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'Buddhism in World Languages and Literature' Research Project

Center of Excellence Program on Language, Linguistics and Literature, Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University (COE)

Buddhism is a universal wisdom. It speaks of natural truth; it teaches about the development and the perfectability of the path of life that aims at individual happiness and the balanced coexistence of man and nature and all living things. The Buddhist Pali Tipitaka was first printed by command of Thailand's King Chulalongkorn to be distributed to royal monasteries nationwide and presented as a royal gift to leading institutes in various countries. That endeavour, together with the grand celebration at monasteries across the country during the course of the year 1893, turned out to be a statement of the independence of national sovereignty at a most precarious period in Siamese history amidst the colonization of the Asian region. It placed Siam from the international perspective as a land of dhamma – a civilized, prosperous and progressive country. Our King was acclaimed the Righteous King of the Buddhist faith.

In commemoration of King Chulalongkorn's centenary in 2010, the International Tipitaka Hall, the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University deem it appropriate to embark upon a project to preserve the original version of this Siamese volume of the Pali Tipitaka, King Chulachomklao edition Rattanakosin Era 112 (B.E.2436), which, being the world's first printed set of the Pali Tipitaka, is in need of urgent preservation, in a converted, electronic book form.

H.R.H.Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, with her wide knowledge of and genuine interest in Pali and the Buddhist canon, especially the Tipitaka, has followed closely in her great-grandfather's footsteps. She is a constant advocate of the study and dissemination of Buddhism and the Tipitaka. Therefore, on her 55th birthday anniversary in the coming year, another research project of a multidisciplinary nature on the topic of "Buddhism in World Literature" will also be carried out.

Together, these projects will serve as a complement to the University's mission to integrate fields of knowledge and create new knowledge as a contribution to the permanent happiness of the country as well as the world community.