No your not being rude.

However, my motivation for my PhD is pretty simple really: This project is important because I believe there is a need to articulate how Je Tsong khapa’s Madhyamaka can produce the experience of an enlightened being for a western audience, and in a Western educational setting, that is, Western universities.

I outlined what, when, how and why here http://lodenjinpa.com/phd-project-details/

I hope that helps.

I wonder if you could answer a question for me. I recently started reading your blog. I am also in the middle of a phd. I often question my reasons for doing it, is it ego (do I want to be able to tell my bank manager I am a Dr?), Am I going to be able to use the knowledge I gain for the greater good? and many more questions. I gather that you are a monk ;) I appologise if you have already explain this in an earlier post, I hope I do not appear rude in asking but what are your reasons for doing a phd?

best wishes

dominic