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A PROGRAM TO TRANSLATE THE CHINESE TAISHO TRIPITAKA INTO ENGLISH AND OTHER WESTERN LANGUAGES Trần Tiễn Khanh, During the last several decades, there is a growing interest in the West in Buddhism, especially the Mahayana teachings and Chinese Buddhism. Mahāyana sutras and other sacred texts have often been taken from the Chinese Tripiṭaka. The Taisho Tripiṭaka is composed of 2372 sutras, vinayas (precepts) and sastras (commentaries) that have been organized into 56 volumes (volumes 1-55 and 85). Until now, however, only a few sutras of the Chinese Tripiṭaka have been translated into English by various groups, including the Buddhist Text Translation Society (Burlingame, CA), the Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (Tokyo, Japan) and the Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research (Berkeley, CA). The development of a complete Tripiṭaka, in English and other languages, will be a great contribution to not only Buddhism but also to the culture of several countries in the world. It will make Dharma teachings and a good exposition to the Asian culture available to millions in the West and other countries. In this paper, we propose a systematic and efficient program to translate the Taisho Tripiṭaka into English and other Western languages such as French. A. Computer Translation Due to the large number of Buddhist texts, the Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai through its Numata Center in Berkeley, CA has estimated that its translation program will take over a century to complete an English version of the Taisho Tripiṭaka. Therefore, members of Tue Quang Wisdom Light Foundation have spent considerable efforts during the last several years in researching various computer-based techniques for translating them. An advantage of computer translation is that the translation may have errors but it is always complete, because the computer translates word by word. Unlike humans, the computer never misses a word. Through our research efforts, we have developed a software package for translating Buddhist texts. The software uses the latest advances in linguistics, computer translation and artificial intelligence. It uses several Chinese-Vietnamese, Chinese-English, and Chinese-Sanskrit dictionaries, including the Digital Dictionary of Buddhism of Prof. AC Muller, the Ding Fubao dictionary and the Dictionary of Chinese Buddhist Terms of W.E. Soothill and L. Hodous). We have also spent considerable efforts in editing and supplementing these dictionaries with other specialized Buddhist dictionaries. A paper describing our translation software, “Computer Translation of the Chinese Taisho Tripiṭaka”, is available from our website http://www.DaiTangVietNam.com. Our website also provides sample translations (in Vietnamese, English and French) of popular sutras such as the Amitabha Sutra and the Diamond Sutra. Appendix A shows the translation of a portion of the Diamond Sutra. As shown in Appendix A, our translations have the unique feature of showing both the original Chinese and translated texts. With this unique feature, the accuracy of the translation can be easily verified and necessary corrections can also be easily made. Please visit our website http://www.DaiTangVietNam.com for more details. B. On-going Development of Vietnamese Tripiṭaka Although Buddhism has been propagating in Vietnam for over 2000 years, a complete Tripiṭaka in Vietnamese is not yet available. Moreover, only a few Vietnamese can read and write Chinese characters. Yet there are still too many sutras that have not been translated. The Tue Quang Wisdom Light Foundation Inc. has been concerned about this issue for the last several years. We recently have access to the original texts of the Chinese Tripiṭaka from the Chinese Buddhist Electronic Text Association (CBETA) and we are committed to translate them into Vietnamese and other languages such as English and French. Our unique computer program has allowed us to translate the entire Tripiṭaka quickly with a reasonable accuracy. It reduces the time required for translation from decades or centuries if done manually to a few short years! Encouraged by these results, we have formed a Program for the Development of a Vietnamese Tripiṭaka that is divided into five stages: Develop computerized techniques to transcribe and translate the Chinese Tripiṭaka into Vietnamese, Transcribe the Chinese Tripiṭaka by computer, Translate into Vietnamese by computer, Edit and review by the Masters, And publish through conventional printing and electronic means. At the present time, we have completed the draft translation (Stage 3 of Program) of all sacred texts in the Taisho Tripiṭaka (over 70 million words in 9035 fascicles/files). All 2372 sutras in the Tripiṭaka have been translated by computer in 28 hours. The translated files are compatible with Microsoft Word and they occupy about 1.4 gigabyte (GB). Please read through the sample translations of the Amitabha Sutra (阿彌陀經 – A Mi Duo Jing), Medicine Buddha Sutra (藥師經 – Yao Shi Jing) and the Diamond Sutra (金剛經 – Jin Gang Jing) that are available from our website http://www.DaiTangVietnam.com These short sutras have been translated in less than 10 seconds. Larger sutras such as 華 嚴 經 – Hua Yen Jing - Avatamsaka Sutra (80 fascicles) in 11 minutes,… – Da Zhi Du Lun - Great Prajnaparamita Sastra (100 fascicles) in 17 minutes and 大般 若波 羅 蜜 多 經 – Da Po Ruo Po Luo Mi Jing - Great Prajña Sutra (600 fascicles) in 50 minutes. We have contacted several Masters and experts, both overseas and at various Buddhist Institutes in Vietnam, to organize a systematic and coordinated program to edit, review and approve the translated files. The editing and review of these files (Stage 4 of Program) have already begun. At the present time, we have three editing groups in Vietnam. Each Taisho volume will be completed in about six months by a group of 5-7 editors and at a cost of about $5,000 USD. Thus, the whole program will only require a relatively modest budget of about $300,000 USD for completing the Vietnamese translation of all 56 Taisho volumes. With three existing groups, we expect the program to be completed in about 10 years. With more editing groups and financial resources, the program will be completed sooner. C. Proposed Development of English Tripiṭaka Based on our experience with the development of a Vietnamese Tripiṭaka, we would like to propose the following 5-stage program: Refine the Tue Quang’s translation software by implementing the latest advances in Chinese-English statistical machine translation (SMT) including context, word order and lexical analysis. The refined software will be applied to popular sutras such as the Diamond Sutra, the Vimilakirti Sutra, the Medicine Buddha Sutra, the Lotus Sutra and the Sixth Patriarch’s Platform Sutra. Apply the software to translate the Chinese Tripiṭaka. With the improved software in Step 1, the accuracy of the translated texts will be increased. Edit the translated texts. Due to the large number of texts (9035), it will be necessary to enlist several editors from the United States, Taiwan and China. We can also use other editing groups in India and Vietnam. All these editors, both paid and non-paid, will have the minimum educational requirements of college-level English and basic Buddhism. They can be drawn from various Buddhist institutes, universities as well as volunteers from Buddhist temples and Dharma practicing groups. Review and approve by the Masters. Publish through conventional printing and electronic means (CD/DVD). D. Proposed Cost and Schedule Estimates As shown above, the Vietnamese translation program is expected to be completed in about 10 years with a budget of $300,000 USD. These estimates are based on three editing groups currently working in Vietnam. Based on our experience in the on-going Vietnamese translation program, we estimate that the English translation program will require a budget of about $600,000 USD. This budget is twice the budget for the Vietnamese program, since higher costs are expected in the USA, China, Taiwan and India. The time expected to complete the translation program will also be about 10 years. With our unique computer translation software, the time required for translating the Tripiṭaka will be reduced from decades or even centuries if done manually to a few years. The Tue Quang Wisdom Light Foundation Inc. hopes for the development of a complete English Tripiṭaka in the near future. Following its development, we hope to distribute it widely and through modern electronic means such as the Internet and CD/DVD. The development of a complete Tripiṭaka, in English and other languages, will be a great contribution to not only Buddhism but also to the culture of several countries in the world. It will make Dharma teachings and a good exposition to the Chinese culture available to millions in the West and other countries. This great endeavor can only succeed with: first, the blessings from all Buddhas, Boddhisattvas and Heaven Dharma Protectors, and second, the active participation and contributions of all Masters and Buddhists, monastic and lay disciples, throughout the world. We hope to receive guidance, support, assistance, cooperation and contributions from all individuals and organizations. E. References 1. Buddhist Text Translation Society, accessed from website of the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association website http://drba.org 2. Chinese Buddhist Electronic Text Association (CBETA) from website http://www.cbeta.org 3. “Tripiṭaka in English by The Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai”, available from website http://www.worltrade.com/religion/buddhism/budTripiṭakaR.htm 4. Tue Quang Wisdom Light Foundation, website http://daitangvietnam.com/index_en.htm 5. Computer Translation of the Chinese Taisho Tripiṭaka. Available at http://daitangvietnam.com/ComputerTranslationoftheChineseTripiṭaka.pdf 6. Diamond Sutra translated by Tuệ Quang Wisdom Light Foundation. Available at http://daitangvietnam.com/TQtranslate_DiamondSutra.pdf Appendix a Sample Translation of the Diamond Sutra Lúc bấy giờ, gần đến giờ ăn, Đức Thế Tôn đắp y cầm bát, vào thành lớn Xá-Vệ khất thực. At that time, near meal time, World-Honored One put on a robe, held his alms bowl and entered the great city of Shravasti to beg for alms. A ce temps là, près de l’heure de repas, Honoré du Monde mit une robe, prit son bol et entra la grande ville de Shravasti pour mendier des aumônes. 於其城 Ư kỳ thành trung thứ đệ khất dĩ hoàn chí bổn xứ phạn thực cật, Trong thành đó, sau khi khất thực tuần tự từng nhà, Đức Phật trở về tịnh xá. Dùng cơm xong, In that city, after begging successively from door to door, he returned to his retreat. When he finished eating, Dans cette ville, après mendiant successivement de porte en porte, il revint à sa retraite . Quand il avait fini manger, 收衣鉢 Thu y bát tẩy túc dĩ phu tọa nhi tọa. Thời Trưỡng Lão Tu Bồ Đề tại Đại chúng trung. Cất y bát, rửa chân, trải tọa cụ và ngồi xuống. Bấy giờ, Trưỡng Lão Tu Bồ Đề (Thiện Hiện), ở trong Đại chúng, He put away his robe and his alm bowl, washed his feet, spread a seating mat and sat down. At that time, Venerable Subhūti (Good Apparition), in the assembly, Il déposa sa robe et son bol d'aumônes, se lava les pieds, étendait un tapis d'assise et s'assit. En ce temps là, Vénérable Subhūti (Bonne Apparition), dans l'assemblée, 即從座 Tức tùng tọa khởi thiên đản hữu kiên hữu tất trước địa, Từ chỗ ngồi đứng dậy, trịch áo vai phải, quỳ gối phải sát đất, Rose from his seat, uncovered his right shoulder, knelt on the right knee to the ground, Se leva de son siège, exposa son épaule droit, posa son genou droit à terre, 合掌恭敬 Hợp chưởng cung kính nhi bạch Phật ngôn: Hi hữu Thế tôn. Như-Lai thiện hộ niệm chư Bồ Tát, cung kính chấp tay và bạch cùng Đức Phật rằng: Hi hữu thay Đức Thế Tôn, Đức Như-Lai hay khéo nâng đỡ các Bồ Tát, And, with his palms joined together, respectfully said to Buddha: It’s extraordinary, World-honored One, the Thus-Come-One (Tathāgata) is well supportive of all Bodhisattvas, Et, avec ses paumes jointes, respectueusement dit au Bouddha: C’est extraordinaire, Honoré du Monde, l’Ainsi-Venu est bien supportif de tous les Bodhisattvas, 善付囑 Thiện phó chúc chư Bồ Tát. Thế tôn. Thiện nam tử Thiện nữ nhân, hay khéo giao phó cho các Bồ Tát. Bạch Thế Tôn, khi Thiện nam Thiện nữ And entrusting so well all Bodhisattvas. World-honored One, if good men and good women. Et a bonne confiance envers tous les Bodhisattvas. Honoré du Monde, si les Bons Hommes et Bonnes Femmes. 發阿耨 Phát A Nậu Đa La Tam Miệu Tam Bồ Đề tâm, Phát tâm Vô Thượng Chánh Đẳng Chánh Giác. Engender the mind of supreme and perfect enlightenment. Engendrent l’esprit d’éveil suprême et parfait. 應云何 Ưng vân hà trụ vân hà hàng phục kỳ tâm. Phật ngôn: Thiện tai Thiện tai. Tu Bồ Đề, như nhữ sở thuyết, thì phải trú ở tâm ấy như thế nào, và phải sửa tâm mình như thế nào? Đúc Phật dạy: Lành thay! Lành thay! Này Tu Bồ Đề, như Ông nói, How should they abide there and how should they subdue their mind? Buddha said: Excellent! Excellent! Subhūti, just as you say, Comment doivent-ils s’y résider et comment doivent-ils soumettre leur esprit? Bouddha répondit : Excellent! Excellent! Subhūti, comme tu l’as dit, 如來善 Như-Lai thiện hộ niệm chư Bồ Tát, thiện phó chúc chư Bồ Tát. Như-Lai hay khéo bảo hộ và nhớ nghĩ các Bồ Tát, hay khéo giao phó các Bồ Tát. The Thus-Come-One (Tathagata) always protects and is well mindful of all Bodhisattvas and is well enstrusting all Bodhisattvas. L’Ainsi-Venu protège toujours et est bien attentif de tous les Bodhisattvas et a bonne confiance de tous les Bodhisattvas, 汝今諦 Nhữ kim đế thính! Đương vi nhữ thuyết, Thiện nam tử Thiện nữ nhân, Hãy nghe kỹ! Ta sẽ vì Ông mà dạy cho hàng Thiện nam Thiện nữ, Listen carefully! Because of you, I will instruct how good men and good women, Ecoute attentivement ! À cause de toi, j’enseignerai comment les bons hommes et bonnes femmes, 發阿耨 Phát a nậu đa la tam miệu tam Bồ Đề tâm, phát tâm Vô Thượng Chánh Đẳng Chánh Giác, When they engender the mind of supreme and perfect enlightenment, Quand ils engendrent l’esprit d’Éveil suprême et parfait, 應如是 Ưng như thị trụ như thị hàng phục kỳ tâm. Duy nhiên, Thế Tôn, nguyện lạc dục văn. Được ở tâm ấy và sửa chửa tâm mình. Dạ phải, Đức Thế Tôn, con vui mừng xin muốn nghe. Will be able to abide there and subdue their mind. Yes, World-honored One, I would joyfully want to listen. Seront capable de s’y résider et maitriser leur esprit. Oui, Honoré du Monde, je vous écouterai avec joie. 佛告須 Phật cáo Tu Bồ Đề: Đức Phật bảo Ngài Tu Bồ Đề: Buddha said to Subhūti: Bouddha dit à Subhūti: 諸菩薩 Chư Bồ Tát Ma-Ha tát ưng như thị hàng phục kỳ tâm. Sở hữu nhất thiết chúng sanh chi loại, Các Đại Bồ Tát phải sửa chữa tâm mình như thế này. Tất cả chúng sinh, All Great Bodhisattvas should subdue their mind as follows. All sentient beings, Tous les Grands Bodhisattvas doivent maitriser leur esprit comme suit. Tous les êtres sensibles, 若卵生 Nhược noãn sanh nhược thai sanh nhược thấp sanh nhược hóa sanh, nhược hữu sắc nhược vô sắc, nhược hữu tưởng nhược vô tưởng, Dù sanh từ trứng, từ bào thai, từ ẩm thấp, từ biến hóa, có hình sắc hay không hình sắc, có tư tưởng hay không tư tưởng, Whether egg-born, womb-born, wetness-born, or born of transformation; whether with form or no form; whether with thought or no thought. Nés des oeufs ou des matrices, nés de l’humidity ou de transformation, avec forme ou sans forme, avec pensée ou sans pensée. 若非有 Nhược phi hữu tưởng phi vô tưởng, Hoặc chẳng có tư tưởng chẳng không có tư tưởng, Or whether neither with thought nor without thought, Ou avec ni pensée ni non-pensée, ...... Ngã giai lệnh nhập Vô-Dư Niết-Bàn nhi diệt độ chi, như thị diệt độ vô lượng vô sổ vô biên chúng sanh, Ta đều khiến tất cả được nhập Niết-Bàn hoàn toàn mà được diệt độ. Dù diệt độ vô lượng vô số vô biên chúng sinh, I will lead all to enter the No-Residual (complete) Nirvana to be liberated. Though I have liberated an infinite, countless and boundless number of sentient beings, Je mènerai tous à entrer au Nirvana sans résidu (complet) pour être libérés. Quoique j’ai libéré un nombre infini, innombrable et sans limites d’êtres sensibles, Thật vô chúng sanh đắc diệt độ giả. Hà dĩ cố. Tu Bồ Đề! Mà thật ra không có chúng sinh nào được diệt độ cả. Vì sao? Này Tu Bồ Đề! In reality not one sentient is getting liberated. Why? Subhūti! Dans la réalité aucun être sensible n’a été libéré. Pourquoi? Subhūti! Nhược Bồ Tát hữu ngã tướng nhân tướng chúng sanh tướng thọ giả tướng, tức phi Bồ Tát。 Nếu Bồ Tát nào vẫn còn có tướng ngã, nhân, chúng sinh, thọ giả, thì chẳng phải là Bồ Tát. If a Bodhisattva still has the images of a self, the images of a person, the images of sentient beings or the images of a life span, then he is not a Bodhisattva. Si un Bodhisattva a encore des images d’un soi, des images d’une personne, des images des êtres sensibles or des images d’une durée de vie, alors il n’est pas un Bodhisattva. Note: A complete translation of the Diamond Sutra is available at Tue Quang Wisdom Light Foundation website |
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