π A Journey of Gratitude, Faith, and Dedication: A Meaningful Milestone in My Ph.D. Journey
"Behind every achievement, there are countless acts of kindness, generosity, sacrifice, encouragement, and loving-kindness."
Today, I am deeply grateful to have completed my Ph.D. Research Proposal Examination in Peace Studies at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU), Thailand.
This is a meaningful milestone in my academic journey. However, I fully recognize that reaching this stage has never been the result of my own efforts alone. It has been made possible through the compassion, generosity, guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support of many wonderful people who have walked alongside me throughout my life.
As a Buddhist monk, I wish to express my deepest gratitude and sincere appreciation to everyone who has contributed to this journey.
π To My Generous Donors and Supporters
I respectfully express my heartfelt gratitude to all the devoted donors, DΔyakas, and DΔyikΔs who have generously supported my monastic life, education, research activities, and daily necessities.
Your offerings, kindness, and generosity have provided not only material support but also the strength and encouragement needed to continue my studies during challenging times.
Every contribution, whether large or small, has been deeply meaningful.
Your generosity is not simply an investment in my education. It is also a contribution to the preservation of Buddhist knowledge, the protection of our sacred heritage, and the promotion of peace and understanding in society.
May the merits of your wholesome generosity bring you happiness, good health, prosperity, and progress along the path of Dhamma.
π To My Respected Sayadaws, Teachers, Professors, and Academic Supervisors
With profound respect and gratitude, I pay homage to my respected Sayadaws, preceptors, spiritual teachers, professors, academic advisers, and research supervisors.
From my early years of monastic education to my present doctoral studies, your teachings, wisdom, patience, guidance, and encouragement have shaped my understanding of both the Dhamma and academic knowledge.
You have taught me not only how to acquire knowledge but also how to develop discipline, humility, ethical responsibility, and wisdom.
Your guidance remains a precious light throughout my educational and spiritual journey.
π To My Dear Friends, Dhamma Friends, and Fellow Students
My sincere appreciation goes to all my friends, Dhamma friends, classmates, and academic colleagues who have shared this journey with me.
Thank you for your friendship, encouragement, understanding, and support during both successful and difficult moments.
There have been times when the academic journey felt demanding, uncertain, and exhausting. Yet a simple word of encouragement, a thoughtful conversation, or an act of kindness often gave me renewed strength to continue.
Your friendship and goodwill will always remain in my heart.
π To My Beloved Family, Brothers, Sisters, and Relatives
I also wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to my beloved family members, brothers, sisters, relatives, and everyone who has supported me with unconditional love, patience, understanding, and encouragement.
Although I have chosen the path of monastic life, I have never forgotten the love, sacrifices, and kindness of those who have supported me throughout the different stages of my life.
Your prayers, goodwill, and quiet encouragement have been a source of strength throughout my educational journey.
Even when words are not enough to express my appreciation, your kindness will never be forgotten.
π The Deeper Purpose of My Ph.D. Journey
As a Buddhist monk, I believe that education should not be pursued merely for personal recognition, academic titles, or qualifications.
For me, the true value of education lies in using knowledge and wisdom to benefit the Buddha SΔsana, preserve Buddhist cultural and spiritual heritage, promote ethical responsibility, and contribute to peace and harmony in human society.
My doctoral research, entitled:
“The Development of a Governance Process for Buddhist Tooth Relics: Integrating Buddhist Doctrinal Ethics and Peace Studies”
reflects this commitment.
Through this research, I hope to contribute to the ethical governance, responsible preservation, and sustainable protection of the Sacred Tooth Relics of the Buddha, while exploring how Buddhist doctrinal ethics and Peace Studies can strengthen cooperation, mutual respect, and peaceful understanding among communities and institutions.
This work is more than an academic responsibility to me. It is also an expression of my devotion to the Buddha SΔsana and my sincere aspiration to serve future generations.
π The Journey Continues
Completing my Ph.D. Research Proposal Examination does not mark the end of my academic journey.
Rather, it represents another important step toward the greater responsibilities and challenges that lie ahead.
I understand that the path toward completing doctoral research requires patience, perseverance, discipline, careful investigation, and continuous learning.
With mindfulness, determination, humility, and the blessings of my respected teachers and supporters, I remain committed to continuing this journey with sincerity and dedication.
I may not be able to mention every person by name, but I sincerely remember and appreciate everyone who has supported me, encouraged me, prayed for me, or contributed to my education in any way.
Your kindness is part of this journey, and your generosity is part of every meaningful step I take.
It is my sincere aspiration that the knowledge and experience gained through my studies will one day become a meaningful contribution to the Buddha SΔsana, academic scholarship, cultural heritage preservation, and the promotion of peace.
π My Heartfelt Blessings to Everyone
May all my respected teachers, generous donors, friends, family members, brothers, sisters, and well-wishers enjoy good health, happiness, safety, prosperity, and peace of mind.
May the merits arising from your generosity, compassion, and wholesome intentions support your spiritual progress and ultimately lead toward the realization of NibbΔna.
May the Triple Gem — the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the SaαΉ gha — be a source of inspiration, strength, and blessings in your lives.
“May the knowledge I gain never serve myself alone, but become a source of wisdom, compassion, peace, and benefit for others.”
With deepest gratitude, respect, and MettΔ,
π Ashin Dhammasami
Ph.D. Researcher in Peace Studies
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU), Thailand
22 October 2026
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