On July 7, 2026, the Dhammachai International Research Institute (DIRI), New Zealand, and The Ancient India and Iran Trust (AIIT), United Kingdom, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the Dictionary of Buddhist Sogdian Project.

This signing ceremony was held on the auspicious occasion of the 4th anniversary merit -making ceremony for the late Phra Suthamyanavidesa, Vi. (Sutham Sudhammo), the founding Executive Chairman of DIRI, who played a vital role in laying the foundation and promoting international Buddhist research.

In alignment with green energy initiatives and to reduce environmental impact by minimizing international travel, the MoU was signed online by both organizations. Representing DIRI in Thailand was its President, Phra Maha Sudham Suratano (Pāli Studies Level 9, Ph.D.). Representing the AIIT in the United Kingdom was its Chairman, Professor Almut Hintze, alongside Professor Nicholas Sims-Williams, an AIIT executive board member and leading expert in the Sogdian language and historical documents, who served as a witness.

The Dictionary of Buddhist Sogdian Project is highly valuable project for Buddhism, Linguistic and Silk Road historical studies. Focusing on Buddhist Sogdian texts provides crucial evidence of the cultural and religious transmission between Buddhism and Chariness in early Central Asia. This project will be presented in three languages: Sogdian, English, and Chinese.

The project’s working group comprises world-leading scholars, including Professor Imre Galambos, an expert in Chinese Buddhist texts and Dunhuang manuscripts; Professor Nicholas Sims-Williams, a specialist in the Sogdian language and Iranian studies; and Professor Yutaka Yoshida, an expert in Sogdian Buddhism and the transcription of Chinese texts into the Sogdian script.

The Dictionary of Buddhist Sogdian will span approximately 600 pages, available in Hardback, e-Book, and Gold Open Access formats. It is planed for publication in partnership with Reichert Verlag (Wiesbaden, Germany) this work aims to serve the international academic community, offering invaluable insights for scholars, students, and general readers interested in Buddhism, linguistics, and the history of the Silk Road.

            This corroboration marks another significant milestone for DIRI in establishing an international academic network and supporting the study of Buddhism through primary source evidence, ancient documents, and ancient language – key elements in promoting Buddhist research toward global recognition.

          The Dhammachai International Research Institute (DIRI) wishes to express its sincere gratitude to The Ancient India and Iran Trust, Professor Almut Hintze, Professor Nicholas Sims-Williams, and all involved parties for their invaluable support of this significant academic collaboration.

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We are delighted to announce the official release of our latest comprehensive publication: “หลักฐานธรรมกาย: Dhammakaya Exhibition.” This trilingual e-book (compiled in Thai, English, and Chinese) marks a monumental milestone, celebrating over two decades of dedicated academic research, international collaborations, and scriptural discoveries by the Dhammachai International Research Institute (DIRI).

Preserving the Dhamma: A 22-Year Journey
Since its inception, inspired by the profound vision of Luang Por Dhammajayo to trace the original teachings of the Buddha, DIRI has traversed the globe to locate, digitize, and analyze ancient Buddhist manuscripts. This e-book serves as an extensive visual and academic archive of that journey, mapping out our research collaborations with leading universities and institutions across the globe—from New Zealand and Australia to Europe and Asia.

What’s Inside the E-Book?
The publication systematically catalogs historic artifacts and texts that prove the deep-rooted, cross-traditional origins of the “Dhammakaya” and traditional meditation practices:

Ancient Inscriptions & Manuscripts: Explore high-resolution imagery and textual breakdowns of the Phra Dhammakāyādi (Thepprachum version), the Mula Kammatthana, and unique palm-leaf manuscripts discovered in historic sites like Wat Pa Sak Noi.

Global Epigraphical Evidence: Study the details of the Noen Sra Bua stone inscriptions and ancient silver foils that bridge Theravada and early Mahayana histories.

The Silk Road Legacy: Dive into the textual analysis of early Mahayana scriptures such as the Foshuo guan jing (Visualization Sutra), the Vajracchedikā Prajñāpāramitā (Diamond Sutra), and the Suvarṇaprabhāsa (Golden Light Sutra), showcasing a unified meditative heritage spanning Gandhari, Sanskrit, Pali, and Chinese traditions.

The Practice of Buddhanussati: Read concluding insights on early Buddhist meditation methods, showing how visual mindfulness (Buddhanussati) transitions into profound, formless mental clarity.

The post Evidence of Dhammakaya in Ancient Buddhist Scriptures: A 22-Year Research Journey of DIRI appeared first on DIRI.

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เหนื่อยมาทั้งวัน… ลองแวะมาพักใจสักชั่วโมงไหม? 

เริ่มวันพฤหัสบดีที่ 2 เมษายน 2569 ประเทศนิวซีแลนด์

สถาบันวิจัยนานาชาติธรรมชัย (DIRI) ขอเชิญชวนชาวดะนีดินทุกท่าน มาร่วม “Reset” พลังใจด้วยกันในบรรยากาศที่แสนสงบ

ไม่ว่าคุณจะเป็นมือใหม่หรือเคยฝึกมาแล้ว เรามีคำแนะนำที่เข้าใจง่าย พร้อมให้คุณได้สัมผัสความสุขจากภายใน

 เลิกงานแล้วมาเติมพลังใจ: ผ่อนคลายความเครียด เพิ่มสมาธิให้ชีวิต

 ทุกวันพฤหัสบดี & ศุกร์ | 18:00 – 19:00 น. (ประตูเปิด 17:30 น.)

ณ 399 George St, North Dunedin

* ฟรีตลอดงาน: ยินดีต้อนรับเพื่อนใหม่ทุกท่านครับ!

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DIRI hosts academic seminar exploring ancient wisdom through inscriptions and manuscripts

On Saturday 3 May 2025, the Dhamma Institute for Research and Innovation (DIRI) held an academic seminar titled “Timeless Echoes: Discovering Ancient Wisdom in Inscriptions and Manuscripts” at Multimedia Room, 2nd Floor, The Khun Yai Chand Centennial Building, Wat Phra Dhammakaya.

The event brought together researchers, practitioners, and those with a passion for ancient Buddhist texts to share findings and insights from their studies of traditional meditation scriptures and historic manuscripts.

The seminar aimed to:

• Share research on ancient meditation texts and documents discovered in various locations
• Explore the diverse interpretations and consistent themes found across different scriptures
• Encourage the continuation of knowledge-sharing and deeper study into traditional meditation texts

The atmosphere was one of curiosity, reflection, and scholarly exchange—offering a unique glimpse into the spiritual heritage preserved through inscriptions and ancient manuscripts.

ประมวลภาพ วันงานเสวนาวิชาการ เสียงก้องกังวานเหนือการเวลา “การค้นพบพุทธิปัญญา ในจารึกและคัมภีร์โบราณ” (“Timeless Echoes: Discovering Ancient Wisdom in Inscriptions and Manuscripts”) ที่ อาคารร้อยปีคุณยายอาจารย์ฯ เมื่อวันเสาร์ที่ 3 พฤษภาคม 2568

วัตถุประสงค์

• เพื่อเป็นการเผยแผ่งานที่พบเกี่ยวกับคัมภีร์กรรมฐานโบราณ หรือเอกสารโบราณที่เกี่ยวเนื่องกับกรรมฐาน รูปแบบต่างๆ ในแต่ละแห่งที่ได้ศึกษา หรือพบ

• เพื่อแสดงให้เห็นแง่มุมต่างๆของคัมภีร์ที่แตกต่างกัน หรือสอดคล้องกัน

• เพื่อให้เกิดการต่อยอดความรู้แก่ผู้สนใจ ในด้านคัมภีร์กรรมฐานโบราณ

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On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (NZT), Dr. Elizabeth Guthrie led a group of 17 third-year medical students from the University of Otago to the Dhammachai International Research Institute (DIRI) headquarters at 399 George Street, Dunedin, New Zealand. The students are enrolled in Introduction to Buddhist Thought, an elective course offered through the Humanities Selectives programme.

The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to explore Buddhist principles and experience meditation firsthand. Venerable Akbordin Paññaratano graciously welcomed the group and answered a variety of thoughtful questions, including why he chose to reside in Dunedin, how the Four Noble Truths can be applied in everyday life, and how the monastic code (Vinaya) is observed while living abroad.

Venerable Ajahn also introduced basic etiquette for visiting Thai Buddhist temples, shared the benefits of meditation, and taught foundational meditation techniques. He then guided the students through a 30-minute session of sitting meditation and loving-kindness (mettā) practice. Following the session, students shared that they felt relaxed, peaceful, and many expressed a desire to continue meditating longer.

To conclude the visit, Venerable Ajahn, resident monks, a member of the Wat Phra Dhammakaya Dunedin staff, Dr. Guthrie, and the students gathered for a group photo to commemorate the occasion.

The event sparked great interest among the students, who engaged actively and posed insightful questions about both meditation and the monastic way of life. Experiencing meditation for themselves gave them a meaningful sense of inner peace, making it a profound and inspiring visit for all involved.

Dr. Guthrie also expressed her interest in establishing weekly meditation sessions at DIRI, and shared her aspiration to offer Pāli language courses at the institute in the future.

The post University of Otago Medical Students Visit DIRI to Learn About Buddhism and Meditation appeared first on DIRI.

The Dhammachai International Research Institute (DIRI) will host a special academic seminar on Saturday, 3 May 2025, under the theme:
“Timeless Echoes: Discovering Ancient Wisdom in Inscriptions and Manuscripts.”

This seminar aims to uncover historical evidence of Buddhist wisdom found in ancient inscriptions and manuscripts from around the world, reaffirming key teachings passed down through generations. Scholars and researchers will share their findings and interpretations of these significant discoveries, shedding light on timeless truths within Buddhist traditions.

The event will take place both onsite at Wat Phra Dhammakaya and online, welcoming participants from across the globe.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 3 May 2025
Time: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM (Thailand time)
Venue: Multimedia Room, 2nd Floor, The Khun Yai Chand Centennial Building, Wat Phra Dhammakaya
Join Online via Zoom:
Meeting ID: 825 3655 7097
Passcode: 072
Facebook Live: DIRI

Speakers Include:

• Dr. Kitchai Urkasame (ดร.กิจชัย เอื้อเกษม) – Director of Academic Affairs
• Dr. Chanida Jantrasrisalai (ดร.ชนิดา จันทราศรีไศล บ.ศ.9) – Expert in Ancient Manuscripts
• Dr. Sumitra Vithurchatree (ดร.สุมิตรา วิฑูรชาตรี) – Researcher on Buddhist Iconography
• Mr. Surachet Kaewsakul (คุณสุรเชษฐ์ แก้วสกุล) – Independent Scholar
• Moderator: Mr. Ronakorn Iamkamchai (คุณรณกร เอี่ยมกำชัย)

Register here for onsite attendance:

This seminar is open to all who are interested in Buddhist studies, ancient texts, and timeless teachings that continue to inspire people around the world.

The post DIRI Academic Seminar 2025, Explores Ancient Buddhist Wisdom appeared first on DIRI.

The DIRI Viture Exhibition is a unique virtual experience that showcases a collection of international research and spiritual evidence confirming the existence of Dhammakaya across cultures and continents. This exhibition serves as a testament to the deep spiritual insights and teachings of our meditation masters, offering profound affirmation of their wisdom.

Through a carefully curated digital journey, visitors are invited to explore rare historical artifacts, sacred imagery, scholarly interpretations, and first-hand accounts that together reveal the widespread presence and recognition of Dhammakaya throughout time and geography.

This exhibition is not just a display of spiritual heritage—it is a powerful reminder of our shared pursuit of inner peace, truth, and enlightenment. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, a researcher, or someone curious about ancient wisdom, this exhibition offers an enlightening perspective on the universality of Dhammakaya and the timeless value of meditation teachings.

Begin your journey here:

The post DIRI Viture Exhibition, Discover the Global Evidence of Dhammakaya appeared first on DIRI.

The latest lecture in the OCBS DIRI Lecture Series is now available to stream!

Title: Anuruddha and �Ѳ�����-����������Բ�: Tracing the Contours of Two Early Buddhist Lineages
Speaker: Dr. Alexander Wynne
Date: 12 March 2025

In this insightful talk, Dr. Wynne examines two prominent disciples of the Buddha—Anuruddha, a Sakya from Kapilavatthu and cousin of the Buddha, and �Ѳ�����-����������Բ�, the son of a royal purohita from Ujjeni.

Rather than being isolated mentions, the Pāli canon’s references to these figures form distinct patterns: Anuruddha is associated with meditative texts mainly located in Kosala/Ceti, while �Ѳ�����-����������Բ� is linked with doctrinal analysis and a textual tradition rooted in �������Գپ�/�Ѳ����ܰ���.

Dr. Wynne argues that these patterns reflect the concerns of early regional Buddhist lineages and offer valuable insights into the formation of the early Buddhist episteme.

Watch the full lecture here:

Don’t miss this important exploration of early Buddhist textual traditions and historical dynamics.

OCBS #DIRI #BuddhistStudies #EarlyBuddhism #Anuruddha #MahāKaccāna #PaliCanon #LectureSeries

The post Anuruddha and �Ѳ�����-����������Բ� – OCBS DIRI Lecture appeared first on DIRI.

The Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies (OCBS), in collaboration with the Dhammachai International Research Institute (DIRI), invites you to an insightful lecture as part of the

Topic: Gender and Buddhist Doctrine

Speaker: Prof. Alice Collett (University of St Andrews)

In this thought-provoking lecture, Prof. Collett critically examines gender representations in Buddhist texts, challenging traditional assertions of female inferiority using fundamental Buddhist doctrines such as pratītya-samutpāda (dependent arising) and anātman (non-self). She explores whether Buddhist teachings genuinely distinguish between male and female natures through an analysis of skandhas (Pāli: khandhas, constituent parts of being) and indriyas (faculties).

Watch the recorded lecture here:

Click to Watch:

Don’t miss this engaging discussion on gender and Buddhist doctrine!

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The Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies (OCBS), in collaboration with the Dhammachai International Research Institute (DIRI), invites you to an insightful lecture as part of the

Date: 26 February 2025

Time: 16:00 GMT

Speaker: Dr. Aleix Ruiz Falqués

Topic: “Editing Jātakas in the 15th Century: Jātakavisodhana by Ariyavaṁsa and Premodern Pali Philology”

Abstract: The Pali Canon has been transmitted through manuscripts for more than twenty centuries. The first critical editions of Pali texts were printed in the 19th century, based on palm-leaf manuscripts. This manuscript tradition, which underlies our printed and electronic editions, is not yet well understood. Were texts simply copied? Did the scribes understand the text? Was there any supervision by learned scholars? Was there any method, beyond mere copying, to preserve the correct readings of the text? If so, what criteria were used to choose between variant readings?

This lecture discusses one of the rare examples of textual criticism in the era of Pali manuscripts. Ariyavaṃsa of Sagaing (Burma), known for his major Abhidhamma treatise, the Maṇisāramañjūsā, is one of the most renowned Pali scholars of the 15th century. Among Ariyavaṃsa’s works is the Jātakavisodhana (“Purification of the Jātaka”), a collection of text-critical notes on the ten major Jātakas. Written in both Burmese and Pali, it is one of the most distinctive specimens of premodern Pali philology.

Watch the lecture recording here: [ Click to watch]()

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of Buddhist textual traditions!

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