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Buddhist 'World Tipitaka' scriptures to be ceremonially presented to University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is to be honoured as the first Australian institution to be presented with the updated, Romanised edition of the Buddhist scriptural canon, or World Tipitaka, tomorrow, Wednesday 21 October.
Media are welcome to attend by prior arrangement. The 1893 Tipitaka will also be on display.
Contact: Katherine Smith, University of Melbourne Media Unit (0402 460 147).
The colourful and formal procession to present the 40 volumes of sacred writings - which include some of the sayings of Shakyamuni, founder of Buddhism - will take place in the Gryphon Gallery, 1888 Building, at 2.15pm.
University Librarian Mr Philip Kent says the Tipitaka is the earliest surviving collection of scriptures in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, committed to writing from an oral tradition during the early years of Buddhism (first century BCE) in the Pali language in what is modern day Sri Lanka. The scriptures were first printed in the nineteenth century.
"The printed Pali Tipitaka were originally presented to the University in 1893 by His Majesty King Chulalongkorn of Siam (now Thailand) and those original 39 volumes in Siam script are preserved at the University of Melbourne in excellent condition," he says.
"In 1999 the Dhamma Society, a charitable organisation with Thai Royal patronage, began a project to render the scriptures into Roman script. The project was completed in 2005, and volumes of the books are now being ceremonially presented at various locations around the world, to assist and enhance studies of Buddhist teachings," he says.
"The University Library is greatly honoured to receive this royal gift, especially as it means The University of Melbourne will be the only Australian organisation to receive the scriptures."
Described as a ‘royal gift of wisdom and peace’ from the late Princess Galyani Vadhana, the Honorary President of the Dhamma Society and Royal Matriarch of Thailand, the World Tipitaka will be accepted on behalf of the University by the Chancellor, Alex Chernov AO.
Presentation of the Tipitaka will be a highly visual ceremonial occasion, with each volume being carried in procession by representatives of the Dhamma Society, and members of Melbourne’s Thai community. Among the 40-strong procession will be:
* Her Excellency (Lady) Khunying Vichandra Bunnag (Patron of the Dhamma Society and Chief of the Delegati
* Her Excellency Miss Suchitra Hiranprueck (Former Thai Ambassador to Australia)
* Major Suradhaj Bunnag (Chancellor of the Dhamma Society & President of the World Tipitaka)
* Dr Simon Wallace, Honorary Consul-General for Thailand
* Members of Melbourne’s Thai and Buddhist communities.
