On November 12, 2024, the Board of Directors of Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute, including Phra Methee Worayanan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bodhigaya Institute, Mr. Aphai Chantanachulka, Vice Chairman, Dr. Supachai Verapuchong, Secretary-General of Bodhigaya Institute, Mr. Kasem Moonchan and Mr. Surapol Maneepong, Deputy Secretary-Generals of Bodhigaya Institute, Mr. Surasak Trirattrakul, Mr. Worasak Prayoonsuk and Ms. Thipphawan Verapuchong, Committee members, as well as representatives of partner organizations, such as Mr. Kechang Wangdi, First Secretary (Consular Affairs), Embassy of the Republic of India in Thailand, Phra Maha Niphon Prasandee, Vice President of the International Buddhist Council of Bodhgaya, and representatives of the Indian Studies Center of Ubon Ratchathani University, attended the preparation meeting for the organization of the “4th Dhammayatra Project: Mekong-Ganges to the Land of Buddha and the Declaration of the Century of Dhamma”.

The organization of the “4th Dharma Yatra Project”, Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute in collaboration with important partner organizations of the Republic of India, including Vivekananda International Foundation, India (VIF), International Center for Cultural Studies, India (ICCS), International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), The Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International (LBDFI), USA and International Tipitaka Chanting Council (ITCC) and Mahabodhi Society Of Sri Lanka.

The 4th Dhammayatra to Buddhabhoomi : Mekong- Ganga Declaration on the Century of Dhamma using the route Patna-Buddha Gaya-New Delhi-Gujarat during 3-10 December 2024.

The organization of the “4th Dhamma Yatra Project Mekong-Ganga to Buddha Land” is to strengthen the deep relationship between the civilizations of Mekong and Ganga Rivers, support the spread of Buddhism throughout the world, avoid conflicts, and create environmental awareness. The “Century of Dhamma” will be announced.

The “highlight” of “The 4th Dhammayatra to Buddhabhoomi : Mekong- Ganga Declaration on the Century of Dhamma” is on December 5, 2024, when there will be a ceremony to pay homage under the Bodhi Tree at the Mahabodhi Pagoda of Buddha Gaya to commemorate the 97th birthday anniversary of “His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, Rama IX” and the celebration of the 72nd birthday anniversary of “His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, Rama X”.

In addition, there will be the “Declaration of the Century of Dharma Under the Bodhi Tree” led by Dr. Supachai Veraphuchong, Secretary-General of Bodhi Institute980 Buddhist leaders and scholars from the Mekong and Ganges regions will gather to affirm the eternal importance of Buddhism to humanity.

Another project proposed by the Bodhigaya Institute is the "burying of a Time Capsule" or "time capsule" to collect important information from the past so that people in the future will be aware of past events. The secretary of the Bodh Gaya Institute proposed a "time period" for burying the Time Capsule of 234 years. The reason is that in the year 234 B.E., "King Ashoka the Great" organized the third Buddhist council. After the council was completed, he sent a "council of monks" to spread Buddhism to various lands, a total of 9 lines.

In addition, the numbers of the year 234 B.E. add up to the number 9, which is a number associated with King Ashoka the Great, and also commemorates King Rama IX, King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great.

In the meeting of the Bodhigaya Institute's Executive Committee, there was a wide-ranging brainstorming session. Dr. Supachai, Secretary-General of the Bodhigaya Institute, proposed adding 4 "destination points" for the Dhamma Yatra procession.

The first stop is Nalanda, the “birthplace” of the two chief disciples, “Maha Moggallana” and “Sariputta”. It is also a city where famous scholars and monks gathered, such as “Master Atisha” from Tibet and “Tang Sanzang” from China.

The second point is “Wat Weluwan”, the place where the Buddha gave the Patimokkha sermon to 1,250 disciples and then sent them to be “Dharma Ambassador” to spread the religion.

The third point is the “Black Buddha statue”, built between 1353-1393 CE. It is the only Buddha image left after the destruction of people of other religions. Currently, Buddhists travel there to pay homage and pray for healing from illnesses.

The fourth point is the “Kuru State”. During the time of the Buddha, people were devoted to the Dhamma, were intelligent and had profound thoughts. This caused the Buddha to preach “Dharmma Sermons” with profound messages, such as the Mahasatipatthana Sutta, to the Buddhist community, both monks and laymen, in the Kuru Kingdom.

The Mahasatipatthana Sutta It is a sutra about “developing mindfulness” called “Satipaṭṭhāna 4” which is the main path that will lead practitioners to the path and the attainment of nirvana. There are 4 types of Satipaṭṭhāna 4. It is about following, observing to see clearly the body, feelings, mind and dhamma. For this reason, Bodhigaya Institute has proposed to visit “Kuru State” while in “New Delhi” on December 7, 2024 so that the group of Bodhgaya Institute can “practice meditation” according to the Satipaṭṭhāna 4 method, which is training mindfulness to be aware of emotions at every moment, leading to the door to wisdom.

Another significance of the Kuru State is that the Republic of India has a project to develop the land in the Kuru State by building a “Stupa” to store “all the relics of the Lord Buddha” from the “National Museum” to honor the Lord Buddha and to be a landmark for people from around the world to come and pay homage.

In today's meeting, the secretary-general of the Bodhigaya Institute reiterated the institute's four principles in its work: The first principle is to honor King Ashoka the Great because he was the greatest patron of religion, who held the principle of "Dhammavijaya" and ruled the country with righteousness.

The second and third principles that the Bodhigaya Institute emphasizes are the connection between Dhamma Yatra and The relics of the Lord Buddha Because of the event The 4th Dhammayatra to Buddhabhoomi : Mekong- Ganga Declaration on the Century of Dhamma It is an extension of the success of 3rd Dhammayatra Project, Ganga - Mekong River Basin is an invitation The relics of the Lord BuddhaandThe relics of the Arahant the two Apostles from the Republic of India are temporarily enshrined in Thailand (Sanam Luang-Chiang Mai-Ubon Ratchathani-Krabi) from 22 February - 19 March 2024.

The 4th principle that Bodhigaya Institute attaches great importance to is the Dhamma Century, for which credit must be given Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi of the Republic of India said that “The 21st century is the Asian century, but it would not be possible without Buddhism.” Although the Indian Prime Minister is a Hindu, he sees Buddhism as a crucial link to the success of the “Asian Century”.

For this reason, Dr. Supachai, as the Secretary-General of the Bodhigaya Institute, has a vision to cross national borders to reach a cooperation among all religions that will promote the core principles of Dhamma, creating a united front that "happiness" cannot occur without the principles of all religions to create peace for all humanity.

In today's first meeting to prepare for The 4th Dhammayatra to Buddhabhoomi : Mekong- Ganga Declaration on the Century of Dhamma, work was divided into several departments and tasks were assigned to each person, such as academic department, ritual department, activities and site visit department, public relations and communication department, and facilitation of travel, accommodation and souvenirs department.

During the meeting, Mr. Aphai, as the Vice Chairman of the Board, proposed to make a “report letter to the Sangha Supreme Council” regarding the 4th Dhammayatra Project, Mekong-Gangkha to the Land of Buddha, since in the past, the Bodh Gaya Institute delegation had an audience with the Supreme Patriarch and Somdej Phra Maha Wirawong. On November 26, Mr. Aphai will lead the Bodh Gaya Institute delegation to meet the “Sangha Supreme Council Committee.”

For souvenirs, the Bodh Gaya Institute has prepared approximately 1,500 commemorative pins to give to VIP guests. The commemorative pins are designed in the shape of Bodhi leaves on a green background, symbolizing abundance and being one of the colors of the Indian national flag. The gold color is of the Buddha statue, with lines and text ”Dhamma Century” symbolize Suvarnabhumi and the land of Buddhahood.