Propagation of Sasana: Process for re-publication of Athtakahta Treatises

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture is progressing towards the re-publication of Athtakahta Treatises, adhering to the principles established by the Sixth Buddhist Council.

A second work coordination meeting regarding this endeavor was held on Thursday, attended by 11 Sayadaws led by the Rector Sayadaw of the International Theravāda Buddhist Missionary University and the Rector Sayadaw of the State Pariyatti Sāsana University (Mandalay).

Union Minister U Tin Oo Lwin sought suggestions from the Sayadaws to ensure accuracy in the publishing process, recognizing the historical significance of this task for the Sasana.

Historically, the religious teachings of the Lord Buddha were orally transmitted for over 450 years, spanning from the first to the fourth Buddhist Councils. These teachings were first inscribed on palm-leaf manuscripts during the fourth Buddhist Council and later on stone inscriptions during the fifth Buddhist Council.

The Sixth Buddhist Council resulted in the publication of these teachings in 40 Tripitaka Books, 51 Athtakahta Treatises, and 26 Tikas in typed versions. Shwe Thuwun Sayadaw has already successfully published the computerized version of the 40 Tripitaka Books.

Current efforts are focused on publishing the 51 Athtakahta Treatises into computerized versions. At present, 5 treatises are in the printing process, 18 are under editing, and 6 are in the scripting phase. There are 22 more treatises that remain to be processed.