Jonathan Laiman

Jonathan Laiman is an MA student in the Asian Languages & Literature department, specializing in Buddhist Studies. He is interested in studying Buddhist literature in their primary languages, such as Pāli, Gāndhārī, Sanskrit, and Chinese. His research interest is understanding the rise of Mahāyāna Buddhism through the lens of Buddhist literature and its relationship to Chinese Buddhism. He also explores the theme of gender and sexuality in Buddhist literature from traditional and modern perspectives.

Research and language interests:

Buddhist Manuscripts, Chinese, Gāndhāran Buddhism, Meditation, Philology, Philosophy, Religion, Sanskrit Literature

Fellowship:

Khyentse-Husky Buddhist Studies Fellowship (2023-2024 and 2024-2025)

Education:

University of Washington, M.A., Buddhist Studies, 2025

University of Houston, B.A., Philosophy; Religious Studies, 2023