Handing over the Pali Tripitaka - a highlight of Vietnam-Thailand religious exchange

On April 20, at Hung Thanh Pagoda, Nakhon Phathom Province, Thailand, a ceremony was held to hand over the Pali Tripitaka, a recitation version compiled by the International Tripitaka Foundation, with the noble patronage of the Thai Royal Family, to An Nam Buddhism and towards its donation to the State of Vietnam.

Attending the ceremony were Most Venerable Thich Quoc San, Assistant to the Supreme Patriarch of the An Nam Buddhist Sangha of Thailand, abbot of Khanh Tho Pagoda, who represented the Supreme Patriarch to witness the ceremony; Mr. Surathat Thajasuro, Honorary Advisor, International Pali Tripitaka Foundation; Mr. Attawut Pung Niam, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Phathom Province, along with the Venerables of the Executive Committee, abbots of the An Nam Buddhist Sangha pagodas, government representatives and Buddhists.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung also attended the event.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Pham Viet Hung expressed his honor to be present at Hung Thanh Pagoda to attend this event of profound significance to Annam Buddhism and the Vietnamese Buddhist community in Thailand.

Ambassador Pham Viet Hung emphasized that the Pali Tripitaka project is a great work, harmoniously combining academics, culture and technology, affirming the cultural and spiritual relationship between the two peoples of Vietnam and Thailand that has been formed for a long time, constantly developing and becoming the foundation for understanding, sharing and deep cooperation between the two countries today.

Ambassador Pham Viet Hung (center) with An Nam monks next to the Tripitaka recitation copy that will be given to Vietnam soon. (Photo: Do Sinh/VNA)

The donation of the Pali Tripitaka to the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha, with the intention of donating it to the Vietnamese State, is a testament to that good relationship.

Ambassador Pham Viet Hung also expressed his deep gratitude to the Royal Family and Government of Thailand, the International Tripitaka Foundation, and the Nakhon Pathom provincial government for presenting this precious gift to Vietnamese Buddhism in Thailand, believing that the event will open up deeper cooperation in the field of cultural and religious exchange between the two countries, contributing to peace and common development of the region.

According to the Honorary Advisor of the International Tripitaka Foundation Surathat Thajasuro, the Pali Tipiṭaka recitation edition - published in the Buddhist year 2568 (Solar calendar 2025) consisting of 80 volumes - is the first Tripitaka in the world printed in Pali sound notation - monotone music notation (The Pāḷi Tipiṭaka Monotone Music Notation 2025 Edition) and at the appropriate time will be presented to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as an extremely precious gift of wisdom and peace from the Thai people.

Mr. Surathat Thajasuro emphasized that the donation of the Tripitaka recitation version this time is not simply a donation of a sacred sutra, but also opens a new page in the historical relationship between Thailand and Vietnam, affirming the long-standing diplomatic friendship and demonstrating mutual respect and understanding at the highest level.

“We firmly believe that our shared cultural heritage and the spirit of peace between our two countries will serve as a solid foundation for the celebration of the heritage of Eastern countries and the common values of peace. The Tripitaka will contribute to promoting a sense of cultural unity and strengthening solidarity in our region,” he affirmed.

With the phonetic transcription method based on the ancient Pali standard, combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern digital applications, the sutra not only contributes to preserving the traditional sound of the Tripitaka, but also opens up easy and accurate access opportunities for the Buddhist community around the world.

The digitization of the Tripitaka, integrating sample chants and monophonic musical notation, demonstrates creativity and responsibility in preserving Buddhist heritage.

Mr. Surathat Thajasuro said that the International Pali Canon Foundation is well aware of the tradition and expertise of linguistics in using the unique Latin script in Vietnamese.

In addition, the Fund also recognizes Vietnam's potential in embracing technological advances, especially AI technology, which is extremely useful in dissemination.

The AI device for Tripitaka recitation, which can be said to be created for the first time in the world, will be launched after the United Nations Vesak Festival that Vietnam hosts this year.

The International Tripitaka Foundation hopes that this Tripitaka will be a strong symbol of friendship, promoting understanding of the Buddha's teachings, bringing lasting peace and prosperity to Vietnam./.