Integrated Buddhist Studies at Otago, NZ

The course Buddhist Thought has been taught at the University of Otago for over seventeen years as the result of an MoU between the University and the 60th Dhammachai Education Foundation (the 60th DEF) & Dhammachai International Research Institute (DIRI). The chairman of institutes, Phramaha Sudham Suratano (PhD, 9th grade of Pali Studies) will award scholarships to students who obtain the highest mark on the course in every year.

On 26 September 2024, Dr Woramat Malasart, a lecturer in a course on Buddhist philosophy “Buddhist Thought” (RELS 227/327) at the University of Otago invited Phra Suthep Thippasiriko, an abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya Wellington, to share his knowledge on Buddhist mindfulness and meditation both from theoretical and practical perspectives. There are around twenty students who have enrolled for the course both on campus and by distance. The students really enjoyed learning from an experienced monk, and they learned a great deal, particularly on how they can integrate the practice of mindfulness and meditation into their daily life.