Metaphor and Literalism in Buddhism: The ... - misterdanger.net

PREFACE
I am glad to be able to thank all those who have helped me to complete
this book. It was written originally as a DPhil thesis in Mansfield College,
Oxford. I have been using various libraries under the university; in particular,
I would like to mention Chinese Studies library, a cosy little library in
Walton Street, where I spent most of my time to produce this thesis. White
Lotus Foundation (Korea) kindly gave me a scholarship award to support
me financially to complete my research. The UK government also granted
me a British Korean Scholarship award during the financial crisis in South
Korea to continue my work in Oxford.
My debts to academics are many. Professor Richard Gombrich, my DPhil
supervisor, helped me enormously to carry out my research. I don’t think I
could have completed this work without his constant advice and generous
encouragement. Professor Tim Barrett, Professor Johannes Bronkhorst,
L. S. Cousins, the president of the Pali Text Society, and Dr Andrew Skilton
have given valuable criticism, guidance and stimulation for this work. During
the final preparation of this book, Professor Peter Harvey and Professor
Rod Bucknell gave important comments and fresh perspectives on some
matters. I also want to express my gratitude to Professor Damien Keown
and Professor Robert Sharf for their kind encouragement.
I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to professors and
colleagues in the Department of Indian Philosophy in Dongguk University
(Korea), in particular Professor Seo Seungwon (Ven. Beopgyong), my MA
supervisor, who initially led me into the world of early Indian Buddhism, and
Miss Kim Bori who has kindly proofread all my notes in finalizing this book.
During my days in Oxford I enjoyed the privilege of being a member of
the Oxford Korea Society and was elected as the president of OKS in 1999.
I want to express thanks to all members of OKS, especially the committee
members at that time who helped me greatly to carry on my task; to three
Korean Buddist monks, Ven. Hojin, Ven. Misan (Wandoo Kim) and Ven.
Chong-dok, for their kindness and help; and to Sir Christopher and Lady
Ball who allowed me to stay at their delightful flat in Walton Lane where
my wife and I had the great joy of having a baby after six years of marriage.
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