Work Coordination Meeting: Translation of the Tipitaka Pali-Myanmar Dictionaries

A work coordination meeting on the translation of the Tipitaka Pali-Myanmar dictionaries into English was held at the International Theravāda Buddhist Missionary University (ITBMU) in Mayangone Township, Yangon Region, on Saturday.

The meeting was graced by the Sayadaws led by Rector of ITBMU Dr Bhaddanta Hsekinda and member Sayadaws of the Work Committee on the Translation. Also present at the occasion were Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin and other concerned officials. At the meeting, the ITBMU Rector Sayadaw delivered the Ovada Gatha.

The Union Minister then submitted the ongoing translation of the Tipitaka Pali-Myanmar dictionaries into English. Initiated by the Head of State in 2004, the Ministry of Religious Affairs led the initiative with five expert teams from key institutions, including the Yangon University’s Department of Oriental Studies, ITBMU and State Pariyatti Sasana Universities of Yangon and Mandalay. Under the guidance of the second ITBMU Rector Sayadaw, Volume I was published in 2017 and Volume II was reprinted in December 2023 with an additional 1,000 copies.

Since October 2024, the Tipitaka Pali-Myanmar Dictionary Translation Steering and Working Committees have been restructured and the translation work is progressing. The Union Minister updated on the ongoing translation of the remaining volumes including 13 to 18 and 19 to 25.

The Pro Rector (Administration) of ITBMU then presented the progress of the Tipitaka Pali-Myanmar dictionary translation, followed by sector-wise discussions from Pro Rector and Rector Sayadaws. Subsequently, the Union Minister coordinated the necessary matters upon the discussions and the meeting concluded with a closing remark by the ITBMU Rector Sayadaw.