The Acknowledgement in My Thesis

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Thesis Title “Existence and Enlightenment : A Study of Metaphysics and Ethics in Abhidhamma and Nikayas of Theravada Buddhism”

             I undertook the research work for my Ph.D. Degree in the Department of Philosophy, University of Madras during the academic years 2007-2010. This thesis, of course, could not have been completed without the co-operation and support from many individuals and institutions. This acknowledgement is made here to express my appreciation and gratitude to them. 

          First, I am grateful to declare the deepest sense of thankfulness to my good-hearted supervisor, Dr. R. Gopalakrishnan, Professor and Head, Department of Philosophy, University of Madras, Chennai, whose kind heart and helping nature made my study very successful. His meticulous planning, intelligent guidance and invaluable suggestions at all stages of the preparation of the thesis helped me to finish the whole work systematically. With a profound sense of respect, I offer my sincere thanks to him.

       I would like to express my sincere thanks to Professor Dr. S. Panneerselvam, Professor Dr. G. Mishra, Dr. L.A. Savari Raj and Dr. M. Venkatachalapathy, Lecturers, in the Department of Philosophy, University of Madras, Chennai, for their valuable advice and suggestions for the improvement of my thesis. I also sincerely thank Dr. M. Gabriel, Professor and Head, Dr. K. Joshua, Dr. S. Mathivanan, Professor, in the Department of Philosophy, Madras Christian College, Tambaram, Chennai, who were kind enough to advise me during the preparation of this thesis and during my post-graduation.

        In Thailand, I would like to place on record my indebtedness to my spiritual teacher. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the most Phrakrujindadhammarat (Somwang), Lord Abbot of Wat Jindamani Buriram, who is my first teacher (Acariya) in Buddhism and Phrakrupannasutakun (Sombhoj), Lord Abbot of Wat Dhammadheeraram Buriram, who had supported me in the Primary Class of Pali Study and Phramaha Pin Buddhaviriyo, Wat Intaram Bangkok, who is the spiritual guide of my life.

        I gratefully acknowledge on record the conceptual support of Dr. Veerachat Nimanong, Lecturer, Faculty of Humanities, Assumption University, who gave me some ideas in doing research, of Dr. Phravisutthipatrathada (Prasit Inkrungkoa), Deputy Rector for Administration, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University,  of Venerable Dr. Phramaha Theerapanth Nanesuwan, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Buddhism, and Dr. Phramaha Suriyo Udomporn, lecturer of the Faculty of Buddhism, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Bangkok, Thailand, Phramaha Somsak Pariyattiyaporn, Wat Nang-nong, Bangkok, Thailand, who advised me many ideas at the beginning time of doing my Ph.D. research work, and of Phramaha Danaiphat Kumbhirapanno, Lecturer of Post-graduate School, Mahachulalongkorn rajavidyalaya University, for their kind advice and useful suggestions on several points of view of the thesis. I also sincerely thank my seniors and good friends, Dr. Phramaha Samran Chanyacharoen, Dr. Sakun Onma, Dr. Aphinyawat Phosan, Dr. Boonrod Boongird, Dr.Boonleard Yongphet, Dr. Phuthai Wanhakich, Dr. Sunan Senarat and Dr. Pradit Nareerak who, while in Chennai and in Thailand, were very kind enough to extend their assistance in the course of the preparation of my thesis.                                                                             

     My thanks also go to all my good friends in Thailand Dr. Sakhorn Phromkhot, Dr. Montree Wiwasuk, Mr. Mana Wongpakornkum, Mr. Phichet Mainonggoy, and Mr. Vinich Senarat. All of their names deserve to be mentioned for their sincere attitudes and timely helps in several ways.   In Chennai, I am very grateful to several good friends whose names cannot be mentioned here; still I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to some of them, Phramaha Banchong Samana, Phramaha Prasat choethong, Phramaha Somphong Unyo, Phramaha Jaroon Ritthithi and Mr.Prayoon Pomsuwan.                 

           I would also like to express my sincere gratitude and special thanks to all the scholars and authors whose works enable me to get ideas and give shape to this thesis. My sincere thanks are due to the authorities of the Library of the Department of Philosophy, Central Library of the University of Madras, Adyar Library, for all facilities provided to me in pursuance of this research work. Last but not least, I heartily thank all staff-members of the Department of Philosophy, University of Madras, for their timely help and useful suggestions.                                                                                                            

         Finally, I would like to Personally express my reverence and gratitude to my Ordination Proclaiming Teacher, His Most Venerable Phradepsangvorvimol (Boondham), the Lord Abbot of Wat Intaram, Bangkok and also my deepest thanks to my mother Mrs. Hnu Khathaisong and my old sisters Mrs. Bhanee Endoo, for their love, best wishes, blessings, patience and financial support without which I could not have continued my studies here.

Place : Chennai Date : 11-05-2010

(Phramaha Banpot Khathaisong)