In a heartwarming gesture of cultural diplomacy, PM Shinawatra gifts PM Modi the World Tipitaka, a revered Buddhist scripture, during his official visit to Thailand. This special edition isn’t just any book – it’s a phonetic version of the Tipitaka, the principal collection of Lord Buddha’s teachings. Written in both Pali and Thai scripts, the edition ensures the correct pronunciation of over nine million syllables across 108 volumes.
The Tipitaka (or Tripitaka in Sanskrit) means “Three Baskets” and includes teachings on morality, philosophy, and discipline given by Lord Buddha himself. It is like the foundation of the Buddhist way of life and one of the most important spiritual texts in the world.
So when PM Shinawatra gifts PM Modi the World Tipitaka, it’s more than a diplomatic gesture—it’s a message of unity, peace, and shared history between India and Thailand.
This special edition, gifted to PM Modi, was first published in 2016 as part of Thailand’s World Tipitaka Project. It celebrated the 70-year reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit. Thailand has presented this sacred text as a “Gift of Peace and Wisdom for All” to over 30 countries.
That’s right—more than 30 nations around the world have received this book, and now India is one of them!
When PM Shinawatra gifts PM Modi the World Tipitaka, PM Modi accepted it with folded hands, showing deep respect on behalf of “Buddha Bhoomi”—the land where Buddha was born and walked.
He warmly thanked the Thai government and reminded everyone of the recent spiritual exchange when Buddha’s holy relics were sent to Thailand from India. “It’s a matter of great joy,” he said, “that over 4 million devotees in Thailand got to witness and pay respects to the holy relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples.”
In March 2024, the sacred relics of Lord Buddha, along with those of his two disciples, Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana, were returned to India after a 26-day exposition in Thailand. The journey attracted millions and was a symbol of the strong spiritual bond between the two countries.
Just like this sacred journey, when PM Shinawatra gifts PM Modi the World Tipitaka, it adds another chapter to this beautiful friendship rooted in faith and history.
The two Prime Ministers also held a productive discussion to strengthen bilateral ties. PM Modi praised the Thai government for their warm hospitality and extended support following a recent earthquake in the region.
He also emphasized how India’s “Act East” policy and Thailand’s “Act West” policy go hand in hand—opening new opportunities in tourism, trade, education, and culture.
And of course, the exchange where PM Shinawatra gifts PM Modi the World Tipitaka shows how cultural connections can strengthen friendships in powerful ways.
To sum up, the moment when PM Shinawatra gifts PM Modi the World Tipitaka is not just about gifting a sacred text—it’s a celebration of a deep spiritual connection between India and Thailand. It’s a reminder that ancient wisdom still connects people today, across languages and borders.
And now, with the World Tipitaka in his hands, PM Modi carries not just a gift, but a symbol of peace, mutual respect, and shared heritage for all of us to learn from.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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