Dates: May 22 – June 13, 2027
Venue: Sakya Buddha University (SBU)
3404 Westminster Avenue, Santa Ana, California 92703, USA
NAMO ŚĀKYAMUNI BUDDHA
Most Venerable Buddhist Patriarchs, Most Venerable Elders, Venerable Monks and Nuns,
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Leaders of Buddhist Organizations, Ambassadors, Diplomatic Representatives, Professors, Scholars, Buddhist Researchers, Buddhist Devotees, and Honored International Guests,
In a spirit of profound gratitude to Śākyamuni Buddha, dedication to the preservation of the Sacred Tripitaka, and commitment to the continued transmission of the Buddhadharma, Sakya Buddha University (SBU) in California, United States of America, is honored to organize the Second International Tripitaka Recitation Ceremony – 2027, building upon the achievements of the inaugural ceremony held in 2026.
I. BUILDING UPON THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE 2026 CEREMONY
The First International Tripitaka Recitation Ceremony, held from May 16 to June 6, 2026, at Sakya Buddha University, was successfully completed following 21 consecutive days of solemn recitation, spiritual practice, and harmonious fellowship.
With the blessings and participation of Venerable Buddhist monks and nuns, professors, scholars, students, and Buddhist devotees from various countries, the ceremony included the recitation and study of Buddhist scriptures from the three divisions of the Tripitaka—the Sūtra Piṭaka, Vinaya Piṭaka, and Abhidharma Piṭaka—in several languages, including Pāli, English, and Vietnamese.
Notably, the 2026 ceremony successfully hosted 18 international academic conference sessions, providing opportunities for researchers, professors, and monastics to exchange perspectives on Buddhist teachings, the relationship between spiritual traditions and modern knowledge, and Buddhism’s contributions to contemporary society.
These achievements have laid a strong foundation for continuing the ceremony in the years ahead, with the aspiration of establishing an annual international Buddhist forum that harmoniously integrates scriptural recitation, spiritual cultivation, academic research, and cultural exchange.
II. OBJECTIVES OF THE 2027 CEREMONY
Building upon the achievements of the 2026 ceremony, the Second International Tripitaka Recitation Ceremony aims to:
- Preserve and Transmit the Sacred Tripitaka: Continue the recitation, study, and dissemination of the Sūtra Piṭaka, Vinaya Piṭaka, and Abhidharma Piṭaka, thereby safeguarding the Buddha’s teachings for future generations.
- Strengthen International Buddhist Harmony: Foster connections among Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna Buddhist traditions through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.
- Advance Buddhist Education and Research: Provide an international forum for professors, scholars, monastics, and students to exchange research findings, educational approaches, and insights into applying Buddhist teachings in contemporary life.
- Promote Cultural Exchange and International Friendship: Enhance mutual understanding among nations, cultures, and Buddhist communities throughout the world.
- Pray for World Peace and the Well-Being of Humanity: Dedicate the merits of scriptural recitation to world peace, the happiness and well-being of all sentient beings, and the enduring presence of the Buddhadharma.
III. CEREMONY PROGRAM
The Second International Tripitaka Recitation Ceremony is scheduled to take place from May 22 to June 13, 2027, with the following principal activities:
1. Opening Ceremony: May 22, 2027
2. Recitation and Study of the Sacred Tripitaka
The program will be conducted in a spirit of harmony between the Theravāda and Mahāyāna Buddhist traditions. The Sūtra and Abhidharma sessions will be open to all participants, while Vinaya sessions will be reserved for ordained monastics in accordance with the disciplinary rules of their respective traditions.
THERAVĀDA BUDDHISM – PĀLI TIPIṬAKA
Sutta Piṭaka: Dīgha Nikāya (The Long Discourses of the Buddha).
- Pāli: Recitation in the original Pāli language.
- English: Reading of the English translation.
Vinaya Piṭaka: Suttavibhaṅga (Analysis of the Monastic Rules).
- Language: Vietnamese.
Abhidhamma Piṭaka: Abhidhamma (Higher Teachings / Buddhist Analytical Doctrine).
- Language: English.
MAHĀYĀNA BUDDHISM
Sūtra Piṭaka: Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra (The Great Treasury of Jewels Sutra).
- Language: Vietnamese recitation.
Vinaya Piṭaka: Daśabhāṇavāra Vinaya (Ten Recitations Vinaya / Shisong Lü).
- Language: Vietnamese.
Abhidharma: Abhidharmakośa (Treasury of Abhidharma).
- Language: English.
3. International Buddhist Academic Conference
Scholarly presentations, research papers, and discussions on Buddhist teachings, philosophy, education, culture, ethics, and contemporary social issues.
4. International Buddhist Fellowship
Exchanges among Venerable monastics, scholars, Buddhist organizations, and representatives of different Buddhist traditions.
5. Spiritual Practice Sessions
Meditation, Buddhist chanting, Dharma talks, and dedication of merits.
6. Closing Ceremony: June 13, 2027
The detailed program and participation schedules for international delegations will be announced by the Organizing Committee at a later date.
IV. FORMAL INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE
On behalf of Sakya Buddha University and the Organizing Committee, we respectfully invite Most Venerable Buddhist Patriarchs, Elders, and Venerable monks and nuns from Buddhist traditions throughout the world to grace the ceremony with their presence, blessings, and participation.
We also cordially invite leaders of Buddhist organizations, diplomatic representatives, professors, scholars, researchers, representatives of educational institutions, cultural organizations, and international Buddhist devotees to attend this important gathering.
In particular, we respectfully request the kind assistance of Embassies, Consulates General, and diplomatic missions in sharing information about this ceremony with Buddhist organizations, educational institutions, and scholars in their respective countries who may wish to participate in international cultural, academic, and religious exchanges.
Your distinguished presence and valuable contributions would be a great source of encouragement, enriching the ceremony and strengthening friendship and cooperation among Buddhist communities worldwide.
V. INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS
Organizing Institution: Sakya Buddha University (SBU)
Event Dates: May 22 – June 13, 2027
Venue: 3404 Westminster Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92703, USA
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sakyauniversity.com
For international participants who require a visa to enter the United States, the Organizing Committee may provide an individualized invitation letter confirming their participation, intended itinerary, and other relevant information based on each participant’s actual circumstances.
Visa issuance is solely at the discretion of the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate and is subject to applicable U.S. immigration laws and regulations.
VI. CLOSING REMARKS AND DEDICATION OF MERITS
Most Venerable Monastics,
Distinguished Guests,
The International Tripitaka Recitation Ceremony 2027 represents not only the continuation of the successful inaugural event held in 2026, but also the enduring aspiration to preserve and disseminate the Buddha’s teachings while cultivating wisdom and compassion throughout humanity.
We believe that when Venerable monks and nuns, scholars, researchers, and Buddhist devotees from many nations gather to recite, study, and practice the Buddhadharma, this ceremony will serve as a meaningful bridge connecting Buddhist traditions, cultures, and generations.
May the merits generated through this ceremony be dedicated to world peace, the prosperity and well-being of all nations, the happiness of all sentient beings, the enduring presence of the Buddhadharma, and the spreading of the Buddha’s light of wisdom and compassion throughout the world.
We sincerely hope that all Venerable monastics and distinguished guests will graciously accept our invitation and join Sakya Buddha University in the Second International Tripitaka Recitation Ceremony – 2027.
With profound respect and sincere appreciation, we cordially extend this invitation.
Namo Merit Forest Bodhisattva Mahāsattva.
California, October 19, 2026
On behalf of the Organizing Committee
VEN. THICH HUYEN CHAU
President & Chief Executive Officer
Sakya Buddha University