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

TRIPITAKA RECITATION CEREMONY
May 16 – June 6, 2026

The Tripitaka Recitation Ceremony will be held from May 16 through June 6, 2026. 

The daily program is outlined below. We warmly look forward to your presence and participation. 

DAILY CHANTING SCHEDULE (08:00 AM – 07:30 PM):
 
08:00 a.m. – Recitation of the Dīgha Nikāya (Pali)
08:20 a.m. – Recitation of the Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra (Vietnamese)
08:40 a.m. – Recitation of the Dīgha Nikāya (English)
09:00 a.m. – Recitation of the Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra (Vietnamese)
09:20 a.m. – Break
09:30 a.m. – Recitation of the Dīgha Nikāya (Pali)
09:50 a.m. – Recitation of the Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra (Vietnamese)
10:10 a.m. – Recitation of the Dīgha Nikāya (English)
10:30 a.m. – Recitation of the Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra (Vietnamese)
10:50 a.m. – Break
11:00 a.m. – Recitation of the Dīgha Nikāya (Pali)
11:20 a.m. – Recitation of the Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra (Vietnamese)
11:40 a.m. – Recitation of the Dīgha Nikāya (English)
12:00 p.m. – Recitation of the Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra (Vietnamese)
12:20 p.m. – Lunch
01:00 p.m. – Recitation of the Dīgha Nikāya (Pali)
01:20 p.m. – Recitation of the Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra (Vietnamese)
01:40 p.m. – Recitation of the Dīgha Nikāya (English)
02:00 p.m. – Recitation of the Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra (Vietnamese)
02:20 p.m. – Break
02:30 p.m. – Recitation of the Dīgha Nikāya (Pali)
02:50 p.m. – Recitation of the Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra (Vietnamese)
03:10 p.m. – Recitation of the Dīgha Nikāya (English)
03:30 p.m. – Recitation of the Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra (Vietnamese)
03:50 p.m. – Break
04:10 p.m. – Recitation of the Dīgha Nikāya (Pali)
04:30 p.m. – Recitation of the Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra (Vietnamese)
04:50 p.m. – Recitation of the Dīgha Nikāya (English)
05:10 p.m. – Recitation of the Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra (Vietnamese)
05:30 p.m. – Light meal
06:00 p.m. – Recitation of the Abhidharmakośa (English)
06:20 p.m. – Recitation of the Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra (Vietnamese)
06:40 p.m. – Recitation of the Abhidhamma (English)
07:00 p.m. – Recitation of the Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra (Vietnamese)
07:20 p.m. – Break  

SPECIAL PROGRAMS & INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS
Saturday, May 16, 2026
08:00 AM – 09:20 AM: Opening Ceremony (separate program)
06:00 PM: Invitation of Devas Ceremony
06:30 PM: Candlelight Prayer Ceremony
08:00 PM: Completion
Sunday, May 17, 2026
06:00 PM – 08:30 PM: No activities
Monday, May 18, 2026 – Grand Hall
07:30 PM – Session 1:
Topic 1: Buddhism in the Age of Globalization and Technology – Dr. Sanjoy Chowdhury (Mahidol University)
08:30 PM: Completion
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 – Master Classroom
07:30 PM – Session 2:
Topic 2: Dialogue Between Buddhism and Western Philosophy – Yvonne Dao, Tho Nguyen, Pham Kim Dzung
Topic 3: The Role of Meditation in Education and Leadership Development – Anh, Mai Tran
08:30 PM: Completion
  
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 – Grand Hall
07:30 PM – Session 3:
Topic 4: Śūnyatā (Emptiness) in Madhyamaka and Its Practical Applications – Dr. Miroj Shakya (University of the West)
08:30 PM: Completion
Thursday, May 21, 2026 – Master Classroom
07:30 PM – Session 4:
Topic 5: Historical Significance of Buddhist Councils – Lam Tren, BichVan Vuong
Topic 6: Chanting Traditions in Theravāda and Mahāyāna Buddhism –Dy Vatthana Saroeun, Thach Sa Vene, Le Ky.
Topic 7: Vipassanā and Zen: Similarities and Differences – Dung T Bui, Michelle Le
08:30 PM: Completion
Friday, May 22, 2026
06:00 PM – 08:30 PM: Recitation of the Monastic Discipline (Vinaya)
Saturday, May 23 – Sunday, May 24, 2026
06:00 PM – 08:30 PM: No activities
Monday, May 25, 2026 – Grand Hall
07:30 PM – Session 5:
Topic 7: Buddhism and Global Peacebuilding – Dr. Anusha Kahadagama (Harvard Divinity School)
08:30 PM: Completion
 
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – Grand Hall
07:30 PM – Session 6:
Topic 8: Mindfulness in Psychotherapy – Dr. Marina Dorian, Naropa University
08:30 PM: Completion
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 – Grand Hall
07:30 PM – Session 7:
Dharma Talk:
“Buddhism and the Future of Human Consciousness: Mindfulness, AI, and Ethics” – Venerable Thich Huyen Chau (Founder & CEO, Sakya Buddha University)
08:30 PM: Completion
Thursday, May 28, 2026 – Master Classroom
07:30 PM – Session 8:
Topic 9: The Four Noble Truths in the Modern World – Thach Thu, So Kha Kim
Topic 10: Mindfulness in Psychotherapy – Mai Luu, Bunthan Ros
Topic 11: Impermanence and Non-self: Philosophical and Scientific Perspectives – Jacklyn Ton
08:30 PM: Completion
Friday, May 29 – Sunday, May 31, 2026
Selected evenings: Recitation or no activities
 
Monday, June 1, 2026 – Grand Hall
07:30 PM – Session 9:
Topic 12: Comparative Study of the Pāli Canon and the Chinese Canon – Ven. Dr. Phramaha Anon Padao (Mahachulalongkornrajavidyala University)
08:30 PM: Completion
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 – Master Classroom
07:30 PM – Session 10:
Topic 13: Karma and Personal Responsibility in the 21st Century- Le Tran, Mai Huong, Thao Huynh
Topic 14: Meditation and Community Mental Health – Kaenkra Sanguan, Ngim Saosamkhan, Saroun Som
08:30 PM: Completion
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 – Grand Hall
07:30 PM – Session 11:
Topic 15: The Future of Global and Interdisciplinary Buddhist Education – Dr. Phanommas Bamrungsin (Mahamakut Buddhist University)
08:30 PM: Completion
Thursday, June 4, 2026 – Master Classroom
06:30 PM – Session 12:
Topic 16: Buddhism and Climate Change: Ecological Ethics – Huynh Thi Van, Bach Vuong
Topic 17: Buddhist Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (AI Ethics) – Trang Tran Thi Tan, Ngoc Tuyet Tran
08:30 PM: Completion
 
Friday, June 5, 2026 – Grand Hall
07:30 PM – Session 13:
Topic 18: Buddhist Universities in the West: Models and Challenges – Dr. John Freese (Sakya Buddha University)
08:30 PM: Completion
Saturday, June 6, 2026
08:00 AM: Conference Summary
09:30 AM: Closing Ceremony
11:00 AM: Lunch & Completion
_________________________________________________________
DAILY RECITATION SCHEDULE (08:00 AM – 07:30 PM)
Alternating recitations of:
Mahā Ratnakūṭa Sūtra (Vietnamese)
Dīgha Nikāya (Pāli & English)
Abhidharmakośa & Abhidharma (English)
Includes breaks, lunch, and light meal

TRIPITAKA RECITATION CEREMONY

INTRODUCTION

On the occasion of Vesak 2650, Sakya Buddha University (SBU) organizes an International Conference bringing together monastics, scholars, and experts to explore the relevance of the Tripitaka in the modern world.

OBJECTIVES

• Preserve and promote the Tripitaka
• Connect Theravāda and Mahāyāna traditions
• Apply Buddhist teachings to modern society
• Advance global Buddhist studies

CONFERENCE TOPICS

I. Tripitaka & Buddhist Traditions

1. The Role of Tripitaka Recitation in Preserving the Dharma
2. Comparative Study of the Pāli Canon and the Chinese Canon
3. Historical Significance of Buddhist Councils
4. Chanting Traditions in Theravāda and Mahāyāna Buddhism
5. Canonical Languages: Pāli, Sanskrit, and Chinese in the Transmission of the Dharma

II. Buddhist Philosophy

6. The Four Noble Truths in the Modern World
7. Impermanence and Non-self: Philosophical and Scientific Perspectives
8. Karma and Personal Responsibility in the 21st Century
9. Śūnyatā (Emptiness) in Madhyamaka and Its Practical Applications
10. Dialogue Between Buddhism and Western Philosophy

III. Meditation & Practice

11. Vipassanā and Zen: Similarities and Differences
12. Mindfulness in Psychotherapy
13. Meditation and Community Mental Health
14. The Role of Meditation in Education and Leadership Development

IV. Buddhism & Contemporary Society

15. Buddhism in the Age of Globalization and Technology
16. Buddhist Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (AI Ethics)
17. Buddhism and Global Peacebuilding
18. Buddhism and Climate Change: Ecological Ethics

V. Education & the Future of Buddhism

19. Buddhist Universities in the West: Models and Challenges
20. The Future of Global and Interdisciplinary Buddhist Education

ORGANIZATIONAL FORMAT

• Each topic includes 20 minutes of presentation followed by 10 minutes of discussion

TIME & LOCATION

16 May – 6 June 2026
Sakya Buddha University (SBU)
3404 Westminster Ave., Santa Ana, California, USA

PARTICIPANTS

• International Sangha members
• Scholars and professors
• Students and members of the Buddhist community

FORMAT

• Academic Presentations
• Panel Discussions
• International Exchange

CONTACT

Sakya Buddha University (SBU)
Website: www.sakyauniversity.com
Phone: (714) 328-6087

MESSAGE

This conference provides an opportunity to connect wisdom, cultivate mindfulness, and share the light of the Dharma with the world. “Offering the Dharma is the highest gift.”

Sakya Buddha University

On the occasion of the 2650th Vesak Commemoration, Sakya Buddha University (SBU) respectfully invites Buddhist representatives from many countries to gather at Sakya Buddha University to reflect on the role of Buddhism in the modern world.

Today, the world is facing profound challenges, including:

• Conflict and war
• Social inequality
• Environmental crises
• Spiritual and mental suffering

The teachings of the Buddha offer:

• A path of wisdom
• A path of compassion
• A path to the cessation of suffering

We affirm our commitment to:

• Promoting peace and dialogue among nations
• Protecting the environment and all forms of life on Earth
• Advancing education grounded in wisdom and compassion
• Serving society and alleviating human suffering

Buddhist universities bear a vital responsibility to:

• Educate future generations of scholars and practitioners
• Advance Buddhist studies and research
• Apply Buddhist wisdom to contemporary life

We hereby declare:
The Dharma of the Buddha remains an inexhaustible source of wisdom for humanity.

Through global cooperation, the Buddhist community will continue to contribute to building a world characterized by:
peace, wisdom, and compassion.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TRIPITAKA RECITATION

The recitation of the Tripitaka is an ancient Buddhist tradition intended to:

• Preserve the teachings of the Buddha
• Maintain the accuracy and authenticity of the scriptures
• Cultivate wisdom and mindfulness

Participants in the Recitation Ceremony

The ceremony includes:

• Monastic Sangha (Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunīs)
• Buddhist scholars
• Lay practitioners and supporters
• Ritual coordination and organizing committee

Daily Structure of the Recitation

1. Opening Ceremony

• Chanting in praise of the Buddha
• Homage to the Triple Gem
• Statement of aspiration and dedication

2. Recitation of the Scriptures
The recitation includes:

Sutta / Sutra (Discourses)

• Sutta Pitaka (Pāli Canon)
• Mahāyāna Sutras

Vinaya (Monastic Discipline)

• Vinaya Pitaka

Abhidharma (Philosophical Teachings)

• Abhidhamma
• Buddhist scholastic treatises

3. Meditation Practice
Following each recitation session:

• Seated meditation (Samatha/Vipassanā)
• Walking meditation

4. Dedication of Merit
The merit generated through recitation is dedicated to:

• World peace
• The well-being and liberation of all sentient beings

Principles of Recitation

The recitation must be conducted in accordance with the following principles:

• Accuracy
• Reverence and solemnity
• Harmony and unity
• Fidelity to authentic traditions

INTERNATIONAL TRIPITAKA RECITATION CEREMONY

Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa

With deep reverence to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha,

The Bodhi Buddharealm Society and Sakya Buddha University humbly invite venerable monks and nuns from the global Buddhist community to participate in the:

INTERNATIONAL RECITATION OF THE TRIPITAKA

This sacred event commemorates the 2650th Vesak celebration of the Blessed One, the Fully Enlightened Buddha.

Venue:
Sakya Buddha University
3404 Westminster Ave., Santa Ana, California 92703, United States

Dates:
16 May – 6 June 2026

For twenty-one days, the Sangha and devotees will gather to chant and recite the sacred scriptures of the Buddha.

The recitation will include:

• Pāli Canon (Tipiṭaka)
• Sanskrit Buddhist scriptures
• Mahāyāna Sutras including the Mahāratnakūṭa (Great Jewel Heap Sutra)
• Vinaya Piṭaka
• Abhidharma / Buddhist philosophical treatises

Through this offering of Dharma recitation, we aspire to:

• Preserve the living voice of the Buddha’s teachings
• Unite the traditions of Theravāda and Mahāyāna Buddhism
• Dedicate merit for the peace and well-being of all beings.

Your venerable presence will greatly honor and sanctify this Dharma assembly.

With deepest respect and gratitude.

Thich, HuyenChau
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Sakya Buddha University

Venerable Monastics,
Distinguished Faculty Members and Scholars,
Dear Students and Members of the Sakya Buddha University Community,
As the Spring of the Year of the Fire Horse 2026 arrives, it brings with it the renewed breath of heaven and earth and opens a new cycle of growth for our lives, our scholarship, and our practice. On this meaningful occasion of seasonal renewal, on behalf of the Board of Directors and the Executive Leadership of Sakya Buddha University, I respectfully extend to all Venerable Monastics, Faculty, Students, and Families my sincere wishes for peace, wisdom, diligence, and fulfillment in the New Year.
In the spirit of Buddhist teaching, Spring is not merely a change of seasons, but the manifestation
of pure vital energy within the mind. A person truly possesses Spring only when they retain the
capacity for trust, openness, transformation, and the nurturing of life. A Spring of self-confidence is a Spring grounded in the conviction that one can receive what is not oneself, refine it, and thereby renew one’s own vitality. It is this very vitality that affirms one’s presence amid the cycles of spring, summer, autumn, winter, and all phenomena.
Pure Spring is a Spring that knows how to return to time what does not belong to it. The rush,
rivalry, tension, and extremity of life—Spring does not carry these forwards. When one knows
how to let go appropriately and preserve what is essential, the learner can dwell peacefully amid
constant change without losing direction. In the journey of advanced Buddhist education, we
learn not merely to accumulate knowledge, but to purify mental disturbances, clarify wisdom,
and cultivate compassion.
Spring is also a state of ease. A mind without ease cannot give rise to wisdom. An academic
environment without spaciousness cannot nurture depth. Sakya Buddha University aspires to
become a safe island of scholarship and practice, a place where learners may take refuge, reflect
deeply, and mature—even while facing the challenges of life, society, and academia.
We must also remain mindful that although Spring is inherently pure, human beings often make
Spring burdensome through intentional grasping, competition, and calculation. When the mind
becomes entangled in such busyness, the Spring within oneself gradually disappears. Education,
if not supported by mindfulness and ethical grounding, can likewise become a subtle form of
distraction. Therefore, Sakya Buddha University remains steadfast in building an educational environment grounded in academic integrity, transparency, academic freedom, and freedom from
non-academic interference.
Spring has never been ahead of us for us to chase, nor behind us for us to mourn. Spring is the
pure, trust-filled, effortless life already present within us. When the seeds of fear, anxiety, doubt,
craving, hatred, and fixation come to rest, the inner space of consciousness opens wide for
Wisdom and Compassion, for Tolerance and Equanimity to blossom into fruition. When all
intentional grasping toward Spring has fully settled, true Spring reveals itself—and Spring and
we coexist. Spring is us, and we are Spring.
As we enter the New Year, Sakya Buddha University reaffirms its commitments to:
– Upholding academic integrity and academic freedom
– Advancing higher Buddhist education grounded in wisdom, compassion, and institutional
responsibility
– Serving learners, community, and society through authentic, sustainable, and mindful
education
May the New Year bring to all bodily well-being, inner peace, diligent practice, and the fulfillment of wisdom. May true Spring abide in every step, every page of learning, and every mindful breath we share.
With deep respect and warm New Year greetings,
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS & EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
SAKYA BUDDHA UNIVERSITY
Thich HuyenChau
Chair of the Board of Directors / Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Sakya Buddha University

SBU has invited attorney Edward F. Allebest, an expert in non-profit organization law, to give a presentation and answer questions.

– The presentation will be held from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

– Location: Bodhi Buddharealm Society dba Sakya Buddha University

3404 Westminster Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92703

We cordially invite all Venerable monks, nuns, Buddhist practitioners, and students to attend.

We also request Communication Team to disseminate this information on the SBU website.

Sincerely,

CEO Thich, HuyenChau

The event opened with a warm welcome from Chancellor Dr. Victor Gabriel, followed by remarks from the Founder and CEO of SBU, Venerable Thich HuyenChau, who introduced the distinguished faculty, honored guests, and new students.

Introduction to the Master’s Programs

Chancellor Gabriel presented an overview of SBU’s two graduate programs: the Master of Arts in Buddhist Philosophy and the Master of Arts in Buddhist Psychotherapy. He also introduced the Fall 2025 courses, subjects, and the faculty who will be teaching the courses.

Dean of Buddhist Studies, Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Department Chair of Buddhist Philosophy, Venerable Thich Nguyen Dinh, followed by each faculty member — Dr. Victor Gabriel, Dr. Tenzin Dorjee, Dr. Lina Gupta, and Dr. John Freese — came forward to introduce themselves and express their excitement to teach at SBU and support students in their academic journey.

Dr. Gabriel and Dr. Freese then highlighted the distinctive features of the two Master’s programs:

M.A. in Buddhist Philosophy: An in-depth exploration of Buddhist thought, ethics, and practice, integrating scholarly rigor with personal spiritual growth. Students engage with core teachings, historical development, comparative philosophy, and modern applications in areas such as mindfulness, ethics, and interfaith dialogue. The program requires 56 graduate credits (14 core courses and 4 research courses), a minimum residency of four semesters, a thesis with oral defense, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

M.A. in Buddhist Psychotherapy: A unique program bridging Buddhist psychology with Western multicultural counseling, aligned with requirements for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credential. The program requires 63 graduate credits (introductory, foundational, core, advanced, and clinical courses), a minimum residency of six semesters, a thesis or comprehensive exam, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Students can find complete details in the SBU Student Handbook, on the SBU website (sakyauniversity.com), and through resources such as Canvas and Zotero.

Vision and Growth of SBU

The CEO, Venerable HuyenChau shared highlights of SBU’s journey since its founding more than ten years ago and reaffirmed its mission:

“SBU endeavors to provide an all-encompassing education shaped by Buddhist principles, bridging the wisdom of Eastern and Western traditions and fostering cultural understanding to empower students for meaningful contributions in a rapidly evolving world.”

He also announced upcoming initiatives:

• Construction of student dormitories for monks and nuns, with Respectable Venerable Thich Nguyen Nguyen and Respectable Venerable Nun Thich Nu Tam Nhut, who were invited to oversee the monasteries.
• Launch of three Ph.D. research programs in September 2025: AI Dharma, Integrative Medicine, and Vinaya & the U.S. Constitution.
• Special recognition of Dr. Kim, an expert in herbal medicine and acupuncture, who will contribute to the Integrative Medicine program.

Strong Enrollment and Closing Remarks

The CEO was delighted to report strong enrollment numbers: 18 students in the M.A. in Buddhist Philosophy and 21 students in the M.A. in Buddhist Psychotherapy.

The orientation concluded with words of gratitude to the faculty and students, along with best wishes for success in the years ahead.

August 20, 2025
The Communication Team
Sakya Buddha University

By Bhikkhu Thich HuyenChau

Ānāpāna means inhaling (ānā) and exhaling (āpāna) implied. Ānāpāna denotes the practice of
mindful breathing in and out. The focused awareness on breathing in and out is called mindful
breathing (ānāpānasati). This faculty of awareness is the very nature of wisdom (paññā), and
the sustaining power of this attention is known as established mindfulness (satiṭṭhāna).

Breathing functions depend on various bodily and mental states, and therefore do not occur in the
immaterial realms (arūpa-loka), the fourth jhāna, unconscious absorptions (asaññā-samāpatti),
or within the womb. The successful practice of mindfulness of breathing is founded upon the
truthful recognition of the breath, and thus only those who follow the right Dharma (sammā-
dhamma) can fully engage in this practice.

The Buddha taught this method in many discourses. Here, we refer to the exposition in
the Abhidharmakośa by the great scholar Vasubandhu, who presented the practice in six steps:

Step 1: Counting the Breath (gaṇanā)
Focus the mind on inhale / exhale and clearly count from one to ten — no more, no less.
Avoid errors such as:
– Overcounting: thinking “two” when it should be “one,”
– Undercounting: thinking “one” when it should be “two,”
– Misidentifying: mistaking an inhale for an exhale.
If you lose track midway, simply start over from the beginning.

Step 2: Following the Breath (anubandhanā)
Anchor the mind on the inhale, starting from the tip of the nose, gradually moving through
the throat, heart, navel, and ending at the big toes. The exhale extends roughly from a hand’s
length to an arm’s length. The next breath follows the same path.
This stage is more demanding, as the mind must continuously follow the breath without
distraction, thereby strengthening concentration (samādhi).

Step 3: Experiencing the Breath (upalakṣaṇā)
Visualize the breath traveling from the nose tip through the throat, heart, navel, and down to the
big toes as if it were a thread passing through a transparent body.
Suspend the mind on the breath like a thread, and begin to experience its characteristics —
whether it is beneficial or harmful, cool or warm, etc.

Step 4: Contemplating the Nature of the Breath (upalakṣaṇa-pariccheda)
At this point, the breath is no longer just air flowing in and out — it is seen as a material
phenomenon (rūpa) formed by the elements of earth, water, fire, and wind.
Physical health and emotions also arise upon this elemental base. Contemplating the nature of
the breath allows one to gradually understand the five aggregates (pañcakkhandhā):
– Form (rūpa),
– Feeling (vedanā),
– Perception (saññā),
– Mental formations (saṅkhāra), and
– Consciousness (viññāṇa).

Step 5: Transforming Perception (saññā-parivatti)
Observe that a single breath contains four phases:
– Arising (uppāda),
– Filling (pūraṇa),
– Stabilizing (ṭhiti),
– Transforming into vital energy (vega).
Through this, perception transforms into the four preparatory stages of insight (catūsu
dhammāni):
– Warmth (uṣmagata/noṇa) – the path begins to generate insight,
– Summit (mūrdhan/noṇa) – irreversible commitment to the path,
– Tolerance (kṣānti/khanti) – capacity to endure reality,
– Supreme Dharma (agriya dharma) – entry into the stage of non-arising (anupāda-
dhamma).
By contemplating the impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), non-self (anattā),
and emptiness (suññatā) in a single breath, one develops a perception as clear as seeing a path
to supreme happiness. The Abhidharmakośa, in the chapter “Distinguishing the Noble Ones,”
states:
With Warmth, Nirvāṇa is near;
With Summit, the wholesome roots remain unbroken;
With Tolerance, one no longer falls into evil realms;
With Supreme Dharma, one enters the unconditioned.

Step 6: Realizing Purity (pariśuddhi)
If each of these steps is practiced for 45 minutes with undistracted attention, one may be said to
have attained meditative absorption (jhāna).

Progressing through the five stages — from counting the breath to transforming
perception — one develops a diamond-like concentration (vajra-samādhi). This deep stability
becomes the foundation for the arising of true wisdom (yathābhūta-ñāṇa-dassana), leading to
the direct realization of the Four Noble Truths and the eradication of all causes of suffering.
This is the attainment of pure knowledge (vijjā-visuddhi) — the clear, liberating insight of
an Arahant.

Summary
In the Six Steps of Mindful Breathing, the first two steps establish mental stability, while
the last four cultivate wisdom.
As the mind abides in a single object, the letting go of emotional disturbances occurs naturally.
Consequently, afflictions such as fear, anxiety, depression, etc., are easily transformed and
ultimately eliminated.

We are proud to present pictures of the new graduates on the Graduation Day.

Master of Arts (MA) in Buddhist Philosophy:

Extracurricular classes