Page 63 - รวมเล่มศาสนาในประเทศไทย ภาคภาษาอังกฤษ

The Patronage of the Tripitaka

Tripitaka is Buddhist scriptures which is the
collection of Buddha's teachings. It was the sacred text
written by Arahants (ones who have attained enlighenment
as a result of listening to and practicing the teachings of
Buddha), to represent the Lord Buddha, and has been
recognized as canonical by Theravada Buddhism until
today.

Under Kings's patronage, Tripitaka was
revised and printed with the aim to maintain the purity of
the Buddhist canons. Commentaries, subcommentaries,
sub-sub-commentaries, and holy books were also compiled
for sustainability of the Buddhism in the Kingdom. For
example; King Rama I, and King Rama VII had Tripitaka
revised. King Rama V had Tripitaka validated and printed.
Some Kings also had philosophers to write and translate
Buddhism scriptures -- for examples, King Boromma-
trailokanat of Ayutthaya had philosophers to write the
verses of “Mahachat Khamluang”, King Rama I initiated
translation of the “Mahavamsa" from Pali to Thai, etc.

In addition, some kings compose Budhhism
literature -- for examples; Somdet Phra Mahathammaracha

I (King Lithai) who wrote the “Tri-Bhumi Phra Ruang,”
and King Rama IX, the current king, who wrote “The Story
2
of “Phra Maha Chanok.”

1 The ‘Loha Prasat or Metal
Castle, Wat Ratchanaddaram,
Bangkok
2 A Thonburi Period
‘Tribhumikatha’ Illustrated Book

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