Nalanda & Ex- Dean, University of Calcutta; Our Guests of Honour Prof. Basab Chaudhuri, Registrar, University of Calcutta, Prof. Satyes Chandra Pakrashi, Ex-Director, I.I.C.B, Jadavpur, Prof. Triratna N. Manandhar, Vice Chancellor, Lumbini Buddhist University, Nepal, Prof. Suniti Kumar Pathak, Ex-Professor, Visva Bharati University, Dr. Brahmanda Pratap Barua, Sri Hemendu Bikas Chowdhury also spoke on the occasion and presidential address was delivered by Prof. Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), University of Calcutta; vote of thanks was given by Prof. Bela Bhattacharya, Professor, Department of Pali, University of Calcutta. Almost 50 scholars from India and abroad participated in the conference. Two books were published on the Inauguration day—-the special issue of the Journal of the Department of Pali on Prof. Benimadhab Barua and the abstract book on the theme “Foundations of Buddhism as revealed in the Pali literature and following sub-themes” 1. Buddhism and Aspects of Pali literature. 2. New dimensions of the Pali literature for understanding Buddhism. 3. New dimensions of Buddhist literature (other than Pali) for under standing Buddhism. 4. Contemporary interpretations of Pali literatures. 5. Contemporary interpretations of Buddhism One day lecture on 14th February, 2014 in the Deapartment of Pali Prof. Angraj Chaudhury, President Award winner and Chief Editor, Vipassana Research Institute, Igatpuri delivered a lecture on Pali and Buddhism: Relevance in Modern Time in the Department of Pali on 14th February, 2014. The entire Program was presided by Prof. Bela Bhattacharya One day seminar on “Contributions of Kripasaran Mahasthavir and Anagarika Dharmapala to the Buddhist Cullture and Society” on 23rd May, 2014 The Department of Pali, University of Calcutta has successfully organized the celebration of2558th Buddha Jayanti. On that occasion and to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of two Buddhist stalwarts viz. Kripasaran Mahasthavir and Anagarika Dhannapal, the Department brganised a day long seminar on “Contributions of Kripasaran Mahasthavir and Anagarika Dharmapala to the Buddhist Cullture and Society” on 23rd May, 2014. The key note address was given by Prof. Brahmanda Paratap Barua, Ex director, Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata. The special orators were Ven. P. Sewali Thera, General Secretary, Mahabodhi Society of India, Sri Hemendu Bikash Chowdhury, General Secretary, Bengal Buddhist Association, Prof. Madhumita Chattopadhyay, Professor. Department of Philosophy and Coordinator, Centre for Buddhist Studies (ICPR), Jadavpur University. Dr. Sujit Kumar Barua, Deputy Registrar and Controller of Examinations, University of Calcutta. Almost 100 people participated on that program. A seven days workshop on “Pali for Beginners” from 31st July to 7th August 2014 The Department of Pali Universitry of Calcutta organized a seven days workshop on ‘Tali for Beginners” from 31st July to 7th August 2014. Prof. Suranjan Das, HonbTe Vice Chancellor inaugurated the program. The course frame was designed by Prof. Satyaranjan Baneijee, Ex-Professor, Department of Linguistics,University of Calcutta Almost 65 candidates participated on that program. The other senior teachers were Prof. Suniti Kumar Pathak, Ex- Professor, Tibetan Studies,Viswabharati University, Shantiniketan, Dr. Sadhan Chandra Sarkar, Ex-Officer Incharge, Sanskrit College, Kolkata and Ven. P. Sewali Thera, General Secretary, Mahabodhi Society of India, Kolkata. The program coordinator was Dr. Saswati Mutsuddy and Joint- Coordinator was Dr. Arindam Bhattacharyya. Dr. Manikuntala Haidar (De), Dr. Aiswarya Biswas, Dr. Subhra Barua, Dr. Pele Sarkar, Dr. Susmita Chakrabarti, Dr. Piyali Chakraborty, Dr. Saheli Das and Dr. Dipa Das also delivered lectures. UGC/ASC Sponsored Short-term Course for Senior Faculty Thrust area; “Literature and Philosophy in Sanskrit and Pali” from ,19th to 27th September 2014 Joint Organisers: Departments of Sanskrit and Pali, C.U. The Departments of Sanskrit and Pali, C.U. jointly organised a UGC/ASC Sponsored?Short-term Course for Senior Faculty Thrust area; “Literature and Philosophy in Sanskrit and Pali” from 19th to 27th September 2014. Welcome address was delivered by Dr. Mau Das Gupta, Head of the Department of Sanskrit & Dr. Saswati Mutsuddy, Head of the Department of Pali, University of Calcutta. The Presidential address was delivered by Prof. Dipak Kumar Barua, Former director, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara; Prof. Bhabani Prasad Bhattacharya. Jadabpur University was Chief guest of Inaugural session. Key note address was delivered by Prof. Suniti Kumar Pathak. On the final day, Dr. Manikumrala Halder(De) presided as the chairperson on the paper- presentation session.The Valedictory Session was held on 27.09.14. The program was presided by Prof. Bela Bhattacharya. The Special Guest was Prof. Bimalendra Kumar, Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Benaras Hindu University and the Valedictory address was delivered by Prof. Karuna Sindhu Das, former Vice-Chancellor, Rabindra-Bharati University. An educational tour from 9th-13th October, 2014, The Department of Pali organized an educational tour from Kolkata- Bodhgaya-Sarnath- Nalanda-Rajgir-Kolkata from 9th to 13th October 2014 for the past and present students of the Department with their family members. The entire tour involved an A.C. bus service to and fro and was boarded from University of Calcutta (main gate). 40 numbers of students took part on this tour. A Seven Days Workshop on “Intermediate Course in Pali” from 15th October to 22nd October 2014 A Seven Days Workshop on “Intermediate Course in Mi” in continuation with previous workshop named “Pali for Beginners” was organised by the Department from 15th October to 22nd October 2014. Dr. Jayanti Chatterjee & more or less all others teachers who were involved in the said previous workshop took their classes and delivered lectures. Around 40 students who qualified in the previous workshop attended this continuum. A third workshop on Advanced course in Pali will be held in the coming months. Department has formed it’s Alumni Association on October 2014. Department of Pali is now preparing to organise a Two Day International Seminar on “Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Bengal” to conclude the yearlong 125th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Prof. B.M. Barua on 13th-14th January, 2015. After this seminar the Department will organise a workshop on Researches and Research Methodology : Pali & Buddhism from 15th January to 22nd January 2015. The Course Coordinator will be Prof. Bela Bhattacharya and Joint coordinator is Dr. Saswati Mutsuddy.