19th International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony Begins in Bodh Gaya

The 19th International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony kicked off on December 2 in Bodh Gaya, India, attracting over 10 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 US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti who was the chief guest. Other notable participants included International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) Director General Abhijit Halder and Mahabodhi Temple Secretary-in-Charge Mahashweta Maharathi. Representatives from Cambodia, Laos and several other countries were also present.

Garcetti addressed the gathering, reflecting on his personal connection to India: “(The) Tipitaka It is not just words but a wisdom received and an opportunity to recognize who we really are. Today we see nations and people divided, but my friendships in India remind me of the power of relationships, love and unity, which is greater than anything else in the world. (ANI)

Garcetti stressed the importance of unity and compassion in overcoming global divisions, saying, "(The) Buddha taught us not only to look inward, but also to connect outwardly with one another, to find put in ourselves, and to imagine a day when dukkha will be gone. (ANI)

LBDFI Executive Director Wangmo Dixey delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the continued relevance of the Buddha’s teaching. “We live in a world buffeted by wars and conflicts, with echoes of the global pandemic still present,” Dixey noted. “The urgent question is: What can bring our hearts closer to peace? The answer lies in the reason for this gathering: the timeless words of the Buddha, which guide humanity toward inner peace, mutual understanding, and lasting harmony.” (ANI)

The ceremony included a solemn altar at the Mahabodhi Temple, adorned with a portrait of the Buddha, traditional offerings and Pali scriptures. The collective chanting of the TipitakaThe canonical texts of Theravada Buddhism, serve both as a meditative practice and as a means of spreading peace and wisdom on a global scale.

IBC Director General Abhijit Halder highlighted the significance of the event: “Despite technological advancements, the world continues to experience profound suffering. The Buddha always emphasized chanting and travel as a means to spread his teachings: chanting and travel. (ANI)

Halder also highlighted the recent recognition of Pali as a classical language by the Indian government, supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that this recognition marked an important step towards the revival of Buddhism and the revitalization of 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 spreading Buddhist teachings.

The event also symbolises growing international cooperation between Buddhist communities. Diplomatic representatives from Cambodia, Laos and Thailand participated, reflecting the widespread appeal and unifying potential of Buddhist practice.

As the ceremony unfolds over 10 days, participants will engage in daily sessions of chanting, meditation and discussions on applying the Buddha’s teachings to contemporary issues. The event not only celebrates Buddhist traditions, but also seeks to inspire practical peace and compassion in everyday life.

LBDFI is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Buddhist teachings and practices. Through events such as the International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony, LBDFI seeks to foster global participation and interfaith dialogue, with the goal of spreading peace, wisdom, and compassion in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha.

See more

19th International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony Begins in Bodh Gaya, Attracts Record Global Participation (ANI)
Visiting Bodh Gaya seems like an old dream come true: the American envoy (India Time)
World Harmony Resonates in 19th Tipitaka Chant in Bodh Gaya (Devdiscourse)
The Light of Buddha Dhamma Foundation International India

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