Background
 

   The International Collection of the Tipataka was compiled by the Dhamma Foundation under the Patronage of the Supreme Patriarch. Thanpuying Maneeratana Bunnag, a representative of the female students of the Faculty of Arts and an Arts graduate in 1947, presented this collection, as a tribute to the Dhamma, to the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University in order to establish the International Tipataka Hall. This place is meant to serve as the source of all the Buddhist Teachings and to contribute to the teaching and studying of Theravadh Buddhism. As chairperson of the Dhamma Foundation under the Patronage of the Supreme Patriarch, Thanpuying Manneratana gave the private collection of the international Tipitaka Scriptures owned by her son, Major Surathat Bunnag, as a Dhamma gift to the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University , her fondly remembered alma mater.

The International Tipitaka Hall features a collection of the Tipitaka Scriptures written in different languages and a complete set of supplementary doctrines; at least 2, 000 volumes in total. These consist of the Tipitaka Text, commentarty, sub-commentary, special canonical texts, the Tipitaka in Pali and in alphabets of different countries, translated versions in different languages and those rare and old collections inscribed on palm leaves.

The International Tipitaka Hall is located on the second floor of Maha Chulalongkorn Building . It serves as a centre for study and research on the Tipataka Scriptures. Its main goal is to disseminate knowledge about the Tipataka Buddhist Canonical Texts, which are the key to the Theravadh Buddhism practised in Thailand . It also promotes research and studies in humanities related to the Theravadh Buddhism. The Center was officially opened by the Supreme Patriarch, Somdetch Phra Yannasangvorn, on September 20, 2000 . Prior to the opening ceremony, Assoc. Prof Thatchai Sumitra, President of the University, performed a merit making ceremony in homage to the holy collection. The opening date also coincided with the birthday of H. M. King Chulalongkorn and H.M. King Ananda Mahidol.

The International Tipataka Hall organizes weekly activities in the form of special lectures, discussions and conferences on topics related to Buddhism. These activities are open to the public. The Hall also offers a class in “The Tipitaka and the Way of Life” to Chulalongkorn University students.

 

ì


The International Tipitaka Hall, Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University
Maha Chulalongkorn Building , Second Floor, Henri Dunant Road , Phayatai District, Bangkok 10330

Telephone numbers 0-2218-4451, 0-2218-4916
E-mail : inter_tipitaka@chula.ac.th