Supachai Verapuchong
Founder , Secretary – General
BodhiGayā Vijjālaya 980 Institute, India
Dr. Supachai Veraphuchong established Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute ( BGVI ) under the Patronage of Buddhagaya Thai Temple (Royal Thai Monastery), Gaya district in the Indian state of Bihar and Bodhigaya 980 Club , Verapuchong Foundation
On the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 80th birthday anniversary in 2007, the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi, Republic of India, organized a mass ordination ceremony dedicated to HM the King in the vicinity of the Bodhi tree where Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment, and at the Buddhagaya Thai Temple (Royal Thai Monastery). Eighty-six Thai nationals, comprising senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal Thai Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, businessmen and layman, were ordained as Buddhist monks at that time. During visits to holy sites such as Rajagir, Saravasti, and Chetavana Vihara, these monks immersed themselves in the study and practice of the Buddha’s teachings, an experience that further strengthened their faith in Buddhism.
After Dr.Supachai Verapuchong leaving the monkhood, this group of former monks, who call themselves the “Bodhi” group, founded the Bodhigaya 980 Club with the aim to perform good deeds for Buddhism and for lay society. In accordance with this goal, they agreed to support the founding of Bodhigayavijjalaya 980 Institute. The Institute’s very first endeavor, which continues today, is the project to sponsor Buddhist monks from Thailand and Mekong river region such as Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to travel to the Buddha’s homeland in order to immerse themselves in the in-depth study and practice of dhamma. Recognizing the importance of educating the sangha, the Institute created the Buddha Bhumi Study Program focusing on the application of the Teachings in every aspect of life and work with the aim of achieving change in oneself and by extension, in one’s community and society at large. As such, the Program’s goals are to promote true awareness of situations as they are, which will lead to the formation of appropriate perspectives and positions based on a true understanding of problems and obstacles; and to encourage the appropriate application of the Buddha’s teachings, gained from studies of the Tipitaka and from meditation, to find timely solutions to problems which arise domestically as well as in neighboring countries and in the global community.
OBJECTIVE and TARGETS
To develop personnel who are able to apply dhamma in their work serving Buddhism
To train Buddhist missionaries in the promulgation of Buddhism in India and Nepal, the Buddha’s home country
To develop lecturers to spread Buddhism among Buddhist assemblies
To support mediation study according to the sangha’s curriculum
To study Buddhist history and archaeological evidences in the Buddha’s home country
To spread the Buddha’s teachings among the public at large
To further strengthen Buddhism in Thailand, Mekong river region and the world community
To promote good relations between Thailand, India and Mekong river region through religion, the arts, culture and interchange of customs
To encourage those previously ordained under the Bodhi Tree in Buddhagaya to join the Bodhigaya 980 Club and jointly carry out activities in support of the sustenance and promotion of Buddhism in Thailand and Mekong River region such as Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar.
In addition, BODHIGAYAVIJJALAYA 980 INSTITUTE has organized projects related to Buddhism in Thailand and in the Mekong region. The details are briefly as follows.
Dr. Supachai Verapuchong has been organizerganized the Project for Buddhist Monks’ In-Depth Dhamma Study and Practice in the Buddha’s Home Country
13 Octorber 2013
Attended the international conference in The World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) at Bangkok Thailand with the Most Venerable Phramaha Phong Samaleuk, the 4th President of the Central Buddhist Fellowship Organization of Lao PDR
17-18 May 2014
Organized the International conference on “REUNITING SUVARNABHUMI THROUGH BUDDHISM” 1st
Theme: The Nobel Eight Fold Path Leading To The Cessation Of Problems
At The Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
4 September 2014
Organized the International conference on “REUNITING SUVARNABHUMI THROUGH BUDDHISM”2nd
Theme : Buddhist Diplomacy
At the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra golf & spa resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
9-13 September 2015
Organized the International conference on
“REUNITING SUVARNABHUMI THROUGH BUDDHISM” 3rd
Theme: Building a Golden Land of Dhamma Together
At The Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
21 May – 4 June 2017
Dhammayatra in 5 Mekong River basin countries, 1st (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam)
Theme: Follow in the path of Phra Ariya monks, Mekong River Basin.
Led by Dr. Supachai Veraphuchong Secretary-General of BGVI, the Dhammayatra project was a monumental success and has since received much praise and encouragement from both Buddhist religious leaders and leaders of the five countries: Myanmar, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.
15-31 Octorber 2019
Organized the Project of Dhammayatra in 5 Mekong River basin countries, 2nd (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam)
Theme : Buddhist Diplomacy
A monumental success and has since received much praise and encouragement from both Buddhist religious leaders and leaders of the five countries: Myanmar, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.
2 March 2020
Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute, Verapuchong Foundation and Faculty of Buddhism, mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya university (MCU) have organized the Research Project “AN INFLUENCE OF NAGA KING IN FIVE MEKONG RIVER BASIN COUNTRIES” It is divided into 5 volumes: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam
Content scope in this research work, the main content is to focus on the concept of Naga King which appears in Buddhist scriptures, such as Tipitaka, Commentaries etc., and other academic works such as texts, research work, academic papers, etc., including to the theory of belief.
4 July 2022
Organize the Press conference of the research results in the first volume name as “INFLUENCES OF BELIEFS ABOUT NAGA KING TO BUDDHISM IN THAILAND”
At Thai Nakorn Patana Co.,Ltd. ,Nonthaburi 11000 THAILAND
6-10 July 2022
Organize the Dhammayatra in Thailand (16 points of Naga king land)
Theme : Worship Naga king bāramī (meritorious acts)
9 July 2022
Dr. Supachai Verapuchong announced “The declaration of honor to Naka King who practiced Dhama and the guardian of Buddhism”
At Wat Roi Phra Putthabat Phu Manorom, Mukdahan, Thailand
5 February 2023
The BodhiGayā Vijālaya 980 Institute, in collaboration with the Faculty of Buddhism at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU), supported by the Veeraphuchong Foundation, Mukdahan Province organized the “BodhigayāNāgādhipati Award” Ceremony (the 1st Annual Award for the year 2023) on 5th February 2023, at the Kaeng Krabao, Pong Kham, Wan Yai District, Mukdahan Province. This event aims to honour and recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to Buddhism and demonstrate faith in the virtues of the Naga King.
3-5 March 2023
Dr. Supachai Verapuchong attended the 7th Dharma Dhamma Conference 2023 : Eastern Humanism for the New Era at the on March 3-5, 2023
23-25 November 2023
Dr. Supachai Verapuchong attended the
Timor-Lecte’s International Business Forum 2023 : Discovering Blue And Green Opportunities For Sustainable Investment
22 February – 19 March 2024
The Dhammayatra project is the third one “Ganga -Mekong Holy Buddha Relics Dhammayatra“ constructed to be the greatest and grandest Dhammayatra in history as it associates Ganga lands of Buddha’s life and Mekong river lands of Buddhists by enshrinement of the Sacred Relics of the Lord Buddha, transported from National Museum, New Delhi, followed by the relics of the great disciples Arahant Sāriputta and Arahant Mahā Moggallāna from Sanchi Stupa, India. This ceremony is organized by the BodhiGayā Vijjālaya 980 Institute in cooperation with the governments of India and Thailand to bring forward faith, unity and harmony among the people to live by Lord Buddha’s preachings. The relics will be enshrined for the public to pay reverence after a century ago.
The occasion is personified as the Lord Buddha’s journey to bless mankind himself. Joining this reception is a great opportunity to embrace the Lord Buddha’s preaching brought forward affection, harmony and peace in Asia, the land where Buddhism was founded and firmly established over 2,600 years ago.
20 June 2024
Organize the Discussion Programme “DhammaVijaya to Dhamma Century” Lighting Candles of Dhamma in Ubon Ratchathani, the World of Meditation (A Project expansion from “Ganga – Mekong Holy Relics Dhammayatra together with chief disciples Arahant Sāriputta and Arahant Mahā Moggallāna) at Ubon Ratchathani University
9 August 2024
The BodhiGayā Vijālaya 980 Institute (BGVI), in collaboration with the Faculty of Buddhism at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU), supported by the Veraphuchong Foundation, Krabi Province, Krabi Provincial Administrative Organization, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, organized the “BodhigayāNāgādhipati Award” Ceremony (the 2nd Annual Award for the year 2024) on August 9, 2024, at the Krabi Provincial Administrative Organization. This event aims to honor and recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to Buddhism and demonstrate faith in the virtues of the Naga King.
10 August 2024
Organize the Discussion Programme “DhammaVijaya to Dhamma Century” Krabi as the Gateway to the sacred civilization Puchong Nāgādhipati’s role in enhancing Dhamma (A Project expansion from “Ganga – Mekong Holy Relics Dhammayatra together with chief disciples Arahant Sāriputta and Arahant Mahā Moggallāna) at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
23-25 August 2024
Dr. Supachai Verapuchong, Secretary-General of BodhigayaVijjalaya 980 Institute, together with Ms. Pattarat Hongthong, Ambassador of Thailand to New Delhi, India, attended the 8th International Academic Conference at the International Dharma Dhamma Conference 2024, which was held at the Conference Center, Gujarat University, India.
2-10 December 2024
Dhammayatra Declaration on the Century of Dhamma at the Land of Buddha is a project that continues from the 3rd Dhammayatra project “Ganga-Mekhong Holy Buddha Relics Dhammayatrais an invitation to bring the Buddha’s relics, the relics of the Arahants Sariputta and Maha Moggallana from the Republic of India to be temporarily enshrined in Thailand from February 22 – March 19, 2024. In organizing the project Dhammayatra Declaration on the Century of Dhamma in the land of Buddha, this time is the 4th Dhammayatra under the project name The 4th Dhammayatra to Buddhabhoomi : Mekong- Ganga Declaration on the Century of Dhamma with the schedule of operations between 2 – 10 December 2024, a total of 9 days.
14-16 February 2025
The 4th SAMVAD Conference, under the theme “The Asian Century of Dhamma-Dharma”, is being held for the first time in Thailand. This event highlights the significant role of the Asian region as a leader in the new global era. It aims to integrate ancient teachings and philosophies of Dhamma-Dharma as guiding principles in building a world founded on humanitarianism, compassion, and sustainability for the future. The conference also emphasizes its apolitical nature.
Host
– Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), India
Co-Host in Thailand
– Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute
– Bharat Studies Centre, Mahachulalongkornrajyavidyalaya University (MCU)
In association with:
– International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi, India
– Japan Foundation, Japan (TBC)
Funded by
– Verapuchong Foundation, Thailand
