Cambodia Marks 56th Anniversary of Khmer ‘Tipitaka’ Translation

Phnom penh: The Ministry of Cult and Religion organised a celebration marking the 56th anniversary of the translation of the Pali Tipitaka into Khmer with the participation of more than 2,500 people. The event included a two-day meditation retreat yesterday and today at the Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Centre on Oudong Mountain (Phnom Preah Reach Troap) in Ponhea Leu district, Kandal province. Oudong Mountain is a major Buddhist centre that served as Cambodia's capital in the 17th century. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Tipitaka, meaning 'Three Baskets,' is the earliest collection of sacred Buddhist scriptures, containing the foundational teachings known as 'buddhavacana', or the word of the Buddha. The celebration was attended by Cult and Religion Minister Chay Borin, First Lady Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony, senior government officials, and Buddhist monks. Venerable Bour Kry, Great Supreme Patriarch of the Dhammayuttikanikaya, Venerable Am Limheng, Supreme Patriarch of the Mahanikaya, Venerable No y Chroek, First Deputy Supreme Patriarch of the Mahanikaya, and Venerable Chea Samang, a member of the Assembly of Elder Monks in Cambodia, led the proceedings. Activities included a procession of the Three Baskets, recital of the Tipitaka, meditation sessions, and sermons on compassion. The anniversary followed Prime Minister Hun Manet's policy decision last year to promote Buddhism in Cambodia. Under this decision, the government approved the re-establishment of the Tipitaka Congregation to authenticate the Khmer Tipitaka, instructed the Ministry of Cult and Religion to organise a consecration ceremony every five years at Angkor Wat or Oudong Mountain. The translation of the Tipitaka from Pali to Khmer was a 40-year process from 1929 to 1969, undertaken by the Tipitaka Congregation of the Buddhist Academy in Phnom Penh. The work is considered a national treasure and an important part of the country's printed cultural heritage. According to the Ministry of Cult and Religion, the Tipitaka preserves Buddha' s teachings, guidance, and moral instruction from the time of his enlightenment until his passing. The Khmer translation of the scriptures has enabled easier study, understanding, and learning of Buddhist teachings among Cambodians. Cambodia was the first Buddhist country in the world to translate the Tipitaka into its national language. The Khmer Tipitaka comprises 110 volumes, with the Vinaya Tipitaka spanning volumes 1-13, the Sutta Tipitaka volumes 14-77, and the Abhidhamma Tipitaka volumes 78-110.