Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa highlighted the transformative International Tipitaka Sajjhaya Phonetic Recitation project at the ministry on Tuesday. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has teamed up with the International Tipitaka Foundation to spearhead the dissemination of the International Tipitaka Sajjhaya Phonetic Recitation, HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej and HM Queen Sirikit 2016 Edition, to numerous countries. This initiative is part of the grand celebration for HM King Vajiralongkorn’s 72nd birthday on July 28.
Thailand holds a significant place in the history of the Tipitaka. Back in 1893, under the reign of King Rama V, Thailand became the first nation to print and distribute the revered Tipitaka, reaching 150 organizations across 25 countries. Minister Maris Sangiampongsa proudly recounted this historical milestone. The legacy continued under King Rama IX, when the sacred texts were translated into Latin and Greek, marking another phase of international dissemination.
The International Tipitaka Sajjhaya Phonetic Recitation, launched to commemorate King Rama IX’s 70 years on the throne in 2016, is a pioneering edition. This version harnesses digital technology and musical notes to ensure precise pronunciation, a significant leap in maintaining the sanctity and accuracy of the recitations.
An event celebrating this latest distribution initiative was presided over by Mr. Maris on Tuesday. The gathering saw the presence of Thanpuying Varaporn Pramoj Na Ayudhya, president of the International Tipitaka Foundation, along with ambassadors and representatives from various global organizations. A captivating panel discussion titled “Intriguing Insights of the Tipitaka” was also organized as part of the event.
Assoc. Prof. Sasi Phongsarayut, chair of the Western Music Department, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Chulalongkorn University, explained the novel approach taken in the Tipitaka Recitation Edition. The edition meticulously transcribes the original Pali language grammar into musical notation, ensuring that every pronunciation is accurate.
This groundbreaking Tipitaka Sajjhaya Phonetic Recitation, dedicated to HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej and HM Queen Sirikit, comes in 40 volumes each, designed to facilitate precise recitation worldwide. The editions employ different phonetic systems; the King’s edition uses Syam-Pali phonetic symbols, while the Queen’s edition is set in Pali monotone musical notation.
The comprehensive Tipitaka Sajjhaya Phonetic Recitation series is set to grace libraries, institutions, and organizations in countries that had the honor of official visits from His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. Furthermore, these recitation sets will be shared with 36 countries with which Thailand maintains friendly diplomatic relations, as well as with the United Nations Headquarters in New York and UNESCO in Paris. This noble endeavor honors His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary.
Beyond celebrating royal milestones, this project aims to foster warm international relations and proliferate Buddhism academically across various nations. Minister Maris emphasized the importance of this initiative, which not only venerates Thailand’s revered monarchs but also strengthens the cultural and religious bonds between Thailand and the global community.
This project is monumental! It’s amazing to see the preservation and global dissemination of such an important historical text.
I agree! The digital and musical integration is particularly fascinating. Preserving accuracy is so crucial.
But isn’t this just another way for Thailand to showcase its monarchy? There’s so much propaganda around these projects.
Luke M, you have a point about national pride, but it’s also about cultural heritage. Both aspects can co-exist.
Can someone explain how phonetic recitation works? I’m having a hard time understanding the process.
Sarah, it’s like having musical notes guiding a person’s pronunciation. It’s complex but ensures the original sounds are maintained.
This initiative is just another way for Thailand to impose its culture on other countries.
That’s a harsh take. Sharing cultural and religious texts can also mean fostering mutual understanding and respect.
Maybe, but it still feels like cultural imperialism to me.
I studied the Tipitaka in college. Seeing it being disseminated globally is both exciting and a bit worrying. What if the true essence gets lost?
Priya, that’s a valid concern, but with proper academic oversight, we can maintain its integrity.
This sounds like a fascinating academic endeavor! Preserving pronunciation through musical notation might promote better understanding of ancient texts.
Digital technology enabling precise recitations is mind-blowing. This could be a game-changer for many historical texts.
I find it ironic how a project meant to honor monarchs also seeks to strengthen international relations. Aren’t those two ideas contradictory?
Not really. Monarchs have always played roles in diplomacy. This project is just an extension of that tradition.
This Tipitaka thing sounds cool, but why does it matter so much? It’s just an old book, right?
highschooler98, it’s not just an old book. It’s an essential part of Buddhist teachings and history. The preservation of such texts is crucial.
As an academic, I am thrilled to see such careful attention to linguistic accuracy. This could set a precedent for other historical texts.
Thailand’s initiative to include multiple countries is commendable. Sharing their cultural treasure enhances understanding and preserves history.
True, but should other countries be obligated to accept and promote Thai cultural heritage?
Tom R, it’s not about obligation but opportunity for cultural exchange. Nations can choose to partake willingly.
Are there similar projects for other religious texts? This could be a great model for preserving other ancient writings.
How effective is this method of translation and notation actually? It sounds more like a scholarly exercise than a practical one.
Alec, the effectiveness might vary, but it seems like a robust attempt at maintaining not just the meaning but the sounds of the original text.
Why focus only on this Tipitaka? There are numerous other texts that need preservation. This seems disproportionately focused.
I’ve always admired Thailand’s dedication to history and culture. This project exemplifies their commitment to preserving and promoting their heritage.
historybuff23, but why not also focus on a more balanced approach to text preservation from various cultures? Singular focus risks cultural bias.
Using musical notes for pronunciation sounds intriguing, but I wonder how accessible this method is for the general public. Wouldn’t it be difficult to learn?
This project should inspire other nations to look into their own historical texts. It’s a wonderful initiative that goes beyond borders.
Digital technology can indeed protect ancient texts. However, we should be cautious of over-reliance on tech in preserving history.
Amanda T., that’s a valid concern, but tech also provides unparalleled accuracy and preservation abilities. Balance is key.
The fact that these volumes are being shared with the UN and UNESCO makes this more than a national project; it’s a global initiative.