First Sri Lankan Buddhist Monk at Oxford in 105 Years

Reverend Wadigala Samitharathana, a Theravāda Buddhist monk and an accomplished scholar, has embarked on a remarkable journey that led him to the University of Oxford as a Glorisun Scholar at St Cross College. His story exemplifies dedication, perseverance, and a profound commitment to both spiritual practice and academic excellence.

A Life Devoted to Buddhism

Since his ordination in 2009, Reverend Samitharathana has immersed himself in the study and practice of Buddhism. His foundational years were spent at Siri Sunanda Pirivena in Beliatta and Mahāvihāra Maha Pirivena in Kandy, where he mastered Sinhala, Pāli, and Sanskrit alongside related disciplines such as philology, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology. Recognizing his exceptional dedication, he was awarded the National First Prize in the Buddhist Religious Final Examination in 2013 and the prestigious academic title of Royal Paṇḍita in 2016.

His thirst for knowledge extended to the University of Peradeniya, where he pursued a BA (Hons) in Philosophy while delving into Buddhist and Vedic texts. This intellectual journey continued internationally, as Reverend Samitharathana earned a BA (Hons) in Philosophy at Oxford Brookes University in 2023, with a dissertation comparing Aristotelian eudaimonia and the Buddhist concept of Nibbāna.

A Scholar Bridging East and West

The comparative study of Greco-Roman philosophy and Theravāda Buddhism became a central theme in Reverend Samitharathana’s research. This interdisciplinary approach deepened during his MA in Buddhist Studies at SOAS University of London, where his dissertation on Buddhaghosa’s Visuddhimagga highlighted intersections between Buddhist ethics, meditation, and metaphysics.

Throughout his academic career, Reverend Samitharathana has presented at international conferences in cities such as Zürich, Paris, New York, and Colombo. His work explores the application of Buddhist principles to modern challenges, including climate change, global resilience, and mental well-being.

Leadership and Contributions

Reverend Samitharathana has not only excelled academically but also contributed significantly to Buddhist communities worldwide. As the founder and president of the Oxford Buddhist Society, he promotes the preservation of Theravāda Buddhism and fosters discussions on its relevance to contemporary issues. Recently elected as Welfare Representative at St Cross College, he continues to prioritize the well-being of students, establishing the Oxford Mindfulness Society to help others find peace and wisdom amidst life’s challenges.

His extensive contributions to Buddhist scholarship include peer-reviewed articles, books, and translations in multiple languages. His work strives to bridge the cultural and philosophical divides between East and West, creating a dialogue that enriches both traditions.

A New Chapter at Oxford

In Michaelmas Term 2024, Reverend Samitharathana matriculated at the University of Oxford, following in the footsteps of Venerable Suriyagoda Sumangala, the first Sri Lankan Buddhist monk to study at Oxford in 1919. At St Cross College, he focuses on comparative religious studies, canonical Pāli literature, and the philosophical intersections of Buddhism and ancient Greek thought.

Reverend Samitharathana’s journey reflects an unyielding commitment to academic rigor and spiritual practice. By combining ancient wisdom with modern scholarship, he has carved a unique path, inspiring others to pursue knowledge and compassion.

As a monk-scholar at Oxford, Reverend Samitharathana’s work will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the global understanding of Buddhism and its relevance to addressing contemporary issues. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of dedication, faith, and intellectual inquiry.

𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞, 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥!
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