Esteemed Professor from Dharma Realm Buddhist University Honored with Fulbright Award for Indian Research Project

The academic community at Dharma Realm Buddhist University (DRBU) celebrates as Professor Lauren Bausch, renowned for her scholarship in Vedic studies and early Buddhism, has received the prestigious Fulbright US Scholar Program award for her religious studies research. The award, received for the 2023–24 academic year, facilitates her journey to India to delve deeper into the fascinating field of her expertise.

During her stay in India, Professor Bausch will be under the welcoming roof of the Department of Pali and Buddhist studies at Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune. Under the guidance of the department head, Prof. Mahesh Deokar, she will embark on an insightful project, penning a book that promises to be an engaging exploration of Vedic thought and Buddhism.

The upcoming book by Prof. Bausch intends to unravel the intricate connections between language philosophy, causality in the middle and late Vedic scriptures, and their association with early Buddhism. The professor eagerly anticipates the opportunity to immerse herself in one of the oldest spiritual traditions, preserved in both Sanskrit scripts and Vedic priesthood: “This unique opportunity to access such rich sources of knowledge and tradition directly could lead to groundbreaking revelations,” she stated.

Out of the eight hundred US citizens recognized with Fulbright awards this year, Prof. Bausch stands out, with the award reinforcing her role as a cultural ambassador. The Fulbright awards aim to enhance international comprehension and foster academic cooperation amongst global scholars and students.

Upon receiving the prestigious award, an ecstatic Prof. Bausch confessed, “I was overwhelmed with joy to the point of tears when I read the acceptance letter. It is a distinct honor, and I eagerly await my role as an academic ambassador, carrying out research in India and representing the United States.”

In India, Prof. Bausch also plans to forge connections with local practitioners of Vedic and Buddhist disciplines, deliver engaging lectures, and cultivate a scholarly community between the US and India. Her research project further delves into the philosophy expressed in middle and late Vedic texts, probing into their cosmologies, mythology, and explanatory ties inherent within the Brahmana texts.

Prof. Bausch’s accolade has been met with high praise from DRBU president Susan Rounds, who called it a reflection of Prof. Bausch’s scholarly excellence and commitment. Rounds stated, “We are immensely proud of her accomplishments and eagerly await the wealth of knowledge and fresh perspectives she will bring back to our university. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to our scholars and students.”

Prof. Bausch is thrilled to carry out research that will form the cornerstone of her debut book and is keen to share DRBU’s core principles with her Indian peers. She stated, “As I set foot in India as a Fulbrighter in July, I’ll proudly carry the DRBU banner, representing all those who supported me on my path to this outstanding honor and opportunity.”

A seasoned academic, Prof. Bausch’s journey spans across various religious and academic disciplines. She holds a BA in Political Science and Spanish, an MA in Christian Spirituality, and an MA in South and Southeast Asian Studies. Her doctoral degree is in Sanskrit. Her educational pursuit has taken her across the globe, including India, where she studied during her college years, and Colombia, where she volunteered.

Prof. Bausch is eager to strengthen her ties with the Vedic and Buddhist communities in India and is looking forward to rekindling old friendships and cultivating new ones.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, Bharat Express Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)