Taunggyi, Myanmar – September 28, 2025
Shan State Buddhist University (SSBU) successfully concluded its second taught term with two inspiring events: a student meeting and a special lecture delivered by Venerable Dr. Thích Nhuận Tú (Huỳnh Quốc Tuấn), a newly graduated DPhil in Buddhist Studies from the University of Oxford. Venerable Dr. Nhuận Tú is a distinguished young scholar-monk whose academic journey spans several countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and Oxford itself.

A Special Lecture on Buddhist Studies in the UK
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Venerable Dr. Thích Nhuận Tú delivered a lecture titled “Buddhist Studies in the UK: An Overview of Its History, Current Landscape, and Opportunities for Asian Monastics.” The session offered students, faculty, and practitioners a rare opportunity to explore the historical development, current state, and future possibilities of Buddhist Studies in the United Kingdom.
The presentation began by tracing the early encounters of the 19th century, highlighting pioneering scholars such as Thomas William Rhys Davids and the founding of the Pali Text Society. Venerable Dr. Thích Nhuận Tú then discussed the institutionalization of Buddhist Studies in the 20th century at leading universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies). Moving to the present day, he examined how the field now integrates philology, anthropology, philosophy, and interdisciplinary approaches, making it a vibrant area of global scholarship.
A central focus of the lecture was the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Asian monastics studying in the UK. These included adjusting to new languages and cultures, managing financial constraints, and balancing devotion to traditional practice with the demands of critical academic study. At the same time, Venerable Dr. Thích Nhuận Tú highlighted the immense benefits of studying in the UK, such as access to world-class libraries, international scholarships, academic collaborations, and thriving Buddhist communities.
His reflections emphasized how these experiences can enrich both personal spiritual practice and global Buddhist scholarship. For many SSBU students, the lecture provided valuable guidance on preparing for academic training abroad, while reinforcing SSBU’s mission to foster dialogue between Buddhist traditions and modern scholarly inquiry.

Student Meeting: Lessons from a Scholar-Monk’s Journey
On Friday, September 26, 2025, SSBU hosted a student meeting where Venerable Dr. Thích Nhuận Tú shared personal reflections on the interplay between traditional Buddhist practice and modern academic study. Drawing from his years of experience, he highlighted several key lessons:
• The liberating power of languages, which open doors to deeper understanding of texts and cultures.
• The importance of patience and discipline in navigating both spiritual and academic challenges.
• Balancing practice with scholarship, ensuring that intellectual pursuit complements, rather than replaces, spiritual development.
• Cultivating a global perspective while staying firmly grounded in the Dhamma.
This meeting gave SSBU students a unique chance to learn directly from a scholar-monk who has successfully navigated diverse academic and cultural settings. His journey illustrated how challenges can become opportunities and how rigorous study and sincere practice can work hand in hand to benefit both the individual and the global Buddhist community.

About the Speaker
Venerable Dr. Thích Nhuận Tú is a Vietnamese Buddhist monk and scholar whose academic path spans some of Asia and Europe’s most prestigious institutions. His doctoral research focused on the Dazhidulun (Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa), a foundational Mahāyāna commentary. His research interests include Buddhist hermeneutics, commentarial techniques, and the relationship between traditional practice and modern scholarship.

Through these two meaningful events, SSBU reaffirmed its commitment to bridging traditional Buddhist education with contemporary global scholarship. Both the lecture and the meeting inspired students and faculty to engage critically, practice compassionately, and envision their roles in Buddhist Studies.