Mr. Bhikkhu Akiñcano | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer at University of Brighton, Sri Lanka

Bhikkhu Akincano, formerly known as Nick Dwyer, is a former Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics who transitioned into monastic life in 2014. He became a Buddhist monk in the lineage of Venerable Ajahn Chah of the Thai Forest Tradition, with his upajjhāya being Venerable Ajahn Amaro. Now living in a solitary hut within Sri Lanka’s Bundala National Park, Bhikkhu Akincano continues to pursue his academic interests, focusing on mindfulness, phenomenology, and Pāli suttas. His work combines deep philosophical inquiry with a lived spiritual experience, bridging Eastern wisdom with modern philosophical techniques. His publications contribute to both Buddhist studies and the broader field of Asian philosophy. 📚🌏

Professional Profile

• ORCID Profile

Education📖

Bhikkhu Akincano holds a diverse academic background, having earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Humanistic Counseling and Psychotherapy (2012) and an MA in Media-Assisted Language Teaching and Learning (2005) from the University of Brighton, UK. His education reflects an interdisciplinary approach, blending language pedagogy with humanistic psychological frameworks. His transition from lecturer to monastic life marked a shift towards the integration of his spiritual practice with academic inquiry. His studies in counseling provide valuable insights into his current research on mindfulness, self-awareness, and the interpretation of Pāli suttas, allowing him to explore philosophical and therapeutic dimensions in Buddhist texts. This educational foundation informs his research on phenomenology and ancient Buddhist teachings. 🧠📜

Professional experience🏛️

Award and Honor

While Bhikkhu Akincano’s formal academic accolades are not widely publicized, his work in both academic and monastic settings has garnered respect. His contributions to Buddhist philosophy, particularly through phenomenological and mindfulness research, have been recognized by academic journals like Asian Philosophy and Philosophy East and West. His transition from academia to monasticism is a unique honor in itself, blending two paths of learning—scholarly and spiritual. His ability to maintain his academic pursuits while living as a monk in Sri Lanka further demonstrates his dedication to the intellectual and spiritual aspects of his life. His research publications serve as his ongoing contribution to the academic and Buddhist communities. 📘🙏

Research Interest🔍

Bhikkhu Akincano’s research centers on the intersection of mindfulness, phenomenology, and Buddhist philosophy, particularly within the Pāli suttas. His focus lies in exploring the depth of self-awareness and how ancient Buddhist teachings relate to modern phenomenological thought. His 2024 publications, including Focusing on an Object or Reflexive Self-Awareness? and Right Here and Out There, examine the philosophical aspects of mindfulness through both historical and contemporary lenses. His broader research interests include integrating Eastern contemplative practices with Western philosophical frameworks, particularly phenomenology. He aims to further explore how mindfulness can deepen self-awareness and provide therapeutic benefits in modern life. 🌱🔍

Conclusion

Bhikkhu Akincano’s academic achievements and current research on mindfulness, Pāli suttas, and phenomenology make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His unique blend of monastic life and scholarly work allows him to offer deep insights into Buddhist philosophy and its applications. However, expanding the global outreach of his work and engaging in contemporary dialogues could further solidify his standing as an exceptional researcher in his field.

Publications top notes📜