Buddhist Translations

by Lama Doboom Tulku

The history of translation of Buddhist texts from Sanskrit and Tibetan in various phases had been marked by the imposition of Western conceptual scheme upon Buddhist material. The result has been distortion to a greater or lesser extent of the original genuine Buddhist message. Other factors too have been responsible for incaccurate translations. The goal should however be to ensure translations which will speak with genuine Buddhist voice in a language and style comprehensible to the average educated reader. Contributions to the volume by scholars both from India and abroad working on translations of Buddhist texts look at the various facets of the problems as experienced by them.

The contributions in the volume focus on constraints that translators face and steps and inputs required to facilitate achievement of the desired goal.

This volume is the outcome of the International Seminar on "Buddhist Translations: Problems and Perspectives" which was organised by Tibet House in February 1990.

About the Author:

Doboom Tulku is at present the Director of Tibet House, Cultural Centre of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, New Delhi. He regularly organises diverse programmes there to promote Tibetan cultural heritage.

Doboom Tulku was born in Tibet where he recieved education in Buddhist scriptures and philosophy. In 1959 he had to flee to India. He pursued his higher education at the Sanskrit University, Varanasi, which awarded him the Acharya Degree in 1972. Ven. Tulku is at present the Director of Tibet House, Cultural Centre of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, New Delhi.