My Experiences at the 1st Asian Association for Buddhist Studies (AABS) Conference

Reported by: Usha Chakma (Ph.D. candidate)
As a Ph.D. candidate in Buddhist Studies at International Buddhist College (IBC), I recently had the privilege of participating in the 1st Asian Association for Buddhist Studies (AABS) Conference, held on 30 - 31 August 2025 at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. The event brought together leading scholars and researchers from countries including Thailand, Japan, South Korea, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom, creating an excellent platform for academic exchange and collaboration in Buddhist studies.

As part of the conference, I presented my research paper titled “The Luris: A Buddhist Tradition in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.” My presentation examined the historical development, practices, textual heritage, and current status of the Luri Mahāyāna Buddhist tradition. The session generated engaging discussions with scholars from Sri Lanka, South Korea, Taiwan, and India, whose insights provided me with constructive feedback and fresh perspectives that will help refine my ongoing research. I also had enriching conversations with professors from Dongguk University and Fo Guang University, as well as a recent Ph.D. graduate from Oxford University, which broadened my academic understanding and deepened my appreciation for comparative Buddhist studies.

Beyond my own presentation, the conference offered a diverse range of sessions covering topics such as Buddhism in lay life, manuscript studies, and Buddhist art. One of the highlights for me was the Buddhist Art Exhibition organized by the Institute of Mekong Basin Civilization, Art and Culture at Mae Fah Luang University. The exhibition showcased rare Buddhist paintings and significant cultural heritage materials, offering a deeper appreciation of the artistic and historical dimensions of Buddhism.

Another memorable experience was visiting the Supreme Patriarch (Phae Tissadeva Mahathera) Residence Museum at Wat Suthat Thepwararam. The museum preserves important artifacts, including monks’ ceremonial fans and manuscript wrappers, and I had the rare opportunity to view an ancient Buddhist manuscript. This experience enhanced my understanding of Thailand’s Buddhist heritage and provided valuable historical context that complemented the academic discussions at the conference.

The event concluded with the AABS Commemorative Dinner, which provided an excellent opportunity to network with distinguished international scholars in a more informal setting. These exchanges allowed me to explore potential research collaborations and gain new insights into current trends in Buddhist studies.

Overall, attending the conference was an invaluable academic experience. It allowed me to present my research, receive constructive feedback, and broaden my perspectives on Buddhist traditions across Asia. I am deeply grateful to the International Buddhist College and my supervisor, Dr. Ooi Eng Jin, for their continuous guidance and support, which made this opportunity possible.