Dhammayatra Declaration on the Century of Dhamma

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.

Principles and Reasons

Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute is one of the knowledge banks of Thailand with the main mission to carry out activities or projects to drive the propagation of Buddhism both nationally and internationally, promote understanding through awareness of the value of Dharma principles, create an international religious network, connect people of various cultures in the Mekong Basin region and other countries around the world.

The Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute was founded in Bodhgaya, India—the birthplace of the Dharma—on November 6, 2007, to commemorate the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great’s 80th Birthday Anniversary (Rama IX). Currently, the Institute is headquartered at Wat Thai Kushinara Chalermraj in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh; Wat Thai Bodhgaya in Gaya, Bihar, India; and in Bangkok, Thailand. Over the past 17 years, the Institute has implemented various activities and projects aligned with its mission. Among its most recognized initiatives are the "Five Mekong Nations Dhamma Yatra" (Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia), which has been held twice, in 2017 and 2019. In 2024, the Institute, in collaboration with Thailand's Ministry of Culture, the Thai government, and the Indian government through the Embassy of India in Thailand, organized the temporary enshrinement of the Buddha's relics and the Arahant relics of Sariputta and Moggallana. These were brought from the Republic of India to Thailand to honor His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn on the auspicious occasion of his 72nd birthday on July 28, 2024. This third Dhamma Yatra, titled Ganga-Mekhong Holy Buddha Relics Dhammayatra, took place from February 22 to March 19, 2024. Over 4 million people paid homage to the relics, marking a historic moment as one of the largest gatherings of Buddhists in modern times. The event demonstrated profound faith in the Triple Gem and highlighted shared cultural prosperity between India, Thailand, and the broader subregion. It brought immense joy as India once again shared its spiritual heritage with the Thai people, strengthening the enduring relationship between the two nations and ensuring the continuity of this deeply rooted interfaith connection.

Concept

The third Ganga-Mekhong Holy Buddha Relics Dhammayatra, which enshrined the Buddha's relics and the Arahant relics of Sariputta and Moggallana in Thailand temporarily, highlighted the profound faith of the Thai people and neighboring countries. This historic event also symbolized the strong and enduring relationship between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Republic of India.

Toward the end of 2024, the Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute, in collaboration with key partner organizations in Thailand and India, will organize the The 4th Dhammayatra to Buddha Bhoomi: Mekong- Ganga Declaration on the Century of Dhamma. This initiative will take place along the route of Patna-Bodhgaya-New Delhi-Gujarat from December 3–10, 2024. Its objectives are to deepen the cultural and spiritual ties between the civilizations of the Mekong and Ganga rivers, promote the global dissemination of Buddhist teachings, foster environmental awareness, and avoid conflicts. A highlight of the event will be the Declaration of the Century of Dhamma, rooted in the vision of the "Asian Century", articulated by India's Prime Minister in 2015.

A Historic Symbol: The Time Capsule, as a key element of the Fourth Dhammayatra Project, a Time Capsule containing the Declaration of Collaboration between Thailand and India will be buried under the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya, India, on December 5, 2024. This momentous act, led by Dr. Supachai Verapuchong, Secretary-General of the Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute, together with partner organizations and Buddhist scholars from the Mekong and Ganga regions, will serve as a historical marker of cooperation and shared commitment to the "Century of Dhamma."

The Time Capsule, symbolizing the Declaration of the Century of Dhamma, will preserve this record of historical collaboration beneath the sacred grounds of Bodhgaya, the site of the Buddha's enlightenment. It will serve as a legacy for future generations to learn about the significant events of the 21st century and affirm the enduring importance of Buddhist principles for humanity.

The Century of Dhamma: A Vision Beyond Time, the Century of Dhamma is not merely a temporal milestone; it reflects a shared commitment to adopting Buddhist principles as a guide for life. It envisions a century where humanity transcends religious, cultural, and societal differences to build a new era of peace, understanding, and mutual respect. With Dhamma at its core, this vision aspires to achieve victory through peace and compassion rather than violence.

Addressing Urgent Global Issues, the Century of Dhamma arises from the pressing need to resolve the conflicts and crises facing humanity today, including armed conflicts, political instability, social division, environmental destruction, and economic inequality. These challenges threaten humanity's survival. By uniting around universal Buddhist principles of peace, respect, and well-being, the Century of Dhamma seeks to guide humanity toward harmony and collective prosperity.

Commemorative Events, the project will include offerings under the sacred Bodhi Tree and at the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodhgaya. These acts will commemorate the 97th birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX) and honor His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) on the auspicious occasion of his 72nd birthday on July 28, 2024.

Notably, the Time Capsule will be buried during the Dhammayatra on the 234th year of the Buddhist Era (B.E. 234). This was the year when Emperor Ashoka dispatched nine missionary delegations to propagate Buddhism. Interestingly, the number 234 adds up to 9, signifying the legacy of King Rama IX, the Supreme Patron of Buddhism in Thailand.

Objectives

1. To proclaim the concept of building the Century of Dhamma, emphasizing that true peace cannot be achieved without the foundational principles of all religions, fostering global harmony for humanity.
2. To bury a Time Capsule as a historical record of the collaboration between Thailand and India, affirming the enduring importance of Buddhist teachings for humanity.
3. To expand international cooperation in applying Buddhist principles to promote peace across all nations and religions through the guiding principle of humanitarianism.
4. To disseminate and publicize international collaboration on a global scale.
5. To establish networks of interfaith partnerships to jointly advocate for the Century of Dhamma on international platforms, such as SAMVAD and the United Nations, in the future.
6. To position Thailand as a hub of cooperation and a driving force for developing the Century of Dhamma.

Activity Format

1. Pilgrimage and Awakening Activities Conducting a spiritual journey and activities promoting awareness of the Century of Dhamma along the route of Patna-Bodhgaya-New Delhi-Gujarat.
2. Proclamation of the Century of Dhamma Announcing the Century of Dhamma at the Bodhi Mandala, the sacred site of the Buddha's enlightenment.
3. Time Capsule Ceremony Burying the Time Capsule, which contains the Declaration of Collaboration between Thailand and India, on December 5, 2024, at the Bodhi Mandala in Bodhgaya, India.
4. Presentation of Commemorative Pins Distributing commemorative Bodhi leaf-shaped pins as a symbol of the Fourth Dhammayatra Project.
5. Media Dissemination Publicizing the event through media outlets in Thailand, India, and internationally.
6. Collaborative Discussions on Cultural Heritage Engaging in discussions with government leaders from Gujarat, India, on expanding cultural heritage promotion under the Devni Mori Grand Relics Stupa project. These discussions aim to strengthen historical and cultural ties between India and Southeast Asian nations, particularly within the shared Hindu-Buddhist heritage context.

Target Groups

1. Leaders of International Organizations
2. Thai and International Buddhist Communities
3. International and Interfaith Partner Organizations

Partner Organizations

1. Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute
2. Embassy of India in Thailand
3. Embassy of Thailand in India
4. State of Bihar, Republic of India
5. State of Gujarat, Republic of India
6. Wat Thai Bodhgaya, Republic of India
7. Vivekananda International Foundation, India (VIF)
8. International Center for Cultural Studies, India (ICCS)
9. International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)
10. International Buddhist Council of Bodhgaya (IBC Bodhgaya)
11. The Light of Buddha dharma Foundation International (LBDFI)
12. USA and International Tipitaka Chanting Council (ITCC)
13. Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka
14. India Studies Center, Ubon Ratchathani University, Thailand

15. Verapuchong foundation, Thailand

Project Duration

December 2–10, 2024 (9 days).

Expected Outcomes

1. Thailand as a Global Hub for Interfaith Collaboration Establish Thailand as a central hub for interfaith cooperation among nations and religions worldwide.

2. Development Toward the Century of Dhamma Progress toward the realization of the Century of Dhamma by adopting the principles and beliefs of all religions as a key mechanism for global cooperation.

3. Global Peace and Unity Strengthen connections within the international community to promote a shared commitment to peaceful coexistence and the well-being of humanity.

Press conference

Dhammayatra Declaration on the Century of Dhamma

Press Release

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Destination

Dhammayatra Declaration on the Century of Dhamma to Buddha Bhoomi

Summary

Dhammayatra Declaration on the Century of Dhamma

Declaration on Dhamma Century Buddhist Dhamma Brings Peace and Happiness

The 4th Dhammayatra: Declaration on Dhamma Century : Buddhist Dhamma Brings Peace and Happiness “Dhamma Strategy” The Heart of Declaration on Dhamma Century The essence of " Declaration on Dhamma Century" lies in the application of the "Dhamma Teachings" of Buddhism, which emphasizes "practice" leading to "liberation" and peaceful coexistence. This concept aims to connect all religions in the world

REPORT

Dhammayatra Declaration on the Century of Dhamma

ภาษาไทย

The Declaration of Dhamma Century

under the sacred Mahabodhi Tree in Gaya, India.

Time Capsule

Letter to Future Readers

The Great Faith in the Triple Gem Leading to the Declaration on "Dhamma Century" Affirming the Importance of Protecting and Spreading the Teachings of the Buddha, as well as the Universal Principles Found in All Religions to Promote Goodness and Bring Peace to Humanity Now and in the Future. The message is sealed in three-time capsules, two in India—at Bodh Gaya, the site of the Buddha's enlightenment, and at the birthplace of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat—and one in Thailand, at Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit, Bangkok.

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Dhammayatra Declaration on the Century of Dhamma

4th DhammayatraPlaylist

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Dhammayatra Declaration on the Century of Dhamma

BodhiGayā Vijjālaya 980 Institute

Dhammayatra Declaration on the Century of Dhamma

Press conference