The MPhil Students Seminar at Shan State Buddhist University
Marking the 10th Anniversary of SSBU and the Inauguration of the Paññāpāramī Lecturers' Residence
On 11 July 2026, Shan State Buddhist University (SSBU), Taunggyi, Myanmar, held the MPhil Students Seminar as part of the university's celebrations marking its tenth anniversary and the inauguration of the Paññāpāramī Lecturers' Residence. The one-day seminar brought together university leaders, lecturers, postgraduate students, and invited participants to reflect on academic life, research, and the development of Buddhist higher education.
Hosted on the second floor of the newly inaugurated Paññāpāramī Lecturers' Residence, the seminar was organised in two sessions. The morning programme focused on the experiences of doctoral study, while the afternoon session provided a platform for postgraduate students to present their research and receive comments from faculty members. Together, the two sessions highlighted the importance of academic guidance, research training, and scholarly dialogue within the university community.
Opening Ceremony
The seminar began with participant registration, followed by a traditional opening ceremony. The programme commenced with the lighting of a ceremonial candle and the recitation of Namo Tassa three times, a customary Buddhist homage to the Buddha. These opening acts reflected the close relationship between Buddhist practice and academic study at SSBU.
The opening address was delivered by the Most Venerable Professor Dr. K. Dhammasāmi, Rector and Founder of Shan State Buddhist University. His remarks introduced the purpose of the seminar and its place within the university's anniversary celebrations.
Morning Session: The Experiences of a Doctoral Student's Journey
The morning session explored the theme "The Experiences of a Doctoral Student's Journey." Senior members of the university shared reflections on their academic paths, offering practical perspectives on postgraduate study, research, and scholarly development.
The session featured presentations by the Most Venerable Professor Dr. K. Dhammasāmi, Rector and Founder of SSBU; Venerable Dr. Paññabhoga Herngseng, Dean of SSBU; Venerable Dr. Devindābhipāla, Deputy Dean; Dr. Kyaw Minn Htin, Lecturer; and Sayalay Dr. Paññātherī, Lecturer. Drawing on their own academic experiences, the speakers discussed the challenges and responsibilities of doctoral research, the value of disciplined study, and the role of perseverance in scholarly work.
Following the presentations, participants gathered for a certificate presentation and group photograph before concluding the morning programme with lunch.
Afternoon Session: Student Research Presentations
The afternoon session shifted attention to the work of postgraduate students. It opened with an introduction by Venerable Vicittābhipāla, Pro-Rector of SSBU, who outlined the objectives of the student seminar and encouraged participants to engage in thoughtful academic discussion.
Five postgraduate researchers presented their current work: Venerable Tikkhavamsālankara, an MPhil candidate; Ms. Hnin Pwint Han, a PhD candidate; Shuba Yeri, an MPhil candidate; Venerable Kusaladhamma, an MPhil candidate; and Ms. Thandar Soe, an MPhil candidate. Each presentation offered an opportunity for students to communicate their research, explain their methods, and respond to questions from academic staff and fellow participants.
The student presentations demonstrated the range of research interests represented within the university's postgraduate programmes. They also illustrated the importance of presenting work in progress, receiving constructive feedback, and refining research through scholarly discussion.
Discussion and Closing
After the presentations, faculty members led a general discussion that provided comments and suggestions on the students' research. The exchange encouraged open dialogue between experienced scholars and emerging researchers, supporting the development of academic skills and critical thinking.
The seminar concluded with closing remarks, followed by the presentation of certificates and souvenirs to the speakers and masters of ceremonies in recognition of their contributions. Participants then gathered for a commemorative group photograph.
The formal programme ended with the recitation of Buddhasāsanaṃ ciraṃ tiṭṭhatu three times, a traditional aspiration expressing the wish that the Buddha's dispensation may endure for a long time. This closing reflected the university's commitment to combining Buddhist tradition with higher education and academic inquiry.
As part of the celebrations marking the tenth anniversary of Shan State Buddhist University and the inauguration of the Paññāpāramī Lecturers' Residence, the MPhil Students Seminar provided an occasion for learning, reflection, and scholarly exchange. By bringing together experienced academics and postgraduate students, the event strengthened the university's role as a centre for Buddhist studies and supported the continued development of research within its academic community.
If you'd like, I can also adapt this into a news article, an annual report entry, or an event page formatted to match the style of the SSBU website.