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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.
