A Humble Achievement!

‘This morning, I would be delighted to learn that the University of Oxford has made me an offer of a place on the Master of Philosophy in Buddhist Studies that will start in October 2024. Indeed, it was not an easy journey that nature has brought me along thus far; it was full of craggy, foggy, and misty surroundings wherein I had to traverse in life until I saw the light of hope on Earth. I am, therefore, deeply indebted to my beloved parents and siblings, who were a significant handrail to go through the roof of therein with compassion and loving-kindness.

As a Sri Lankan Theravāda Buddhist monk, I will be honoured to matriculate at the University of Oxford, whilst shedding light on the prevailing monastic history in Sri Lanka. As a scholarly-practitioner Buddhist monk, it was not my only duty to learn, research, and then, preach to the laity. Rather, by practising calm and insightful meditation in everyday life, I was constantly working on my path towards the awakening of life, as it actually is. I strongly believe that mindfulness meditation paved the way for myself to stay calm, relaxed, and peaceful at every failure and victory that is confronted in life. Hence, I am sincerely grateful to my monastic preceptor, all venerable and honourable teachers, and Dhamma fellows I have met during this versatile journey.

In all, may this new adventure bring me an opportunity to serve the world with compassion and wisdom, while spreading the word of truth!’

Thank you!

With mettā,

Rev Wadigala Samitharathana