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Charles Hallisey

Charles Hallisey is a distinguished scholar of Buddhist literatures, primarily focusing on Sinhala literature and Theravada Buddhism. He holds the position of Yehan Numata Senior Lecturer at Harvard Divinity School, where he contributes significantly to the study of Buddhist texts and traditions. His academic career includes extensive work in comparative religion and South Asian studies.

Key Facts

  • Yehan Numata Senior Lecturer on Buddhist Literatures at Harvard Divinity School.
  • Authority on Sinhala literature and Theravada Buddhism.
  • Held positions at Harvard University and the University of Wisconsin.
  • Authored and contributed to several academic works on Buddhism and South Asian literature.
  • Holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.

Important Relationships

  • Sheldon Pollock
  • Donald S. Lopez Jr.
  • Gregory Schopen
Full Name
Charles Hallisey
Notable Works
  • Therigatha: Poems of the First Buddhist Women
  • Works and Persons In Sinhala Literary Culture
  • Narrative, Sub-Ethics, and the Moral Life: Some Evidence From TheravāDa Buddhism
  • Ethical Particularism In Theravada Buddhism
  • Roads Taken and Not Taken In the Study of TheravāDa Buddhism
  • Apropos the Pali Vinaya As A Historical Document: A Reply To Gregory Schopen
Associated Locations

Harvard Divinity School, University of Wisconsin, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, Colgate University

Primary Language Of Works

English

Role Type
Notable Status

About Charles Hallisey

Charles Hallisey is a contemporary scholar specializing in Buddhist literatures, with a particular focus on Theravada Buddhism and Sinhala literature. He holds the position of Yehan Numata Senior Lecturer on Buddhist Literatures at Harvard Divinity School, where he contributes to the study and teaching of Buddhist traditions and texts.

Academic Career and Education

Hallisey's academic journey includes a broad range of studies and significant teaching roles. He earned his undergraduate degree from Colgate University, followed by a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School. He further pursued graduate studies, obtaining a Master of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. His teaching career has spanned several esteemed institutions. From 1996 to 2001, he was the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Humanities at Harvard University. Subsequently, in 2001, he joined the University of Wisconsin as an Associate Professor. He became part of the Faculty of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School in the academic year 2007–08.

Scholarly Contributions

Charles Hallisey is recognized for his contributions to the understanding of Buddhist texts and thought. His notable works include "Therigatha: Poems of the First Buddhist Women," published in 2015, which explores early Buddhist female voices. He has also published extensively on the ethics and narrative structures within Theravada Buddhism, as well as on the complexities of Sinhala literary culture. His articles have appeared in various academic journals and edited volumes, engaging with topics such as ethical particularism, the use of the Pali Vinaya as a historical document, and the study of Buddhism under colonial influence.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Charles Hallisey's primary academic focus?

Charles Hallisey's primary academic focus is on Buddhist literatures, with a particular expertise in Sinhala literature and Theravada Buddhism. He is recognized as an authority in these fields.

Where does Charles Hallisey teach?

Charles Hallisey teaches at Harvard Divinity School, where he holds the title of Yehan Numata Senior Lecturer on Buddhist Literatures. He has been on the faculty there since the academic year 2007-08.

What are some of Charles Hallisey's notable works?

Notable works by Charles Hallisey include "Therigatha: Poems of the First Buddhist Women" (2015), "Works and Persons in Sinhala Literary Culture" (2003), and "Narrative, Sub-ethics, and the Moral Life: Some Evidence from Theravāda Buddhism" (1996).

What academic background does Charles Hallisey have?

Charles Hallisey earned his AB from Colgate University, an M.Div. from Harvard Divinity School, an MA from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.