(KPL) A press conference on the presentation of the Lao Tipitaka in both Pali and Lao scripts was held on Dec 16, 2024, at the Thammasapha Hall, That Luang, Vientiane. 
Tipitaka (also spelled Tripitaka) is a Sanskrit and Pali term meaning "Three Baskets". It refers to the sacred scriptures of Buddhism.
The event aims to promote the dissemination of Buddhist teachings and support preparations for the 50th anniversary of the Lao PDR's founding in 2025.
The conference was attended by Venerable Monk Athipatai Maitichit, Acting President of the Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organization (LBFO); Venerable Monk Vankham Vongsasulinh, Standing Head of Monastic Commission, LBFO and Venerable Monk Phouangpraseuth Phoumavong, Standing Deputy Head of Monastic Education Commission, LBFO, alongside invited guests.
On this occasion, Venerable Monk Athipatai Maithichit stated that the Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organization has compiled the Lao Tipitaka—a collection of Buddhist scriptures that record the teachings of Buddhism—in Pali and Lao scripts. This compilation allows monks, novices, and individuals to study and learn from a comprehensive Lao version of the scriptures.
The Tipitaka comprises three main categories: Vinaya Pitaka (Discipline), Sutta Pitaka (Discourses), and Abhidhamma Pitaka (Higher Teachings):
The Vinaya Pitaka contains rules of discipline for monks and nuns, divided into texts such as the Khandhaka, Pātimokkha, Mahāvagga, Cullavagga, and Parivāra.
The Sutta Pitaka includes sermons and dialogues of the Buddha across various occasions, locations, and individuals. It is organized into five collections: Dīgha Nikāya (Long Discourses), Majjhima Nikāya (Middle-length Discourses), Saṁyutta Nikāya (Connected Discourses), Aṅguttara Nikāya (Numerical Discourses), and Khuddaka Nikāya (Minor Discourses). The Sutta Pitaka contains a total of 21,000 teachings.
The Abhidhamma Pitaka explores higher doctrines and Buddhist philosophy, organized into seven texts: Dhammasangani, Vibhanga, Dhātukatha, Puggalapaññatti, Kathavatthu, Yamaka, and Patthana. It addresses four primary themes: Mind, Mental Factors, Form, and Nirvana. The Abhidhamma Pitaka consists of 42,000 teachings, bringing the total number of teachings in the Tipitaka to 84,000.
Some parts of the compilation have already been printed in preliminary form. The latest publication includes 1,250 copies of the Pali-Lao script edition and 3,750 copies of the Lao script edition, totalling 5,000 copies. The scriptures are available for offering at 9,999,000 Kip per set.
The official launch ceremony of the Lao Tipitaka will take place on December 18, 2024, in front of the Chao Saysetthathirath Statue in Saysettha District, Vientiane. The ceremony will feature discussions on the history, significance, and importance of the Lao Tipitaka.