I recently had the privilege to stay at the University of Oxford in May for a month. I was granted the post of Vajiramedhi Visiting Fellow in Pali Studies, and it was an immensely enriching experience. My visit was characterized by insightful interactions, academic discussions, and cultural exchanges with Oxford professors, students, and Buddhist monastics from various traditions.
The Vajiramedhi Visiting Fellowship is a prestigious academic appointment named after the prominent Thai Buddhist monk, Ven. Phra Medhivajirodom. Engaging with both faculty and students in the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES) at Oxford has significantly deepened my understanding of the ancient tradition of Buddhism and its contemporary relevance.
Upon my arrival at Oxford, I was warmly welcomed by Prof. Kate Crosby, Numata Professor of Buddhist Studies, and Dr. Pyi Kyaw, a Departmental Lecturer in Buddhist Studies, who had graciously invited me to Oxford initially. They received me at the bus station, and I was struck by how down-to-earth and friendly they were as we caught up at a café. As we headed to my residence at Balliol College, I was reminded of the university’s rich history and vibrant academic atmosphere; this was my second visit to Oxford (in 2024, also at the invitation of Prof. Crosby, I had presented at a conference on “Theravada and East Asia”).
Settling into my residence and role, I was eager to connect with faculty members and students, some of whom were my former students from the University of Hong Kong (HKU)’s Centre of Buddhist Studies (CBS).
The initial days were filled with orientation activities, allowing me to familiarize myself with the campus and the various resources available to visiting scholars. Prof. Crosby was a patient and generous guide. She took me to several lunches, including a “Sanskrit lunch,” and a dinner party at Balliol College. This was followed by a music performance by a family from Ukraine. Interacting with professors, scholars, and researchers from diverse backgrounds provided me with insights into the teachings and curricula offered across various faculties. This initial immersion set the tone for what would be an intellectually stimulating and culturally enriching experience.
One of the highlights of my visit was the opportunity to engage with esteemed faculty members in AMES, such as Prof. Diwakar Acharya, the Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics. He organized several seminars and workshops at All Souls College, which I was fortunate to attend. A notable event was led by Prof. Alexander von Rospatt, the Catherine and William L. Magistretti Distinguished Professor of Buddhist and South Asian Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. He presented a talk on “A Preliminary Exploration of Three Sanskrit Hymns Dedicated to Buddhist Deities by the Nepalese King Pratapa Malla” on 18 May, which was rich in manuscript analysis. Their expertise and dedication to the field were evident in every discussion, and I was able to partake in enlightening conversations with other professors about the evolution of Buddhist and Sanskrit thought, as well as the significance of Pali and Sanskrit.
During my time at Oxford, I also had the privilege of attending several faculty-led seminars, workshops, and lectures by students and faculty members, including Dr. Victor D’Avella, a Departmental Lecturer in Sanskrit at AMES. The seminars covered a wide range of topics, from the historical development of Buddhist meditation in Thailand and its evolution in the West, particularly in the UK, to the anthropology of Buddhism in Assam, India. Each presentation offered a fresh perspective and deepened my appreciation for the complexity of Buddhist thought and culture.
In the seminar, students brought their unique perspectives, often drawing from their personal experiences and cultural contexts in Thailand, China, and India. This exchange of ideas fostered a dynamic learning environment unlike most others, where we critically engaged with the texts and concepts. As an audience member, I had the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback, encouraging students to think deeply about the relevance of Buddhist teachings in addressing contemporary issues such as mindfulness practice.
The students I encountered during my time at Oxford were equally impressive. We became friends quickly. Among them were Ven. Samitharatana, an MPhil candidate, and Ven. Wajirabuddhi, a Master of Studies (MSt) student originally from Sri Lanka, Roy Ng from Singapore, Jaeguen Ahn from Korea, Bikash Bhattacharya from India, and Ujval Sidhu-Brar from Malaysia. Their enthusiasm for learning and diverse backgrounds enriched our discussions. Ven. Samitharatana’s interest in Buddhist epistemology and Ven. Wajirabuddhi’s focus on grammar in both Pali and Sanskrit led to engaging discussions that fuelled my own interest in these subjects.
As part of my fellowship, I had the opportunity to teach and lead readings of the Nettipakarana, a Pali post-canonical text that focuses on hermeneutics and textual exegesis. This systematic “guide-treatise” provides methods for analysing and explaining the Dhamma.
I also delivered a talk on the Buddhist doctrine of bhavanga (becoming-constituent) and its various interpretations within the Theravada tradition. This talk attracted a diverse audience, including students, faculty, and members of the local community. I emphasised the significance of bhavanga as a consciousness that underlies our cognitive experiences and actions, exploring how different interpretations shape our understanding of existence and rebirth.
The engagement from the audience was heartening, with many participants asking thoughtful questions and sharing their reflections. A Sri Lankan gentleman was particularly impressed by my talk and invited me to lunch the following day, leading to further enriching discussions on Buddhism. During dinner, attended by a few participants, including Ven. Wanyu Zhang, a DPhil candidate in Buddhist Studies and an alumnus of CBS at HKU, we had fruitful conversations about our respective research interests. Our dinner was later joined by Dr. Pyi Kyaw, with whom I had extensive discussions on various topics, including teachings from the Theravada Abhidhamma. Our research interests align closely, as we both focus on Theravada Abhidhamma doctrines.
I am especially grateful to George Pervushyn, a Ukrainian student at Oxford and also an alumnus of CBS at HKU. He took me around campus and various libraries, including the Old Library and the Bodleian Library, sharing insights about the buildings, student life, and the university’s history. His commentary significantly enriched my knowledge of Oxford.
I also explored the Burmese and Sri Lankan Buddhist temples in the area, where I was warmly welcomed by the resident monks. The Oxford Buddha Vihara, founded in 2003 by Ven. Dr. Khammai Dhammasami from Shan State in Myanmar, has developed into a thriving community of monks from various traditions, including Myanmar, Thailand, and Tibetan Buddhism. Ven. Uttama, a resident monk from Myanmar, hosted me, and we had long discussions about Buddhist studies, the Buddhist community in Myanmar, and my own country, Bangladesh. At this monastery, I witnessed the vibrant rituals and community life that characterize Theravada Buddhism, including an evening chanting session by Theravada monks.
My visit to the Sri Lankan Buddhist temple, founded by Oxford student Ven. Samitharatana, was similarly impactful. The temple was beautifully decorated in the Sri Lankan style, with hanging flowers in preparation for the Vesak celebration held on 30 May. Venerable Samitharatana explained that many locals visit the temple to engage in discussions, meditation practices, and chanting. We had an enriching conversation about his research on the commentary of the Pali canonical text Patisambhidamagga. His passion for explaining Buddhist teachings from a philosophical perspective inspired me, and I felt fortunate to read and provide feedback on his MPhil dissertation.
While HKU alumnus Ven. Ru Jing, originally from Malaysia, kindly guided me around the campus, including his residential college and the Oxford University Press building. Fonguye and Luminoso, who are originally from mainland China and currently studying at Oxford, took me to their respective colleges and the Ashmolean Museum. The Ashmolean Museum serves as the University of Oxford’s premier institution for art and archaeology, celebrated for its extensive collection of Asian and Himalayan art. I was truly amazed to see a remarkable array of Buddhist artifacts, which included stone sculptures, ancient bronzes, reliquaries, and ritual art from the Himalayan region.
Throughout my time at Oxford, I was struck by the cultural performances that took place within the university. Events such as a 10-kilometer running marathon and music performances by various groups showcased the diversity of perspectives and backgrounds, creating a rich tapestry of ideas and experiences within the Oxford community.
I was also invited by some of my students from HKU (now at Oxford) to socialize with other students from China and Thailand. I found that students were eager to learn not only about Buddhist texts but also about the cultural contexts in which these teachings developed. Our conversations explored the intersections of Buddhism with meditation, literature, and social movements, enriching our understanding of the tradition’s adaptability and relevance in various contexts.
As I reflect on my time at Oxford, I am filled with gratitude for the connections I have made and the knowledge I have gained. This experience has profoundly enriched my academic journey. The interactions with faculty, especially Prof. Crosby and Dr. Pyi Kyaw, students, and the monastic community have deepened my understanding of Buddhist studies and reinforced my commitment to this field. I have come to appreciate the importance of collaboration and open dialogue in advancing our understanding of Buddhism and its relevance in our modern world.
My visit to Oxford as a Visiting Fellow in Pali Studies has been a transformative experience. The opportunity to teach, engage in public discourse, and connect with the monastic community has been incredibly fulfilling. I am particularly grateful to Prof. Crosby for sharing her knowledge, allowing me to attend her lectures, and being so kind: especially by giving me some warm clothes when it got rather cold.
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