https://conference.tsadra.org Buddhist Conferences Thu, 17 Nov 2022 06:39:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.11 https://conference.tsadra.org/session/the-impact-of-a-shentong-gzhan-stong-interpretation-of-tathagatagarbha-doctrine-from-the-point-of-view-of-a-western-buddhist-practitioner/ Fri, 13 Sep 2019 06:28:11 +0000 http://conference-wp.tsadra.org/?post_type=session&p=17486 This paper briefly contrasts a Rangtong (rang stong) and Shentong (gzhan stong) interpretation of Buddhism and looks at how the Shentong interpretation of Tathāgatagarbha doctrine impacts on the understanding and practice of westerners, taking into account the way the translation of key terms into English is affecting the way they are understood and used. Some consideration is given to how Tathāgatagarbha doctrine relates to the earliest accounts of what the Buddha taught and how the seeds of the controversy around Tathāgatagarbha and the Shentong interpretation of Buddhism was present even at the time of the Buddha. This relates to how the tradition has interpreted the Buddha’s teaching on not-self over the millennia up until today. We have ended up with two very different versions of what Buddhism is about and what Tathāgatagarbha means and this relates to the impact Buddhism as a whole is likely to have on modern thought in general.

]]> https://conference.tsadra.org/session/editing-for-practitioners-presenting-liturgies-commentaries-and-songs-of-realization/ Mon, 02 Apr 2018 10:06:44 +0000 http://conference-wp.tsadra.org/?post_type=session&p=14938 This open discussion session focuses on themes and issues related to editing translations of liturgies for use in practical environments and will be as interactive as possible. Some of the questions discussed included: how do we develop appropriately sensitive language meant for recitation, to invoke the power of Buddhist practice? What is different when editing texts for practitioners? How shall we handle multilingual editions? What kinds of supplementary materials are needed? What kinds of musical genres can be implemented in liturgies and rituals?

]]> https://conference.tsadra.org/session/scholars-translators-practitioners-in-transmission/ Fri, 16 Mar 2018 03:05:27 +0000 http://conference-wp.tsadra.org/?post_type=session&p=14963 The theme of translator as cultural broker emerges in this plenary session as panelists discuss how lineage is transmitted through both written translation and oral interpretation. Karl Brunnhölzl outlines the formal elements of a modern translation pointing toward the need for standardization of practical skills based on understanding the intended audience of a translation. Asserting the skills of practice and reflection as two essential tools for translators, Willa Miller brings forth the importance of how meaning is embodied and not merely a cognitive process. Richard Barron speaks about finding the right word to evoke meaning and context, and Larry Mermelstein brings to light the essential quality of fluency in both the source and target cultures in order to be an effective translator. Alexander Berzin rallies the translation community to utilize internet and multimedia resources to enhance study and practice.

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