On 18 March 2025, the Department of Christian Civilization at the University of Jaffna hosted a special academic event featuring Prof. Peter Chalk, retired professor from Uppsala University, Sweden, who visited the department along with his wife, Mrs. Gert. Addressing students and staff, Prof. Chalk delivered a lecture on the theme of “Tamil Buddhism,” offering a nuanced exploration of its historical and cultural dimensions.
In his presentation, Prof. Chalk explained that Buddhism in Sri Lanka has developed as a distinct and independent cultural tradition. He clarified that when scholars refer to “Tamil Buddhism,” it does not denote a direct cultural connection in the Tamil context. Rather, Buddhist concepts and texts were translated from the Pali language into Tamil, making them accessible without being rooted in a uniquely Tamil cultural or contextual framework. This distinction, he noted, is crucial for understanding the transmission of Buddhist thought across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Prof. Chalk also introduced students to a range of books and scholarly resources on Tamil Buddhism, encouraging them to engage with these materials for deeper study and reflection. The event provided an enriching opportunity for staff and students to broaden their understanding of Buddhism’s historical development and its intersections with Tamil language and culture. The Department of Christian Civilization expressed its appreciation for Prof. Chalk’s visit and lecture, noting that his insights will contribute meaningfully to ongoing academic dialogue at the University of Jaffna.
