A Mission
Arising from a Timeless Discovery
Amrita Translation Foundation
With the exponential growth of technology in today’s world
We’ve seen a rapid decline in humanity’s underlying spirituality
Bringing a host of social issues
An unprecedented assault on our core values.
In light of this
Amrita Translation Foundation was established.
Through translating and increasing awareness of Buddhist teachings
And preserving Buddhist culture
We hope to follow in the footsteps of our esteemed Buddhist masters
Applying our Buddhist practice to play our part in resolving today’s issues
With compassion and wisdom as a guiding light for all
Doing what we can for humanity.
In Master Xuanzang’s words
“Ultimately, inheriting Buddha’s teachings
But for now, spreading the light of dharma far and wide.”
Every Step
Can Withstand Trials
Nurturing of Monastic Translators
The profound essence of Buddhist teachings relies on monastics practicing and passing it on from one generation to another. Nurturing monastic talent is not an easy process. Young monastics have to start memorizing sutras at an earlier age, engage in debate and contemplation, become adept in accurate wording, and be pragmatic in their practice and internalization of Buddhist teachings. Only then can they accurately elucidate Buddha’s true meaning, sharing the light of wisdom. Over the past two decades, we have embarked on this journey, and we are about to witness monastic translators on a scale unseen for centuries.
Translation Process
To ensure the accurate preservation of Buddhist teachings, we’ve referenced the historical Tibetan-to-Chinese translation process. We created 12 distinct translation roles ranging from translating, reviewing, wordsmithing to annotating—aimed at producing a comprehensive and accurate translation of Tibetan Buddhist sutras. The team of over 70 translators comprise of monastics well-versed in the Five Great Treatises as well as laity who are experts in this field. The result: a large-scale, systematic and rigorous translation institute.
Preserving Sutras
We have traveled extensively to different countries, to collect and preserve Buddhist sutras, some of which are the remaining last copy in the world. The complete preservation of Buddhist sutras has a profound impact on the flourishing or demise of Buddhist teachings. The circulation of Buddhist sutras signifies that Buddhist teachings continue to be passed on from one generation to another. The translation of Buddhist sutras draws heavily upon numerous sutras as sources of reference. Comparing the differences in various editions, removing the redundant and filling in the gaps to compass a complete version. We hope that by extensively reading sutras, all can benefit themselves and others, ultimately achieving enlightenment.