Coordination Meeting: Matters on republishing computerized Tīkā books

A coordination meeting on republishing 26 Tika or Sub commentary books approved in sixth Sanghayana or sixth Synod in computerized version without changing the original texts and pages, was held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture in Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended the Sayadawgyis led by Pali-TakkathoMingalarZayyon monastery, Pyinmana Township in Nay Pyi Taw, Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin and officials.

In his presentation on religious affairs, during the Sixth Synod, the 40 books of original Pāli texts, 51 books of Āṭṭhakathā texts, and 26 books of the Tīkā texts were inscribed with metal letters and documented for preservation. The printed texts were continuously used by the Sangha and have been passed down to the present day.

However, due to natural disasters, some of the early printed materials were damaged. To address this, under the guidance of the Venerable Sayadawgyis of the State Sangha Mahanayaka Committee, 27 books of Āṭṭhakathā texts have been printed. Similarly, the Tīkā texts will also be reprinted following the same procedure to ensure consistency with the original manuscript, with no changes in page numbers or characters.

The reprinting process will continue according to the instructions of the Venerable Sayadaws. In response to the proposal from the Union Minister, the Venerable Sayadaws indicated that the Tīkā texts should be prioritized for reprinting using the computer typesetting system.

It was further emphasized that the printed versions of the Tīkā texts need to be sent promptly to International Theravāda Buddhist University, the State Pariyatti Universities, the International Vipassana University, and large Buddhist scriptures learning centers for review.

The Sayadaws assured that they would dedicate themselves to this important work for the benefit of the Dhamma. Finally, Union Minister made concluding remarks, formally concluding the meeting. The Union Minister later clarified their concerns, with the computer typesetting for the 27 books of Āṭṭhakathā texts being shown. The final discussion on the matter was also concluded.