We are bequeathed the precious Dhamma that the Supreme Buddha expounded throughout 45 years, known today as the Theravada Tripitaka Dhamma. Following his passing away, the Dhamma that was spread over the length and breadth of India was assimilated and systematically compiled at what is termed as the ‘First Dhamma Sangeethi’. This great feat was accomplished by a panel of five hundred Arahant monks, under the auspice of the pre-eminent disciple Most Venerable Maha Arahant Maha Kassapa.

The Supreme Buddha delivered many discourses of Dhamma on numerous occasions and under diverse settings, all for the benefit of the masses. The complete collection is found in the sutta pitaka. These are arranged as a set of five.

• දීඝ නිකාය (Deegha Nikaya)
• මජ්ඣිම නිකාය (Majjhima Nikaya)
• සංයුක්ත නිකාය (Samyukta Nikaya)
• අඞ්ගුත්තර නිකාය (Anguttara Nikaya)
• ඛුද්දක නිකාය (Kuddaka Nikaya)

The largest ever Tripitaka Pooja,

The offering of 5000 Tripitakas at one given time could well be considered the largest ever Dharma Dana made to monks in the recent past. The concept itself arises from the disheartening situation found currently worldwide where the pristine Buddha word which is given the supreme place of teacher and guide in the absence of Lord Buddha himself, is being distorted and interpreted as thought fit by certain monks creating doubt and confusion among the followers.

The primary reason for this malpractice is the lack of knowledge about the contents of Abhidhamma, Sutra and Vinaya Pitakas (texts). The teachings of the Lord Buddha is preserved in its purest form in these texts and they are available in voluminous printed version known as the Tripitaka. The unavailability of this source of knowledge due to its considerably high cost and bulky size has resulted in a situation where monks give their own meanings as they seem fit and misguide the followers.

In an attempt to provide a solution to this critical issue, a timely idea was brought forward to provide the Tripitaka to monks in electronic form. A device has been customized and designed in the form of a Tab where only the functionality of reading is made available. All other options usually available in such a device has been removed so ensure that the e-reader would be used only to gain access to the already installed Tripitaka, Atuwa, Tika etc.

5000 invited monks will be offered with this device  at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium at the Vibhajjavada Bhikku Conferenceon the 4 th of January 2019. The opportunity is available to sponsor one such device at a fixed price or a make contribution towards the cause. Make use of this great opportunity you have been given to support preserve the pristine Buddha word and to make that knowledge available to the Maha Sangha in an attempt to stop the distortion of the Buddhist Philosophy.

May the merit of this task help each one of you on your journey through samsara in understanding the teachings of the Lord Buddha. May the merit of this help you see the reality of life from within.