#  Graduate Profile: Phusathi Liyanarachchi, MTS '25  

 



GRADUATE PROFILE

### Phusathi Liyanarachchi, MTS '25 

 

"I will be starting my PhD in religion at Harvard this fall at the intersection of Buddhist studies and gender."



 



      ![Phusathi Liyanarachchi headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-05/PhusathiLiyanarachchi.jpg?h=028b07f0&itok=HdsQHc0B) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

 

 

### Memorable Moment

In my first year, I had a particularly tough week. In class, my friend Yanchen looked a little mischievous. Swami too, left a little early. Moments later, my phone vibrates! A cryptic text from Swami: "Come to CSWR after class." I walk into a home-cooked meal, warm chai, and the warmest hugs from some of my closest friends. All this in the 30 minutes between classes! I felt right at home.

### Favorite Class or Professor

I simply cannot pick just one! However, taking Professor Hallisey's "Friendship and the Religious Life" and Professor Patton's "Lives of the Special Dead" in my first semester at Harvard was nothing short of life changing. The two classes not only accompanied me through a period of profound grief, but also moved me to reflect on my own academic life as one rooted in devotion and care. I am also grateful for "Found Poems, Erasure and Other Adventures" by Professor Tracy K. Smith for bringing me my second collection of poetry. Professor Gyatso's "Tibetan Buddhisms," Professor Brekus’s "Women, Religion, and the Problem of Historical Agency," and Professor Hollywood's "Mourning, Melancholia, and Mysticism" pushed me to think, to dare, and to read, especially in times of crisis. Together, all my teachers (including those unmentioned) have shaped my trajectory and mentored me for the work I intend to do as a scholar in religion.

### Message of Thanks

It took a village, so I want to thank my support system (mentioned and not mentioned) for carrying me and keeping me afloat through the past two years!

Thattha, for giving me books to read instead of answers whenever I asked a question. I promise to read and write for both of us. Amma, for giving me life and the gift of perseverance. Ngog, for glücks, and for staying back home so I could pursue my dreams. Malli, for being ridiculously proud of me, and for keeping me on my feet even across space. Nishanga, for believing in me on days I refuse to—being shoulder, crutch, mountain, and ground—pushing me to grow and to write. Praveen Chet, best friend and the first reader of every word I write, for keeping our world of ideas and thought intact on heavy days and light. Duke, Earl, and Moon, for giving me hope and for making home a place of wonder.

Pui, who picks up every single one of my calls and reminds me to breathe. Ashmi, for demanding signs of life and for being my rock. Chaana and Anja, for taking care of home, for always being a heartbeat away. John, for being a constant pillar of support back home and in Boston.

From home—K, Issi, Aleh, Niba, Hash, UG, Himra, Thilz, Anji, Hash, JJ, Gimee, Shelan, and Methma—for the perpetual courage, luck, reminders, crossed appendages for all-nighters, and for all the ways that you bring me home. My friends-turned-family here, for giving me a home away from home—Mary Alice (Akka), Shakya, Wishka, Fi-Fi, Alexsigno, Shan, Soaad, Cloe, RJ, Kien, and Vita. I am grateful to sip tea, read poetry, and laugh beside you.

I am also grateful for all my teachers from different times in my life for seeing a spark in me and for fueling it to this day. At Harvard, Professor Hallisey, for bringing HDS into my horizon and for being an unwavering guiding light during the past two years. My adviser, Professor Bagaria, for his thoughtful advising, cheering me on in my decisions. Professor Gyatso, for inspiring boldness in my work and encouraging me to trust my gut. To Professor Patton, for her unending kindness and for gifting me a lifelong research project. Professor Hollywood, for listening intently and inspiring me to read passionately. Professor Brekus, for her immense support and encouragement. Professor Braude, for making me paint again.

### Future Plans

I will be starting my PhD in religion at Harvard this fall at the intersection of Buddhist Studies and gender.



 



 

 See also:- [ Graduate Profiles 2025 - MTS ](/featured-feeds/graduate-profiles-2025-mts)