The Importance of Indigenous Scholarly Voices in Buddhist Studies : หน้า 8/141

instance, are of non-Japanese origin). But DIRI is crucial for fostering many and varied 'indigenous scholarly voices' - of those who can speak more and more confidently within contemporary academic forums and who are seeking to acquire critical skills of exposition and analysis in the study of meditative practice and inner visioning. Such a journal as this portends to be of immense value for sharing crucial information, for allowing fruitful consultation between those bringing different kinds of expertise to the field, and for both disseminating knowledge about newly discovered texts and the rereading ancient texts in a new light. With the uncovering of very ancient bits and pieces, some on bark and palm-leaf that belong among the most ancient book remains on the planet, how exciting it will be to see the unfolding of Buddhist scholarship in future years, and to see the increasing participation in it of well-trained minds under DIRI’s beneficent sponsorship. Under Ven Sudhammo’s attentive eye, and with editor Dr. Jeff Wilson’s skills at presentation, one looks forward to this journal’s bright future. Garry W. Trompf Emeritus Professor in the History of Ideas and Adjunct Professor in The Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies University of Sydney