Myanmar’s Shan State Buddhist University (SSBU) hosted a two-day international conference titled “The Endeavours of Prominent Figures in Teaching and Practicing Buddhism” at its campus in the city of Taunggyi, in Shan State, from 7–8 November.
The event celebrated the 60th birthday of Prof. Venerable K. Dhammasami, the esteemed founder and rector of SSBU. Widely known as Oxford Sayadaw, Ven. Dhammasami earned his DPhil from the University of Oxford and has since been a pivotal figure in promoting Buddhism in the UK, where he has established Oxford Buddha Vihara.
“The conference is a significant event marking the 60th birthday of the most [Venerable] Prof. Dr. K. Dhammasami, the founder and rector of SSBU,” the university stated in an announcement for the forum shared with BDG.
Founded in 2014, SSBU is the first Buddhist university in Shan State, offering bachelor’s degree, postgraduate diploma, and master’s degree programs in Pali and Buddhist studies. Students on these programs can benefit from a strong emphasis on excellence in textual, philological, philosophical, psychological, and doctrinal studies, all while engaging with contemporary global issues.
The conference focused on key areas related to the work and lives of prominent local and international figures in the propagation of Buddhism, the historical and modern spread of Buddhist meditation, and traditional and innovative approaches to teaching and learning within the Buddhist context.
The seminar featured more than 30 presentations, including paper presentations and keynote speeches. Due to time constraints and political issues in Myanmar, many presentations were delivered online. The entire program was live-streamed on SSBU’s Facebook page to reach a wider audience.
Dr. Pyi Phyo Kyaw, research associate at the University of Oxford and former SSBU dean and senior lecturer, delivered the keynote address, “Ashin Adiccavamsa: the First Burmese Bhikkhu in England.” In her presentation, Dr. Kyaw highlighted the publication of Ashin Adiccavamsa’s Bhikkhuni-sasana-upadesa in 1935, a significant work advocating a revival of higher ordination for women in Theravada Buddhism.
Prof. Kate Crosby, Namuta Professor of Buddhist Studies at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Easter Studies at the University of Oxford, spoke on the vital role of female patrons in the early establishment of Buddhist temples in the UK, with a particular focus on Mary Foster, an American philanthropist renowend as the first Hawaiian Buddhist, and Freda Bedi, an English-Indian social worker, writer, Indian nationalist and Buddhist nun.
Prof. Crosby recounted the first meeting between Mary Foster and Anagarika Dharmapala (1864–1933) in the United States, noting how Dharmapala referred to Foster as “my Foster mother,” in recognition of her contribution to his life.
Dr. Dipen Barua presented a paper in the final session, addressing several controversial issues in the Theravada interpretation of the theory of dependent co-arising—particularly through the view of renowned Thai monk Buddhadasa Bhikkhu (1906–93), who was critical of Buddhaghosa, a fifth-century Buddhist monk and commentator.
According to Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, Buddhaghosa’s interpretation of dependent co-arising in the Visuddhimagga treatise in three lifetimes (past, present, and future) introduces the notion of rebirth consciousness, which, he argued, reflected an Indian Brahmanical perspective of transmigration of self. Buddhadasa Bhikkhu contended that this interpretation deviated from the teachings of the Buddha, leading him to reject Buddhaghosa’s interpretation entirely.
However, Dr. Barua stated in his paper that it was not Buddhaghosa who introduced the concept of rebirth consciousness, rather this idea originated with the compiler(s) of the Patisambhidamagga, a Pali Canonical text forerunner of the Visuddhimagga, which was later adopted by Buddhaghosa.
The conference concluded with a detailed report from the moderators and closing remarks by Ven. Dhammasami. Ven. Vicittabhipala, pro-rector of SSBU, expressed thanks on behalf of organizers, followed by a sharing of merit with all sentient beings.
See more
Sun State Buddhist University
Shan State Buddhist University (Facebook)
The 11th International Conference on ‘The Endeavours of Prominent Figures in Teaching and Practicing Buddhism’ organized by SSBU (Sun State Buddhist University)
Related news reports from BDG
Report: Senior Buddhist Monk Killed by Myanmar Military
Upcoming Conference to Explore “Buddhism, Consciousness, and AI”
Dharma Realm Buddhist University in California Granted 8-year Academic Re-accreditation
Engaged Buddhism: INEB to Hold 21st Biennial Conference “Buddhist Heritage: Toward Inclusive Societies” in Chennai
Engaged Buddhism Special Report: Ven. Pomnyun Sunim Inaugurates Female Dormitory for Buddhist University in Cambodia
