The Fourth Annual Ceremony to Support the Dhammachai Tipiṭaka Project and the Preservation of Palm-Leaf Manuscripts

The ceremony was held at Kaew Saraphat Nuek 2 Hall, Wat Phra Dhammakaya, with a large number of devotees in attendance. Mr. Paisan Thaweechai Thawon and Ms. Saowanee Hiranyasiri served as the principal sponsors of the ceremony. Mr. Siriwat Laohakiat and Ms. Rewadee Palawatwichai led the participants in making an offering to support the preservation of palm-leaf manuscripts. The project gratefully rejoices in the merit of all those who contributed to this noble cause and helped preserve the Buddha’s teachings for future generations.

Japanese Faculty Visit to Study Buddhism in Thailand

Phra Maha Pongsak Thaniyo, Ph.D., welcomed faculty members from leading universities in Japan, including Kyoto University, Osaka University, and Keio University, who visited Wat Phra Dhammakaya to study the history and dissemination of Buddhism in Thailand.

500-Novice Ordination Program in Nepal

Mr. Gopi Maharjan, Administrative Officer of the Dhammachai Tipitaka Project, served as master of ceremonies and interpreter for the 500-Novice Ordination Program, held at Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, in Nepal, from 1–31 March 2026.

Hayagiri Buddhist School Visits Wat Phra Dhammakaya

Mr. Rohana, a scholar of the Dhammachai Tipitaka Project, led a group of teachers and students from Hayagiri Buddhist International School in Kandy, Sri Lanka, on a visit to Wat Phra Dhammakaya to learn about Buddhist culture.

Ceremony of Offering Manuscript Wrapping Cloths

Staff of the Dhammachai Tipiṭaka Project conducted a formal ceremony to return palm-leaf manuscripts to Wat Chao Chet Nai after replacing their deteriorated wrappings with new, clean, and preservation-appropriate cloths. The original wrappings had become damaged and degraded over time. With the kind permission of the abbot, the newly rewrapped manuscripts were included as part of the offerings in the “Ceremony to Support the Dhammachai Tipiṭaka Project and the Preservation of Palm-Leaf Manuscripts,” held on June 8.

This initiative aimed to promote awareness of the value of preserving ancient manuscripts and to encourage active participation by the lay community in the conservation process.

The Third Annual Ceremony in Support of the Dhammachai Tipiṭaka Project and the Preservation of Palm-Leaf Manuscripts

The ceremony dedicated to preserving palm-leaf manuscripts and supporting the production of the Dhammachai Tipiṭaka Series was held in Kaewsarapadnuk Room 2 at Dhammakaya Temple. The event opened with a meditation session, followed by a blessing from the Sangha community led by the presiding monk. Supporters then presented alms to the monks, which included manuscript wrapping cloths, preservation kits, journals, and copies of the Tipiṭaka. The wrapping cloths and preservation kits will be used in the cleaning and conservation of manuscripts to safeguard and extend the lifespan of these precious ancient texts. These manuscripts will serve as essential sources for producing a critical edition of the Pali Canon in digital format and for further scholarly research.

The Second Annual Ceremony in Support of the Dhammachai Tipiṭaka Project and the Preservation of Palm-Leaf Manuscripts

The ceremony to support the preservation of palm-leaf manuscripts and the production of the Dhammachai Tipiṭaka Series was held in the Kaewsarapadnuk Room 2 at Dhammakaya Temple. The event began with a meditation session, followed by a blessing from the Sangha community led by a presiding monk. Afterward, supporters respectfully offered alms to the monks, including manuscript wrapping cloths, preservation kits, journals, and copies of the Tipiṭaka. The wrapping cloths and preservation kits will be used in the process of manuscript cleaning to prolong the life of these valuable ancient documents, which will serve as primary resources for creating a critical edition of the Pali Canon in digital format and for other in-depth studies.

DTP Meeting at Chiang Mai Rajabhat University

Representatives from DTP met with Dr. Direk Injan at the Office of Arts and Culture, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, to discuss the progress of the manuscript database.

Visiting Chiang Mai

Representatives from DTP met with Dr. Phisit Kotsupho, Director of the Lanna Manuscripts Conservation and Research Center, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Chiang Mai Campus, and Associate Professor Dr. Viroj Inthanon from the Department of Philosophy and Religions, Faculty of Humanities, Chiang Mai University.

Ceremony of Offering Manuscript Wrapping Cloths

Monks and lay staff from DTP assembled at Sakae Temple to present manuscript wrapping cloths as offerings. The event commenced with a three-round procession of circumambulation, followed by the presentation of manuscripts wrapped in fresh white cloths atop the originals. Lastly, all participants enthusiastically joined in storing the manuscripts in cabinets.