PATNA: The International Tipitaka Chanting Council has
announced that the Eighth International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony will be held
in Bodhgaya, from December 2 -12 2012. Senior monks and their followers from
ten countries will come together to chant from the Pali Tipitaka at
the ancient Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple, with a colourful opening
ceremony and
procession on December 2 following the opening function on the Kalachakra ground.
Organized by the Sangha of Myanmar, over 1500 monks from the countries of Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos,
Indonesia, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam will attend the ceremony. The
'Sangharajas' of India, Cambodia and Bangladesh will also grace the gathering,
along with five 'Tipitikadharas' from Myanmar. Senior monks from all other
countries will also be in attendance. Every evening 'dharma' talks in English
and Hindi will be offered under the Bodhi tree and
there will also be a free cultural show from Myanmar offered on the evenings of
December 2 and 3.
Commenting on the importance of the event, U Nyaninda,
president of the International Tipitaka Chanting Council said: "It is a
particular pleasure that this year the great Sangha of Myanmar will be
organizing this important international gathering. Many Burmese people will
also bring the unique atmosphere of Burmese culture to the Place of Enlightenment. With interest in
Buddhism growing rapidly in India, this great celebration of the teachings of the Lord Buddha is
of particular significance".
