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.
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