By Karen Cheung
The academic field of Buddhist Studies is a dynamic and multifaceted discipline that seeks to understand Buddhism through historical, textual, philosophical, and cultural lenses. As a graduate of the University of Hong Kong’s Centre of Buddhist Studies, I have been deeply immersed in the rigorous intellectual exploration of Buddhist traditions, texts, and practices. Yet, my journey has also been profoundly shaped by a personal quest for spiritual grounding, one that combines rational inquiry with the emotional and experiential dimensions of meditation and religious practice.
This duality—of being both an academic and a seeker—has led me to reflect on the place of meditation and personal religious practice within the academic study of Buddhism. While some scholars argue for a strict separation between academic objectivity and personal spirituality, I believe that the integration of meditation and personal practice can enrich the field of Buddhist Studies, offering deeper insights and fostering a more holistic understanding of Buddhism as a lived tradition.
At its core, Buddhist Studies is an academic discipline that prioritizes critical analysis, historical context, and textual interpretation. Scholars in this field often approach Buddhism as an object of study, employing methodologies from the humanities and social sciences to uncover its historical development, doctrinal variations, and cultural impact. This objective stance is essential for maintaining academic rigor and ensuring that the study of Buddhism remains accessible to people of all backgrounds, regardless of their personal beliefs.
However, this approach can sometimes lead to a disconnect between the academic study of Buddhism and the lived experiences of Buddhist practitioners. For many Buddhists, meditation and personal religious practice are not merely subjects of study but transformative tools for cultivating wisdom, compassion, and inner peace. By excluding these experiential dimensions, academic scholarship risks presenting a fragmented or incomplete picture of Buddhism.
Meditation, in particular, occupies a central place in Buddhist practice and philosophy. From the earliest teachings of the Buddha to the diverse meditation techniques developed across Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana traditions, meditation, rituals, and other lived practices are means to purify the mind, overcome suffering, and realize ultimate truth. For scholars of Buddhism, engaging in meditation can provide a deeper appreciation of these teachings and their practical implications.
For instance, studying the Satipatthana Sutta (the Discourse on the Foundations of Mindfulness) from a purely textual perspective may reveal its historical context and literary structure, but practicing mindfulness meditation can offer insights into its transformative potential and psychological effects. This experiential understanding can enrich scholarly analysis, enabling academics to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
My own journey reflects this interplay between academic study and personal practice. As a student at the University of Hong Kong, I was drawn to the intellectual challenges of analyzing Buddhist texts and debating philosophical concepts. Yet, I also felt a deep emotional yearning for a spiritual path that could provide meaning and grounding in my life. This led me to explore meditation and participate in Buddhist rituals, not as an academic exercise but as a personal quest for connection and insight.
Through these practices, I began to see how the teachings I studied in the classroom could be applied to my own life, helping me navigate challenges and cultivate a sense of inner peace. This integration of study and practice has shaped my approach to Buddhist Studies, allowing me to appreciate Buddhism not only as an academic subject but also as a living tradition with profound relevance to contemporary life.
That said, the integration of personal practice into academic scholarship is not without its challenges. Scholars must navigate the tension between subjective experience and objective analysis, ensuring that their personal beliefs do not overshadow their commitment to academic integrity. Moreover, the diversity of Buddhist traditions means that no single practice or perspective can fully represent the tradition as a whole. As a scholar-practitioner, I strive to remain open to multiple interpretations and approaches, recognizing that my own experiences are just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
I still am exploring what it means to be a student of Buddhist Studies and Buddhism. While academic rigor and objectivity are essential, the inclusion of experiential insights can deepen our understanding of Buddhism and its transformative potential. As a HKU CBS graduate and a seeker on a spiritual path, I believe that the integration of rational inquiry and personal practice offers a more holistic and meaningful approach to the study of Buddhism. By embracing both the intellectual and the experiential dimensions of this tradition, we can honor its richness and diversity while remaining grounded in our shared humanity.
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