Conceived on the initiative of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in 2022, with the objective of fostering unity, dialogue, and mutual understanding among diverse Buddhist traditions, the Fourth Pali–Sanskrit Chanting Programme was held on 23rd and 24th December 2025 beneath the sacred Bodhi Tree at the Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya. The programme continues a series of inter-traditional prayer gatherings envisioned by His Holiness to strengthen harmony within the global Buddhist Sangha.
A two-day Pali–Sanskrit chanting programme was solemnly conducted beneath the sacred Bodhi Tree, marking a rare and spiritually significant confluence of the two great Buddhist chanting traditions at the site where Bhagwan Buddha attained Enlightenment.
The programme witnessed the participation of venerable monks representing the Pali and Sanskrit traditions, who performed day-long collective chanting on both days, creating an atmosphere of deep reverence and spiritual harmony.
The event was organised under the aegis of the Pali and Sanskrit International Bhikkhu Exchange Programme. Mr. Jimpa, Coordinator for Southeast Asia, Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the principal organiser of the August event, formally welcomed the honourable guests and participants, underscoring the importance of inter-traditional harmony within the Buddhist Sangha.
Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi, Secretary, Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), participated as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, she said, “The Pali and Sanskrit traditions represent two profound streams of Buddhist wisdom. Though they evolved across different regions and cultures, both originate from the same source — the compassion, wisdom, and teachings of the Buddha. When these traditions come together in harmony, they remind us that diversity in practice strengthens, rather than divides, the Buddha Dhamma.”
She further noted that holding such collective prayers at Bodhgaya, the seat of Enlightenment, reinforces the timeless values of peace, compassion, interdependence, and harmony, not only within Buddhism but for the welfare of all humanity.
Ven. Nawang Tenzin Gyatso, President, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Bodhgaya, also graced the occasion and highlighted the relevance of dialogue and mutual respect among Buddhist traditions in the contemporary world.
The vote of thanks was proposed by the President of the Tibetan Buddhist Centre, Singapore, Ms. Ng Wee Nee, who expressed gratitude to the orher partipant organisers, the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee, and the participating monastic communities for making the programme a spiritual success.She recalled how the programme, which began with the humble participation of only a few monks, has today evolved into a global initiative, drawing monastic participation from many countries.
Monks from Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Tibet, and Nepal participated in the chanting sessions, offering prayers in both Pali and Sanskrit traditions throughout the two days.