Introducing John Powers

Meet John Powers, Lecturer in Buddhism Studies at the Contemplative Studies Centre.

Professor John Powers joins the University of Melbourne as Lecturer in Buddhism Studies in a joint appointment with the Contemplative Studies Centre and the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, Faculty of Arts. He received his PhD from the University of Virginia in 1991, and was Professor of Asian Studies at the Australian National University for 21 years. He is the author of 12 books, including Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, as well as numerous translations of Tibetan works.

A practising Buddhist, John’s main interests are in Buddhist philosophy, meditation theory and practice, and his new role will involve activities in teaching, research and outreach. The Centre is concerned with the sorts of topics that most interest him from a professional and personal perspective, including Buddhist philosophy and practice, climate change and human rights. When he’s not working, John enjoys photography, reading and watching ice hockey.