RE: Thai Tipitaka edition

rett wrote:
> <snip> And so I wonder, does this error by the Swedish contacts somehow
> reflect Bangkok's priorities? Normally I wouldn't think so. Normally
> I would just smile and have a mind of gratefulness and be moved to
> tears by the beauty of it all. But if the organizers aren't willing
> to release a searchable e-edition, then my answer would have to be: 
> yes, sadly their interest is primarily in good publicity not actually
> promoting tipitaka studies, in the magical effects of listening to
> recitations not actually understanding what the Buddha said. 
>
> It's a shame if all the effort which has gone into producing this
> edition should remain locked up in the rooms of the old and rare
> books collections of institutions like Uppsala, standing untouched on
> improvised altars surrounded by the rotting remains of flowers from
> the donation ceremonies.   

I was following this project some time ago, and even phoned a man in Bangkok
who was very surprised that someone had his number, and kept telling me to
wait just a "paak" (period of time).  He wouldn't say how long, so I called
back a month later and asked again.  My understanding is that they do indeed
intend to make an .xml (whatever that means) version, after I finally talked
to a foreigner in Chiang Mai who was working directly on the project - he
gave me lots of details, and it seems that the real problem is not desire to
do these things, but resources, people and time to get the job done.  He
told me that they wanted to make English and Thai translations, and the
electronic side seemed high on their priority list.  I think secrecy is also
high on their list, because there are many hands in Thai Buddhism that might
like to try to take control of such a project.  Of course, I haven't
followed it in a while, things may have changed.

Best wishes,

Yuttadhammo