A Heartfelt Note of Gratitude

Reported by: Ven. Wellane Ananda Thero (BA3 Student)
As I look back on my academic journey in 2026, I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to have presented my research at five international and national conferences. These achievements are not mine alone - they are the result of the constant encouragement, guidance, and support I have received from the International Buddhist College (IBC), Thailand.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the professors and lecturers of IBC for believing in my academic potential and continuously encouraging me to engage in research and international conferences. Whenever I needed academic advice, comments on my papers, or guidance in my research, you were always willing to help. Your kindness, patience, and dedication have inspired me to grow as a researcher and a student of Buddhist Studies.

I would like to offer my special thanks to Venerable Zhen Sheng and Venerable Dipananda Thero for your invaluable guidance, encouragement, and continuous support throughout my research journey. Your advice has greatly contributed to my confidence in presenting my work at international academic forums.

My heartfelt appreciation also goes to my IBC classmates, who have always encouraged me, shared ideas, and supported me throughout this journey. Having such supportive friends has made my academic life at IBC both meaningful and enjoyable.
I would also like to sincerely thank Bhikkhu Upananda, my co-author, for his valuable contribution, dedication, and excellent teamwork. His commitment and effort played an important role in the success of our collaborative research.

During 2026, I was honored to present the following research papers:
i) "Humanistic Buddhism as a Framework for Sustainable Peacebuilding." Paper presented at the Fifth Annual International Conference on Religion, Culture, and Peace, Payap University, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 23–24 April 2026.

ii) "The Role of Gandharan Monastic Institutions and Art in the Transmission of Buddhism Across Asia." Paper presented at the 3rd International Conference on the Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan, Humanistic Buddhism Research Centre, Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan, 19–23 May 2026.

iii) "The Role of Religious Understanding in Counseling: Lessons from the Sandaka Sutta and Kālāma Sutta." Paper presented at the Research Congress 2025, Postgraduate Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (PGIHS), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 9 July 2026.

iv) "A Buddhist Ethical Perspective on Divorce: Intention, Compassion, and the Reduction of Suffering." Paper presented at the International Research Conference of Literature, Communication and Performing Arts (IRCLCP 2026), University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, 14 July 2026.

v) "Overcoming Fear: Buddhist Insights from the Bhayabherava Sutta." Paper presented at the 9th International Buddhist Conference (IBC BUSL – 2026), Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, 20 August 2026.

Finally, I offer my sincere gratitude to everyone at the International Buddhist College who has supported, encouraged, and motivated me throughout this year. These conference experiences have strengthened my confidence as a young researcher and encouraged me to continue contributing to Buddhist scholarship. I am truly thankful to be part of the IBC academic family, and I look forward to achieving many more academic milestones with your continued guidance and blessings.