Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pataraporn Sirikanchana Thailand Wisdom as Essence of Buddhist Life Associate Professor Pataraporn Sirikanchana is a long - time professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand. Having received the Harvard - Yenching scholarship and graduating with a Ph.D. Degree in Religious Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, U.S.A., she has written many articles and books in both Thai and English, including an academic contribution to Religions of the World : A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices, published in U.S.A.. She is also a prize winner of the Chamnong Tongprasert Foundation award for the Best Contribution of a Work in Philosophy in B.E. 2552/2009. At present, in addition to being a professor at Thammasat University, she is an Associate Fellow of the Royal Institute of Thailand, Deputy Rector of the World Buddhist University and is a member of many academic committees at Thammasat University.