Public Lecture
Unveiling Brahmanical Influence in Buddhist Texts: Reference to the Pāli Nīti Texts of Burma
Speaker: Prof. Ujjwal Kumar
Prof. Ujjwal Kumar, an alumnus of the Centre of Buddhist Studies, the University of Hong Kong, currently holds the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Buddhist Studies at the University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India. Prof. Kumar’s academic focus centers around the thorough examination of Pāli literature, with a specific emphasis on works dating from the 10th century onwards. His research extends to the exploration of the influence of Brahmanical and Buddhist Sanskrit literature on Pāli texts, demonstrating his profound interest in the intersection of these traditions.
Lecture
Unveiling Brahmanical Influence in Buddhist Texts: Reference to the Pāli Nīti Texts of Burma
Time: 7-9 pm | 1 Mar 2024 (Fri)
Venue: MWT3, G/F, Meng Wah Complex, Main Campus, HKU
Conducted in English | Free admission | All are welcome | Online registration required
The lecture will explore the detailed connections of Brahmanical influence in Pāli Buddhist texts, particularly focusing on Burma’s Nīti texts like the Lokanīti, Dhammanīti, and Rājanīti. These texts are known for their ethical and practical advice, providing a special viewpoint to understand how Brahmanical and Buddhist ideas interacted historically. By studying the subtle details and moral lessons in these texts, we can better understand how different cultures shaped Burma’s beliefs and ethical values. The discussion will mainly focus on how Brahmanical elements have become a part of Pāli Buddhist literature from Burma. Discovering these Brahmanical aspects in Burmese Buddhist Pāli writings not only improves our understanding of cultural blending but also encourages thoughts on how religious traditions adapt, defining the religious diversity of Southeast Asia.