Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister Supajee has revealed significant progress in the compilation of the English version of the Tripitaka, a project aimed at promoting Buddhism on an international scale.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Supajee Suthamphan chaired the first meeting of the Patronage Committee for the Project to Translate the English Version of the Tipitaka at the Santi Maitri Building within Government House. The meeting, which included members of the monastic community, aimed to assess the project's progress and identify strategies to efficiently advance the translation of the Buddhist scriptures.
Supajee emphasized the importance of this government initiative, which is being undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Department of Religious Affairs, the Supreme Sangha Council, and the National Office of Buddhism. The project celebrates His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn's accession to the throne and his role as Patron of Buddhism, while also aiming to spread Buddhist teachings to both Thai and international audiences.
The ambitious project plans to produce an English version of the Tripitaka in 45 volumes, consisting of 21,941 pages. These include eight volumes of the Vinaya Pitaka, 25 volumes of the Sutta Pitaka, and 12 volumes of the Abhidhamma Pitaka. Since its inception in the fiscal year 2022, and under the guidance of Phra Phrom Bandit, a member of the Supreme Sangha Council, three volumes have been completed: the Vinaya Pitaka (Mahavibhanga, Part 1), the Sutta Pitaka (Digha Nikaya, Silakhandha Varga), and one volume of the Abhidhamma Pitaka (Dhamma Sangani treatise).
Deputy Prime Minister Supajee outlined the next steps, which include accelerating the translation, verification, and editing processes to ensure accuracy. The project also aims to produce educational materials and engage in public relations efforts to allow broader access to the teachings. Plans are underway for an English version of the Tripitaka in both print and e-book formats, catering to digital-age learning practices and facilitating global access to Buddhist knowledge.
To ensure systematic progress, the meeting approved the formation of three subcommittees dedicated to compilation, translation, and editing tasks. These subcommittees, composed of experts and specialists, will support the project's continuity and execution. The secretariat is tasked with preparing appointment orders for these subcommittees to be signed by Deputy Prime Minister Supajee, ensuring they can begin their work effectively.
This translation project represents a significant effort in preserving and sharing Buddhist teachings, making them accessible to a wider audience globally and reinforcing Thailand's commitment to its Buddhist heritage.