Namo Shakyamuni Buddha.
Most Venerable Sangha Members,
Distinguished Professors, scholars, honored guests, benefactors, devoted Buddhists, and respected attendees,
Today, with profound joy and heartfelt gratitude, we gather here to conclude the International Tripitaka Recitation Ceremony 2026 at Sakya Buddha University.
Over the course of twenty-one days, from May 16 to June 6, 2026, under the guidance and blessings of the Venerable Sangha, and with the participation of professors, scholars, students, and Buddhist devotees from many countries, this Grand Ceremony has been conducted in an atmosphere of dignity, harmony, and spiritual inspiration.
This year’s ceremony has been not only a significant spiritual event but also an international academic forum where the True Dharma has been proclaimed, the Tripitaka has been recited, and the Buddha’s timeless values of compassion and wisdom have been shared with the broader human community.
During the ceremony, we successfully completed the recitation of:
- Dīgha Nikāya (Pāli): 811 pages
- Dīgha Nikāya (English): 1,897 pages
- Majjhima Nikāya (English): 245 pages
- Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra (Vietnamese): 3,732 pages
- Mahāvagga Vinaya (Theravāda): 37 pages
- Daśādhyāya Vinaya (Ten Recitations Vinaya): 114 pages
- Dharmaguptaka Bhikṣuṇī Vinaya: 68 pages
- Abhidharmakośa (English): 154 pages
- Abhidhamma Treatises (English): 210 pages
In total, 7,268 pages of the Tripitaka were recited during this Grand Ceremony.
In addition, the ceremony successfully hosted 18 international academic conference sessions, bringing together scholars, monastics, and students to engage in research and dialogue on contemporary Buddhist studies, thereby strengthening the connection between spiritual tradition and modern scholarship.
Distinguished guests,
The year 2026 also marks a significant milestone in the history of Sakya Buddha University. During the course of this Grand Ceremony, the University received official notification from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) confirming that SBU has provided the necessary documentation and evidence to continue its progress toward Candidate Status within the United States higher education accreditation process.
This achievement affirms that Buddhist education not only preserves the spiritual heritage of the Buddha but is also capable of meeting international academic standards and making meaningful contributions to contemporary higher education.
In this context, this year’s International Tripitaka Recitation Ceremony stands as a symbol of the meeting of Dharma and scholarship, tradition and future, the ideal of enlightenment and the mission of education in service to humanity.
We respectfully express our deepest gratitude to the Venerable Sangha for their compassionate guidance and support; to the professors, scholars, and international speakers for their valuable academic contributions; and to our benefactors, supporters, sponsors, volunteers, and devoted Buddhists whose generosity and dedication made this Grand Ceremony possible.
Distinguished guests,
Although the ceremony concludes today, its spirit will continue to live on in the daily lives of all who participated. The Dharma reveals its true value only when it is studied, practiced, and transformed into a life of compassion, wisdom, and responsibility toward society.
Sakya Buddha University remains committed to advancing Buddhist education, research, and Dharma propagation, contributing to the development of a strong Buddhist academic tradition for the benefit of the community and humanity.
May all the merits generated through this Grand Ceremony be dedicated to:
- Peace throughout the world;
- Harmony and prosperity among nations;
- The happiness and well-being of all beings;
- The peaceful rebirth of departed spirits in fortunate realms;
- And the enduring presence of the Buddha Dharma throughout the world.
With profound reverence and joy, I hereby declare:
THE INTERNATIONAL TRIPITAKA RECITATION CEREMONY 2026 AT SAKYA BUDDHA UNIVERSITY HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED AND IS NOW OFFICIALLY CLOSED.
May the Venerable Sangha enjoy good health and spiritual well-being. May all present be blessed with happiness, growing wisdom, and abundant merit.
Thank you all for your participation and support.
Thich Huyen Chau
President & Chief Executive Officer
Sakya Buddha University