Tripitaka Buddhist book in English launched

BANGKOK, May 7 (TNA) -- A total of 10,000 copies of a book said to be the world's first and formal international version of the Tripitaka Buddhist scriptures will be printed and distributed to mark the Day of Vesak (Visakha Bucha Day) which falls on this Wednesday, said Phra Brahmapundit, rector of the Buddhist University. Vesak Day is celebrated to commemorate the three major events in Lord Buddha’s life – his birth, enlightenment and passing away. Initially, the Common Buddhist Text (CBT) will be printed 10,000 copies and distribute to Buddhists coming from around the world to celebrate the Day of Vesak at Bangkok-based United Nations office this Monday, said Phra Brahmapundit. The book contains notions and Buddhist scriptures compiled from the three sects of Buddhism - Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana and the main objective of publishing the book in English is to make those who are not even Buddhist to understand the Lord Buddha’s teachings and philosophy, said Phra Brahmapundit. It took about seven years in compiling the three sects into English and it contains altogether 600 pages, said Phra Brahmapundit, adding that there is a plan to translate the book in Thai next year and the book will be distributed to institutions teaching the religion and to the general public. In future, the book may be sold at book shops and appear on a website, Phra Brahmapundit added. (TNA)