During his visit to Bangkok for bilateral talks, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with The World Tipitaka: Sajjhaya Phonetic Edition, symbolizing the deep cultural and religious ties between India and Thailand.
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “A very special gesture! I am grateful to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for giving me a copy of the Tipitaka in Pali. Pali is indeed a beautiful language, carrying within it the essence of Lord Buddha’s teachings. As you are all aware, our Government had conferred the status of Classical Language on Pali last year. People from all over the world have appreciated this decision and it has also encouraged research as well as study on this language.”
The Tipitaka, known as Tripitaka in Sanskrit, is a revered Buddhist scripture containing Lord Buddha’s teachings across 108 volumes.
The edition gifted to PM Modi is a carefully crafted version written in both Pali and Thai scripts, ensuring accurate pronunciation of its over nine million syllables.
Originally published in 2016 under the ‘World Tipitaka Project’, the Thai government commissioned this edition to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s (Rama IX) 70-year reign and Queen Sirikit.
Expressing gratitude, PM Modi stated, “PM Shinawatra just gifted me the Tipitaka, and I accepted it with folded hands on behalf of Bharat, the Land of Lord Buddha. Last year, India had sent the holy relics of Lord Buddha and two of his main disciples to Thailand. It is so heartwarming to know that around four million people paid their obeisance to the relics.”
Analysts view this gesture as a recognition of India’s spiritual leadership and its longstanding connection with Buddhist nations.
Historically, Thailand has played a key role in preserving and sharing the Tipitaka.
In 1893, the ‘Chulachomklao of Syam-Pali Tipitaka’, printed in book form and distributed to over 250 institutions in 25 countries.
In 2005, the ‘World Tipitaka in Roman Script’, published and presented to more than 150 international institutions.
The 2016 commemorative edition, designed specifically for ‘Sajjhaya’ recitation, published to maintain the original Pali pronunciation as it existed during Lord Buddha’s time.
This initiative was led by King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, then the Crown Prince, as part of celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s reign.
In a continued effort to spread Buddhist teachings, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the World Tipitaka Foundation are collaborating to distribute the ‘World Tipitaka Sajjhaya Phonetic Recitation 2016’ editions globally, commemorating the 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary of King Maha Vajiralongkorn on 28 July 2024.
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