https://conference.tsadra.org Buddhist Conferences Mon, 31 Oct 2022 03:55:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.11 https://conference.tsadra.org/session/translations-in-transmission/ Sun, 08 Apr 2018 04:40:58 +0000 http://conference-wp.tsadra.org/?post_type=session&p=14982 In this panel a diverse group of experienced practitioner/scholar/translators discuss the idea of transmission and the use of translations in the transmission process. Sarah Harding discusses the many complications of language that have entered into our understanding of “transmission,” and suggests that we make clearer what we mean when we talk about transmission and limit ourselves to things we can actually talk about. Ringu Tulku presents the meaning of “transmission,” in the context of this conference, as being about the whole system of study and practice. He highlights the importance of khrid over and above dbang and lung. He says that translation itself is transmission and translators are transmitters and makes note of a quote he remembered reading: “*Translation at its best is like the other side of the brocade, all the thread, but no design*.” Yeshe Gyamtso (Peter O’Hearn) shared his feelings and eloquent thoughts on transmission and translation having been primarily an oral translator and shifting over to being focused on written translation. He makes important note of Wittgenstein’s idea about meaning coming from usefulness, and the importance of choosing terms that touch the heart of the reader. He says that what translators need is not only competence, but love: Love of the language(s), love of the meaning, and love of the reader. Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo presents a series of questions and some of the visual tools and teaching techniques that she uses when teaching to different kinds of students in schools around the world. She asks: What is the relevance of transmitting ancient Buddhist texts in our current age? How can we transmit the dharma in appealing and relevant, yet authentic and educational ways? What are our responsibilities as individuals and organizations in this transmission process? How can we be sure that authentic Buddhadharma will survive in the modern world?

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