The Importance of the Tipiṭaka in Buddhasāsana
Venerable Phra Dhammapiṭaka (P. A. Payutto)
.. Once we have grasped the true meaning of the term, we will realize that the continuation of Buddhasāsana means the existence of the Buddha’s Teachings. Were they to become vague or disappear, no matter how numerous are devotees and activities or how imposing religious institutions and objects are, it could not be said that Buddhasāsana exists. On the contrary, should those extraneous tangibles disintegrate while the Teachings of the Buddha remain, people can still have an opportunity to know Buddhasāsana. Consequently, Buddhasāsana can truly be upheld through the preservation of the Buddha’s Teachings.
Throughout its history Buddhasāsana has truly advocated peace and loving-kindness to all. Thus sages have acknowledged that it is the first and truly pacifistic movement of the world. The Pāḷi Tipiṭaka is, therefore, the most important source from which peace-loving people can study principles and procedures that could secure peace for mankind.
Nevertheless, the ultimate goal of the task is to keep the Buddha’s words that have come to us in the form of the Pāḷi Tipiṭaka intact, free from interpolations. It must be true to the collection that came out of the First Saṅgīti. This will enable the reader to have access to the original words of the Buddha with no interference from the views of others. Even opinions of Dhammasaṁgāhakācariya, or the compiling teachers of the Dhamma, if they occurred, are to be marked and distinguished. They are open for intellectual study to the full. ..
It is hoped that the World Tipiṭaka Edition, the Buddhist Era 2500 Great International Council Pāḷi Tipiṭaka, published by the M.L. Maniratana Bunnag Dhamma Society Fund under the patronage of His Holiness Somdet Phra Ñāṇasaṁvara the Supreme Patriarch, in honour of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand, to be presented as a Gift of Dhamma worldwide, will serve as a bearer of the Buddha’s teachings that travels great distances. This messenger has the mission to deliver the Teacher’s words, which are beautiful at the beginning, beautiful in the middle and beautiful at the end, as uttered by the Buddha when He directed the first group of disciples to proclaim His message for the benefit of all mankind.
Venerable Phra Dhammapiṭaka (P. A. Payutto)