Written by Arthur McKeown and shared on the Buddhist Studies in India and Thailand Google
Group on February 11, 2026.
Namaste,
Whether you celebrated New Year’s Day on January 1st , or are looking forward to Chinese New Year on the 17th , or Tibetan New Year on the 18th , I wanted to write and wish you all a very happy new year. We exited the Female Wood Snake year, and will enter the Male Fire Horse year. Fingers crossed that all the energy, speed, passion and bravery of the horse year is present.
I would like to give you an update on the program last fall. As has been our tradition for the last few years, we held orientation in Chiang Mai, Thailand, before traveling as a group to Bodhgaya. We had a great group of 22 students. Returning faculty included Punya Parajuli (Tibetan), Sameeksha Kamble (Philosophy), Sengcham Drukmo (Vihar Manager), Mahima Kunwar (Wellness Coordinator), and Pritee Choyal (Teaching Assistant). New faculty were Anjani Sharma (Hindi) and Rinchen Gurung (Kitchen Manager). They were a fantastic team, working to make the program a success despite all of the distractions and complications that are inevitable in any year. We were also fortunate to again have meditation instruction with UHla Myint, Ekai Korematsu Osho, and Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. With such inspiring meditation teachers, it is always a pleasure to be part of this program.
During the Independent Study Period students went all over India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand to explore topics as diverse as Maternity care & Tibetan medicine, Buddhism and national identity, Buddhism & AI, the role of dogs (and other animals) in monasteries, and environmental ethics. We sent three students to Vietnam for the first time to explore the challenges of monasticism, the role of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Wake Up Schools, and perspectives on ADHD and meditation. We also sent two students to Japan for the first time since 2019. Everyone returned to Bodhgaya for the final program week during which they could share their experiences before heading home.
If you have friends who are interested in applying for the fall 2026 Buddhist Studies Program, the application deadline is March 17th. Please spread the word! Click here to learn more about the program. You can also keep in touch with what we’re up to via Instagram or YouTube.
With Best Wishes,
Arthur McKeown
