University of Coimbra General Library receives donation of 80 volumes of Buddhist sacred texts from Thailand
A rare edition of the Tipiṭaka was donated to the University of Coimbra by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand in Portugal and the World Tipiṭaka Foundation.
The 80 volumes of the World Tipitaka Saj-jha-ya Phonetic Recitation, King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit Commemorative 2016 Edition, a special edition of the Buddhist sacred texts dedicated to King Bhumibol Adulyadej (1927–2016) and Queen Sirikit (1932–2025) of Thailand, have joined the collection of the University of Coimbra General Library (BGUC) as of Tuesday, 28 October. Donated by the Embassy of Thailand in Portugal and the World Tipiṭaka Foundation, the volumes were received by the UC Vice-Rector for Culture, Communication and Open Science, Delfim Leão, and BGUC Director, Manuel Portela, in a ceremony held in the São Pedro Hall.
The rare edition of the Tipiṭaka (the canon of Buddhist scriptures), which Thailand is donating to institutions in 30 countries, was launched in 2016 to mark the 70th anniversary of the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. It consists of a 40-volume edition dedicated to the King (Pāli Phonetic Reference) and a 40-volume edition dedicated to the Queen (Pāli Monotone Music Notation). At Tuesday’s ceremony, the works were presented to BGUC by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Portugal, Kanokwan Pengsuwan, and the President of the World Tipitaka Foundation, Thanpuying Varaporn Pramoj Na Ayudhaya.
“This donation from the Kingdom of Thailand embodies a spirit of cultural and spiritual generosity that transcends borders, reminding us that, like sacred texts, universities are places of memory and dialogue. By welcoming this collection, the University of Coimbra reaffirms its commitment to promoting mutual understanding, tolerance and inclusion — values deeply shared by both the Buddhist tradition and the mission of the Academy,” said Delfim Leão.
“This is a remarkable addition to the bibliographic heritage of the University of Coimbra General Library. Our readers now have access to the canonical collection of Buddhist sacred texts in the original Pāli language. This edition includes phonetic transcription and musical notation, contributing to the understanding and preservation of traditional recitation methods,” stated Manuel Portela.
“For at least 132 years, Thailand has played a significant role in preserving and disseminating Buddhist scriptures through its printing,” noted Thanpuying Varaporn Pramoj Na Ayudhaya, recalling that as early as 1893 the University of Coimbra General Library was one of only 25 libraries worldwide to receive the first printed edition of the Tipiṭaka (Chulachomklao of Siam Pali Tipitaka Bangkok Era 112 Edition), published during the reign of Chulalongkorn of Siam (King Rama V). “May the Tipiṭaka continue to inspire, enlighten and serve as a beacon of wisdom for generations to come,” concluded the President of the World Tipitaka Foundation.
