Translating the Words of the Buddha conference in Bir
Many Tibetan-English translators from around the world gathered at the Translating the Words of the Buddha conference in
Particpants included Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche, Tulku Pema Wangyal Rinpoche, Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, Doboom Tulku Rinpoche, Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche, luminaries such as Gene Smith, Ven. Matthieu Ricard and Bob Thurman, translators from all four Tibetan Buddhist lineages, representatives from the major Tibetan-English translation houses around the world, and a number of publishers and patrons. Leaders of all four Tibetan Buddhist lineages, including H.H the Dalai Lama, H.H the Karmapa, and H.H the Sakya Trizin offered their blessings and supported to this landmark initiative.
From Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche sent Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche a letter supporting, in particular, the translation of the Kangyur and committing his translators to begin work on that monumental task. His letter was read at the conference, where it sparked great enthusiasm, as did his video address to the group that was shown later in the week. From the Rangjung Yeshe Institute and Dharmachakra Translation Committee Andreas Doctor and Catherine Dalton attended the conference.
The topics discussed at the conference ranged widely, but resulted in the following resolutions made by the group as a whole:
The teachings of the Buddha have brought immeasurable benefit for sentient beings for many centuries. Therefore, for the benefit of all beings today and in the future, we resolve to adopt the 100 Year Vision, 25 Year and 5 Year Goals developed at this conference, under the name of The Buddhist Literary Heritage Project.
These are:
100 Year Vision: To translate and make universally accessible the Buddhist literary heritage.
25 Year Goal:To translate and make accessible all of the Kangyur and many volumes of the Tengyur and Tibetan commentaries.
5 Year Goal:To translate and publish a representative sample of the Kangyur, Tengyur and Tibetan commentaries and to establish the infrastructure and resources necessary to accomplish the long-term vision.
-We resolve to make every effort to invite the participation of the masters and holders of all lineages and to invite the many translators who were not present in this conference to join us in this effort.
-We resolve that the interim director of the Buddhist Literary Heritage Project shall be Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.
-We humbly request Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche to select, in consultation with key advisors, the leaders and members of the working committees who will create the structures necessary for this project.
-We resolve and request that Khyentse Foundation provide administrative support for the initial phases of this project.
-We resolve to develop all the tools and resources necessary to achieve the goals decided on in this conference.
-We resolve to undertake this project in the spirit of universal Buddhist fellowship, drawing on the wisdom of accomplished masters throughout the Buddhist world.
The conference concluded with an uplifting mood, and the group had an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the final day, where His Holiness granted his blessings and support for the project and in particular encouraged the translators to always undertake their work with good motivation. The spirit of cooperation and collaboration that was developed at the conference seems a good omen for the success of the momentous task that is to be taken up!