The 19th International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony commenced on 2 December in Bodh Gaya, India, drawing more than 10,000 participants from around the world. The event was organized by the Light of Buddha Dhamma Foundation International India (LBDFI) and aims to honor and preserve Buddha’s teachings in Pali through collective chanting.
The opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries including the United States ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, who served as the chief guest. Other notable attendees included the director general of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Abhijit Halder, and the secretary in charge of the Mahabodhi Temple, Mahashweta Maharathi. Representatives from Cambodia, Laos, and several other nations were also present.
Garcetti addressed the gathering, reflecting on his personal connection to India: “[The] Tipitaka is not just words but received wisdom and an opportunity to recognize who we truly are. Today, we see nations and people divided, but my friendships in India remind me of the power of connections, love, and unity, which is greater than anything else in the world.” (ANI)
Garcetti emphasized the importance of unity and compassion in overcoming global divisions, saying, “[The] Buddha not only taught us to look inward but also to connect outwardly with one another, to find metta within ourselves, and to envision a day when dukkha will be gone.” (ANI)
The executive Director of the LBDFI, Wangmo Dixey, delivered the welcoming remarks, highlighting the continued relevance of the Buddha’s teaching. “We are living in a world shaken by wars and conflicts, with echoes of the global pandemic still lingering,” Dixey noted. “The urgent question is: what can bring our hearts closer to peace? The answer lies in the reason behind this gathering—the timeless words of the Buddha, which guide humanity toward inner peace, mutual understanding, and lasting harmony.” (ANI)
The ceremony featured a solemn altar at the Mahabodhi Temple, adorned with a portrait of the Buddha, traditional offerings, and Pali scriptures. The collective chanting of the Tipitaka, the canonical texts of Theravada Buddhism, serves both as a meditative practice and a means to spread peace and wisdom globally.
IBC director general Abhijit Halder remarked on the significance of the event: “Despite technological advancements, the world continues to experience profound suffering. The Buddha always emphasized chanting and travel as ways to spread his teachings—chanting and travel.” (ANI)
Halder also highlighted the Indian government’s recent recognition of Pali as a classical language, supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that this recognition marked a significant step toward reviving Buddhism and revitalizing Indian culture.
Historically, Bodh Gaya holds immense significance as the site where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. This annual chanting ceremony continues a long tradition of spiritual gatherings aimed at preserving and disseminating the Buddhist teaching.
The event also symbolizes growing international cooperation among Buddhist communities. Diplomatic representatives from Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand participated, reflecting the widespread appeal and unifying potential of Buddhist practice.
As the ceremony progresses over 10 days, participants will engage in daily chanting sessions, meditation, and discussions on applying the Buddha’s teaching to contemporary issues. The event not only celebrates Buddhist traditions but also seeks to inspire actionable peace and compassion in everyday life.
The LBDFI is dedicated to preserving and promoting Buddhist teachings and practices. Through organizing events like the International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony, the LBDFI seeks to foster global participation and interfaith dialogue, aiming to spread peace, wisdom, and compassion in line with the Buddha’s teachings.
See more
19th International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony begins in Bodh Gaya, draws record global participation (ANI)
Visiting Bodh Gaya feels like an old dream come true: US envoy (The Times of India)
Global Harmony Echoed at 19th Tipitaka Chanting in Bodh Gaya (Devdiscourse)
The Light of Buddha Dhamma Foundation International India
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