Thailand presented an 80-volume World Tipitaka Sajjhaya Phonetic Edition to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen at a ceremony at Tashichhodzong. The Tipitaka, the first complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, forms the doctrinal foundation of the Theravada tradition. More than a century ago, King Chulalongkorn Chulachomklao, Rama V of Thailand, established the tradition. This momentous presentation carries on the custom. The Theravada Buddhist Canon Set was presented to numerous reputable foreign libraries worldwide upon its initial production in 1893. The Tipitaka is specifically transcribed using a phonetic technique in the World Tipitaka Sajjhaya Phonetic Editions in order to maintain and standardize the original Pali pronunciation.
Because the editions ensure uniform recitations across linguistic backgrounds and facilitate appropriate oral transmission of the Tipitaka, they are beneficial to monks, scholars, and practitioners who rely on oral chanting and memorization. Sajjhaya is the term used to describe the customary chanting or reciting of Buddhist literature. In honor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 70th reign, the World Tipitaka Sajjhaya Phonetic Editions were published in 2016. They consist of 80 volumes and two major editions. According to a World Tipitaka Foundation representative, Thailand’s gift to Bhutan’s Royal Families “reflects friendship, shared spiritual heritage, and close ties between the two countries.”