معرفی
Professor Martin Seeger is a Professor of Thai Studies at the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Cultures at the University of Leeds. With a unique background that includes three years as an ordained Theravada Buddhist monk in northern Thailand (1997-2000), he brings deep experiential knowledge to his academic work. He has been instrumental in establishing Thai Studies at the University of Leeds, starting as a Teaching Fellow in 2004, progressing to Lecturer (2006), Senior Lecturer (2011), Associate Professor (2013-2019), and ultimately Professor (2019).
- PhD in Thai Studies, University of Hamburg
- MA in Thai Studies, University of Hamburg
- Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, University of Leeds
- Nak Tham Tri (Buddhist Expert of the First Level)
Professor Seeger's research focuses primarily on Thai Buddhism with particular emphasis on gender dynamics, female renunciation, and women's roles in Thai Buddhist tradition. His work combines ethnographic and textual studies, examining figures such as Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya Jaroen Ñanavaro (1872-1951), Buddhadasa Bhikkhu (1906-1993), Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya (P. A. Payutto), Khunying Damrongthammasan (1882-1944), and Khun Mae Bunruean Tongbuntoem (1895-1964). His groundbreaking book Gender and the Path to Awakening: Hidden Histories of Nuns in Modern Thai Buddhism (2018) investigates understandings of female sainthood in Thai Buddhism and its expressions in material culture.
His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on recovering women's voices in Thai Buddhist history, particularly through the examination of texts previously attributed to male authors but actually composed by women. His research demonstrates that women have played significant roles as Buddhist teachers and practitioners in Thai society, often receiving deep respect and even being regarded as having attained high spiritual states.
Professor Seeger has also pioneered innovative approaches to Buddhist pedagogy through his 'Documentary Films and Buddhist Performing Arts' project, which uses performance to engage with Buddhist teachings and reexamine gender roles. His documentaries, including 'Lost in the Mists of Time' about Khunying Damrongthammasan, have reached wide audiences in Thailand.
As an educator, he has developed the Thai Studies program at Leeds from its inception in 2004, creating a comprehensive curriculum that includes Thai language, culture, history, and Buddhism. His program includes a year-long study period at Chiang Mai University for students. He has supervised numerous Master's and PhD students, both international and Thai.
