Significance of Translation project

The Translation project in Tibetan Buddhism encompasses the vital efforts to translate significant Buddhist texts into Tibetan, facilitating the dissemination of teachings in various regions. Similarly, in Mahayana Buddhism, the Translation project focuses on translating texts like the Vimalakirti Sutra into multiple languages, ensuring that their meanings and nuances are preserved. This dual approach underscores the importance of translation in maintaining the integrity of Buddhist teachings across different cultures and languages.

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Translation project'

Buddhism Books

The Translation project in Buddhism involves efforts to render key texts like the Vimalakirti Sutra into various languages, preserving their meaning, and significantly aiding the dissemination of teachings, particularly through translations into Tibetan.

Significance of Translation projects in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):

Mahayana Books

From: The Sutra of Queen Śrīmālā of the Lion’s Roar

(1) An initiative undertaken to translate Buddhist texts into English, making them available to a wider audience.^[1] (2) The ongoing effort aimed at translating Buddhist texts into English, anticipated to take over one hundred years.^[2] (3) The overarching effort to translate the complete Chinese and Japanese texts of Buddhism into English.^[3]

From: Vimalakirti Sutra

(1) The translation project refers to the efforts made to render Buddhist texts, such as the Vimalakirti Sutra, into different languages, preserving their meanings and nuances.^[4]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance of Translation projects in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):

Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) The endeavor to translate important Buddhist texts into Tibetan, which played a crucial role in the spread of the teachings across regions.^[5]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Translation project'

Hinduism Books

Translation projects in Hinduism involve collaborative efforts by Gaurapada Dasa and Matsya Avatara Dasa to translate sacred texts, facilitating the accessibility and understanding of Hindu scriptures to a broader audience.

Significance of Translation projects in Kavyashastra (science of poetry):

Kavyashastra Books

From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana

(1) Collaborative work undertaken by Gaurapada Dasa and Matsya Avatara Dasa to translate texts.^[6]

Kavyashastra refers to the ancient Indian tradition of poetry (kavya). Canonical literature (shastra) of the includes encyclopedic manuals dealing with prosody, rhetoric and various other guidelines serving to teach the poet how to compose literature.

Plural form: Translation projects.

Last Updated: 25 September, 2024