BodhiGayā Vijjālaya 980 Institute

Presenting the Bodhigayā Nāgādhipati Award in the Branch of Promoting Buddhism Affairs

On April 4, 2026, Most Venerable Somdet Phra Maha Ratchamongkhon Muni or Most Venerable Somdet Thongchai, Chief Superintendent of the Central Ecclesiastical Region, Member of the Sangha Supreme Council, and Assistant Abbot of Wat Traimitr Withayaram Worawihan, kindly granted an audience to the delegation from the Bodhigayavijjalaya 980 Institute to present the Bodhigayā Nāgādhipati Award in the Branch of Promoting Buddhism Affairs. Most Venerable Somdet Thongchai graciously accepted the award and provided guidance on religious work to the Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute.
Most Venerable Somdet Thongchai guided that stepping forward in work requires looking back as well, in order to build a strong foundation for further expansion. We must gather laymen, laywomen, and monks, which constitute the fourfold Buddhist assembly (Phuttha Borisat 4), to serve as the main pillars in turning the wheel of Dhamma, citing the "Dhamma Nawa Wang" project as an example.
Most Venerable Somdet Thongchai further instructed that the use of wisdom or intelligence must be a supramundane treasure (Lokuttara Sombat), not a mundane treasure (Lokiya Sombat). He also emphasized the principles of loving-kindness (Metta), compassion (Karuna), sympathetic joy (Mudita), and equanimity (Upekkha), noting that the hardest to practice is equanimity(Upekkha) or letting go. Sometimes, not speaking might yield a better result, citing the example of the Mute Prince (Temiya).
Another key principle that Somdet Thongchai emphasized to the Bodhigaya Institute's delegation is the need to be a human who keeps pace with time, letting time be the answer. Because the current situations, such as wars, change every day. Leaders and strategies are constantly changing. Therefore, humans cannot remain in the same old timelines; otherwise, they will be swallowed by time. The term "A human who keeps pace with time" or "Human Innovation" also appears on the Yantra (mystical diagram) of Most Venerable Somdet Phra Maha Ratchamongkhon Muni. It serves as a skillful means (Kusalobaya) to point toward the supramundane Dhamma (Lokuttara Dhamma), which is the state of liberation from worldly conditions.
Dr. Supachai Verapuchong, Secretary-General of the Institute, expressed his gratitude for the guidance and stated that perseverance will be used to review future work approaches, particularly in building a strong foundation. This is because one of the Bodhigaya Institute's main guidelines is "not using time to govern goals." The Secretary-General also presented a report on the "Universal of Dhamma" research project, conducted by the Bodhigayavijjalaya 980 Institute in collaboration with the Dhamma Alliance and the University for Peace in Geneva, mobilizing scholars and philosophers from all professional fields across all continents worldwide to conduct joint research on the topic "Ancient Beliefs in the Past 2000 Years Ago."
Mr. Maris Sangiampong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Bodhigaya Institute, responded to a Dhamma discussion regarding going against the current versus going with the current, stating that it depends on the situation. He cited an example from his time as Minister of Foreign Affairs, where he had the opportunity to speak in India, noting that Thailand must float with the current but must have a guiding direction as follows:
1) Dignity: Being honorable.
2) Discipline: Not causing trouble to anyone.
3) Purpose: Having a clear goal.
4) Principle: Having the discipline to uphold all 4 "principles".
The executive committee of the Bodhigaya Institute who paid respects and invited Somdet Thongchai included Dr. Supachai Verapuchong, Secretary-General of the Institute; Mr. Maris Sangiampong and Mr. Kasem Moonchan, Deputy Secretaries-General; Mr. Chairat Danwiwatnanon, Advisor to the Institute; Ms. Weena Upatthaya, Assistant Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs; and Ms. Tuangporn Asawawilai, Assistant Secretary-General for Public Relations. As for the Bodhigayā Nāgādhipati Award in 2026, it is organized for the 4th consecutive year, with Dr. Apai Chandanachulaka serving as the Chairman of the Bodhigayā Nāgādhipati Award Consideration Committee. The award ceremony will take place on June 19, 2026, at the Krabi Provincial Administrative Organization.
The Bodhigayā Nāgādhipati Award is an honorary award presented to individuals, groups of individuals, and organizations that have made significant contributions to Buddhism, encompassing the support, promotion, propagation, and protection of Buddhism across 3 branches:
1. Department of Buddhist Affairs Promotion
2. Buddhist Arts Branch
3. Buddhist Media Branch