Ashin Dhammasāmi
Ashin Dhammasāmi, also known as the Oxford Sayadaw, is a prominent Burmese Theravada Buddhist monk born in 1964. He is recognized for founding institutions such as the Oxford Buddha Vihara and the Shan State Buddhist University, and for serving as the Buddhist chaplain to Oxford University. His work bridges monastic scholarship with interfaith dialogue and Buddhist education.
Key Facts
- ›Born in 1964 in Shan State, Myanmar.
- ›Ordained as a novice monk at age six and a full monk at age 19.
- ›Founded the Oxford Buddha Vihara in 2003 and serves as its abbot.
- ›Holds a PhD from Oxford University, obtained in 2004.
- ›Founder of the Shan State Buddhist University in Taunggyi.
- ›Serves as the Buddhist chaplain to Oxford University.
Important Relationships
- Oxford University
- Religions for Peace
- Oxford Council of Faith
- Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies
Oxford, Taunggyi, Shan State
Buddhist Monk Vows
About Ashin Dhammasāmi
Ashin Dhammasāmi (Oxford Sayadaw)
Ashin Dhammasāmi, widely recognized as the Oxford Sayadaw, is a prominent Burmese Theravada Buddhist monk and scholar born in 1964. He is a significant figure in both Buddhist academia and interfaith relations, known for establishing key Buddhist institutions in the United Kingdom and Myanmar.
Life and Education
Born in Naungpan village, Lecha Township, in the Shan State of Burma (now Myanmar), Ashin Dhammasāmi's religious journey began at a young age. He was ordained as a novice monk (samanera) at the age of six and later took full ordination as a Buddhist monk at nineteen. His academic pursuits led him to Oxford University, where he earned a PhD in 2004.
Contributions and Roles
Ashin Dhammasāmi is the founder and abbot of Oxford Buddha Vihara, established in 2003, which serves as a center for Buddhist practice and study in Oxford. He also holds the esteemed position of Buddhist chaplain to Oxford University, fostering spiritual support for the university community. Furthermore, he is a fellow of the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies and a member of the Oxford Council of Faith, engaging in interfaith dialogue and understanding. His commitment to Buddhist education is further demonstrated by his founding of the Shan State Buddhist University in Taunggyi, Myanmar, in 2014. He also serves as a world council member for Religions for Peace, actively participating in global initiatives for peace through religious cooperation.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ashin Dhammasāmi?
Ashin Dhammasāmi, also known as the Oxford Sayadaw, is a notable Burmese Theravada Buddhist monk. He is recognized for his role in establishing Buddhist institutions and his engagement with academia and interfaith initiatives.
When and where was Ashin Dhammasāmi born?
Ashin Dhammasāmi was born in 1964 in Naungpan village, Lecha Township, Shan State, which was then Burma and is now Myanmar.
What significant institutions has Ashin Dhammasāmi founded?
He founded the Oxford Buddha Vihara in 2003 and serves as its abbot. He also established the Shan State Buddhist University in Taunggyi, Myanmar, in 2014.
What is Ashin Dhammasāmi's connection to Oxford University?
Ashin Dhammasāmi obtained a PhD from Oxford University in 2004. He also serves as the Buddhist chaplain to Oxford University and is a fellow of the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies.
Related Buddhists
Anawrahta
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Ashin Yazeinda
Ashin Yazeinda, also known by his pen name Yawai Nwe, is a distinguished Burmese Theravada Buddhist monk and writer. He is recognized for his contributions to Buddhist literature and Dhamma articles, having published a seminal religious work in 2003. He holds the title Sāsanadhaja Dhammācariya, conferred by the Burmese government.
Ashin Thittila
Ashin Thittila was a distinguished Burmese Theravada Buddhist monk, scholar, and meditation teacher. He is renowned for being a pioneer in Buddhist missionary work abroad, notably spending extended periods in England. His contributions include translating key Abhidhamma texts into English and lecturing widely on Buddhist philosophy and meditation across multiple continents.