Category: News

Bristol Buddhist Studies and the Department of Religion and Theology at the University of Bristol are happy to announce the Advanced Summer School in Reading Canonical Pāli Texts with Commentaries. The event will run from 2 to 6 June 2025.

This five-day immersive program will be taught by:

• Rupert Gethin, Professor Emeritus and President of the Pali Text Society, for sessions on Sutta/Abhidhamma and their commentaries.
• Petra Kieffer-Pülz, Secretary of the Pali Text Society, for sessions on the Vinaya.
• Martin Straube, Senior Research Fellow of the Pali Text Society, focusing on the Vessantara Jātaka.

Who Should Attend

The course is designed for those with prior knowledge of Pāli or Sanskrit who wish to hone their reading skills in canonical texts and their commentaries.

Event Highlights

• Daily Timetable:
  • Morning sessions: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (including a coffee break)
  • Afternoon sessions: 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM (including a coffee break)
• Complimentary lunches and refreshments provided
• Course materials included

Note: This is a non-accredited course with a maximum capacity of 20 participants.

Important Information

• Registration Deadline: 30 April 2025
• Cost: Free of charge (participants cover travel and accommodation)
• Visa Assistance: Unfortunately, the program cannot assist with UK visa applications.

 

To Apply

Please click here
For further information contact Rita Langer rita.langer@bristol.ac.uk

Job Opportunity: Lecturer in Asian Religions at the University of Bristol

The Department of Religion and Theology at the University of Bristol is inviting applications for a Lecturer in Asian Religions to cover maternity leave. This is a fixed-term position, 0.8 FTE, starting from 1 January 2025 and running through 31 December 2025.

We are particularly keen to hear from recent PhD graduates in Buddhist Studies, though applications from those nearing the completion of their PhD are also welcome. The successful candidate will primarily teach courses on Buddhism, with a focus on Indian traditions, and will contribute to teaching on Hinduism. There will also be opportunities to engage with and contribute to our Buddhist Studies activities here at Bristol, collaborating with colleagues on research, events, and initiatives.

In addition to teaching, the role includes some administrative responsibilities and broader participation in the department’s activities.

For further information and details on how to apply, please visit the University of Bristol’s job listings page. The deadline for applications is 3 November 2024.

For informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Rita Langer at Rita.Langer@bristol.ac.uk.

We look forward to receiving your application!

We are thrilled to announce that Bristol Buddhist Studies, Department of Religion and Theology, has been awarded an Academic Development Grant from the Khyentse Foundation for a newly launched initiative called “Buddhism in Motion”. This project is a comprehensive effort designed to expand our research and outreach activities, fostering a deeper understanding of Buddhism across different academic and local communities in Bristol, the South and Southwest of England, and beyond. 

Over the next two years, the Foundation’s grant will enable us to enhance our engagement through a series of targeted activities, including:

• Outreach to Schools and Young Adults.  Our existing annual Buddhist Studies Day for A-level students has been tremendously enriched. We will now be able to fund up to 100 students to come to the University of Bristol to attend dedicated lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions that will enrich their understanding of Buddhism and enhance their learning experience. 

• Public Engagement Events. We have a new “Buddhism in Dialogue” series, which will bring together academics, Buddhist scholars, and practitioners to discuss key issues, starting with a roundtable on meditation and mental health. Our first event, organised by Dr Yael Shiri, will take place on Saturday 16 November. 

• Research Initiatives. We have also been able to introduce a new Khyentse Foundation Bristol Buddhist Studies Seminar Series, a weeklong advanced summer school focused on reading Buddhist texts in their original languages organised by Dr Rita Langer, and a two-day symposium on Buddhism Medicine organised by Dr Benedetta Lomi. 

This support from the Khyentse Foundation marks a significant milestone for Bristol Buddhist Studies and for the Department of Religion and Theology, solidifying our role as a regional hub for Buddhist scholarship and dialogue. We look forward to the growth and development that this endowment will bring over the next two years.