04 May 2010

Nalanda Institute, a Proud Recipient of the World Tipitaka

Dear friends in the Dhamma,

In November 2008, Nalanda Institute (NIM) was appointed the custodian of the World Tipitaka on behalf of the Malaysian Buddhist community.  We are proud to announce that the 40-volume Pāli Tipitaka is finally arriving in Malaysia and will be officially handed over to NIM during an official reception at the Royal Thai Embassy on Friday, 7 May 2010.

The official reception will be witnessed by specially-invited guests comprising Malaysian Buddhist community leaders, scholars and educators – both Sangha and laity.  A high-level delegation from Thailand will accompany the arrival of Tipitaka to Malaysia. The delegation will be headed by H. E. Ambassador Suchitra Hiranprueck, the former Thai Ambassador to Malaysia.  Others in the Thai delegation include members of the aristocracy and Buddhist patrons.

The World Tipitaka is a gift from the Dhamma Society of Thailand to the Malaysian Buddhist community, presented in honour of the late Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, elder sister of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.  

The Tipitaka, literally translated as the ‘Three Collections’, consist of the holy scriptures of the Buddha’s teaching divided into three main divisions, i.e. the Sutta Pitaka (teachings and methods to enlightenment), Vinaya (monastic rules and training), and Abhidhamma (scholastic explanation of the science of mind).

Since its inaugural presentation in 2005, the limited-edition World Tipitaka has only been conferred to leading institutions in the world as a means to preserve and facilitate the learning of the authentic teachings of the Buddha.  Past recipients of this revered gift include the Constitutional Court of Thailand, the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Maha Bodhi Society of India, Uppsala University of Sweden, the University of Melbourne, Australia, and the University of Oslo, Norway. 

The 40-volume World Tipitaka is awarded to Nalanda Institute as a recognition for its commitment and contribution to the Buddhist education development in Malaysia.  NIM is honoured to be one of the few recipients of the treasured World Tipitaka. 

The World Tipitaka will be available for public access from July 2010 at Pustaka Nalanda (Nalanda’s Library).  The Tipitaka is an invaluable and ultimate source of reference for students of Buddhism.  All scholars, students and researchers – monks, nuns and laypeople – are welcome to peruse the World Tipitaka in our library.

On this historical occasion, let us rejoice and put our palms together to receive the holy Tipitaka to Malaysia.  Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu!


Respectfully,
Sis. Buddhini Tan
Hon. Secretary,
Nalanda Buddhist Society


2 comments:

CK Ng said...

SADHU SADHU SADHU

Unknown said...

Saddhu to Bro.Tan,committe members & all Nalandians for the success in making Nalanda Institute from a humble beginning to a centre of excellence for Buddhist studies & propagation.