December 19, 2009 - Bangkok, Thailand

Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche Joins Compilation Committee Meeting for the Common Buddhist Text Project

During a recent meeting of the Compilation Committee for the Common Buddhist Text Project that occurred December 18-19 at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in Bangkok, Thailand, much progress was made toward the goal of creating a common Buddhist text. A core group of participants from the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions, including the Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, created a framework and step by step plan for the production and distribution of a one-volume representative anthology of the recorded words of the Buddha, which fill over a hundred volumes.

The structure and theme of the common Buddhist text has been decided on, and will center on the theme of The Three Jewels: the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Committees of advisors, compilers and editors will be formed from each of the three Buddhist traditions, ensuring that each will be represented. Other topics discussed were methodological questions, editorial conventions, translation issues, and assignments to be carried out by the participating members.

Completion of a basic outline and synopsis of the text is planned for May 2010. All participants are aware of the magnitude and significance of the project, which has never been attempted with an approach that includes all traditions, and are very enthusiastic about its future. Once completed, copies of the text will be made freely available in hotel rooms around the world, just as the Gideon’s Bible is today.

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