The Buddhist forum. Vol. 4, Seminar papers 1994-1996

Abstract

Ever since their introduction in 1987, the Buddhist Forum seminars continue to offer an interesting and stimulating variety of papers on Buddhist topics. The seminars are regularly convened once a month during term time and they attract a regular and handsome group of people from SOAS and outside. During the past years we have been fortunate to have discussed an excellent number of papers presented by SOAS staff members and invited speakers from other universities and institutions in this country, and visiting scholars from other countries in Europe and overseas. The majority of the papers presented at the Buddhist Forum have been published in the past three volumes. The present volume, like the previous ones, offers an attractive selection of papers, some of which deal with contemporary issues and some cover topics appertaining to the mainstream classical research. The universities and academic institutions in this country do not always have comfortable financial resources to sustain and fully develop their academic and other relevant potentials. The publication of academic books, journals and seminar papers are a good example of how difficult it is to secure funds so that they can published on a regular basis. Bearing all such things in mind, the School of Oriental and African Studies deserve words of gratitude for continuing to publish the Buddhist Forum papers. While preparing this volume for publication I have received help with typing and some editorial work from my students Joss Winn and Joanna Mazur. I wish to record here my gratitude for their assistance. I would also like to thank the Publications Committee for accepting this volume for publication, and to Martin Daly for his professional advice in various matters relating to publishing, and for seeing this volume through its publication stages.