Philosophy of Translation in Buddhist Contexts

Theoretical research on translation philosophy conducted from Bangalore

Translation in Buddhist contexts raises profound philosophical questions about meaning, language, and the possibility of translation itself. From our research base in Bangalore, we've been exploring how Buddhist philosophy can inform understanding of translation.

Language and Reality

Buddhist philosophy's understanding of the relationship between language and reality has implications for translation. If language is conventional rather than ultimately real, then translation involves working with conventions rather than capturing ultimate truth. This understanding affects how we think about translation's possibilities and limitations.

Our research examines how Buddhist understandings of language inform translation theory, exploring what it means to translate when language itself is understood as conventional. We consider how this understanding affects both practice and theory.

Meaning and Interpretation

Buddhist philosophy suggests that meaning is not fixed but arises through interpretation, through the interaction of text, reader, and context. This understanding has implications for translation, suggesting that translation involves not just transferring meaning but creating new meaning in new contexts.

From our theoretical work, we've been developing frameworks that understand translation through Buddhist concepts of meaning and interpretation. We explore how these frameworks differ from and complement other translation theories.

Emptiness and Translation

The concept of emptiness suggests that texts are empty of inherent meaning, that meaning arises through dependent origination. Understanding translation through emptiness suggests that translations are not copies of originals but new texts that arise in dependence on originals and contexts.

Our research examines how emptiness can inform translation theory, exploring what it means to translate when both source and target texts are understood as empty. We consider how this understanding affects translation practice.

Skillful Means

The Buddhist concept of skillful means (upaya) suggests that different methods are appropriate for different contexts and audiences. This concept has implications for translation, suggesting that different translation strategies may be appropriate for different texts and purposes.

From our research, we've been exploring how skillful means can inform translation practice, examining how translators can choose appropriate methods for specific contexts. We consider how this approach relates to other translation theories.

Comparative Approaches

Engaging Buddhist philosophy in translation theory requires comparison with other philosophical approaches, from hermeneutics to deconstruction. While there are resonances, there are also important differences that merit exploration.

Our research examines these comparisons, exploring both similarities and differences. We consider how Buddhist philosophy can contribute to translation theory while also being informed by existing theoretical traditions.

Practical Implications

Understanding translation through Buddhist philosophy has practical implications for how translation is done. These implications affect choices about strategy, method, and approach, influencing both individual translation decisions and broader translation practice.

From our Bangalore office, we've been exploring these practical implications, examining how Buddhist-informed understanding of translation affects practice. We consider how theory and practice can inform each other.

Historical Contexts

Buddhist translation has a long history, from early translations of Buddhist texts into Chinese to contemporary translations into English. Understanding this history is important for understanding how Buddhist philosophy has informed translation practice.

Our research examines this history, exploring how Buddhist concepts have shaped translation practice over time. We consider both continuities and changes in how Buddhist philosophy has been applied to translation.

Contemporary Applications

Contemporary translation of Buddhist texts continues to engage philosophical questions, and Buddhist philosophy continues to inform how these questions are understood. Examining contemporary practice reveals how philosophy and practice interact.

From our research, we've been tracking contemporary translation practice, examining how Buddhist philosophy informs it and how practice might inform philosophy. We explore the ongoing dialogue between theory and practice.

Future Directions

As translation theory and practice continue to evolve, new possibilities emerge for engaging Buddhist philosophy. These possibilities include new theoretical frameworks, new practical methods, and new ways of understanding the relationship between philosophy and practice.

Our research considers these future directions, examining both opportunities and concerns. We explore how Buddhist philosophy might continue to inform translation theory and how translation practice might continue to engage philosophical questions.

Conclusion

Buddhist philosophy offers rich resources for understanding translation, providing frameworks that can inform both theory and practice. While engaging Buddhist philosophy in translation theory raises important questions, it also opens up new possibilities for understanding how translation functions.

Our research, conducted from Bangalore with engagement across translation and philosophical communities, continues to explore these possibilities. We remain committed to developing rigorous and productive ways of engaging Buddhist philosophy in translation theory.

Research Note

This theoretical research was conducted at our Bangalore office, drawing on both Buddhist philosophical texts and translation theory. We are grateful to the scholars who have engaged with our work.

About the Author

Lhamo Tsering is a Translation Specialist at Dharma & Letters, bridging traditional Buddhist texts with contemporary English literary studies.

References:

1. Buddhist philosophical texts on language and meaning.
2. Translation theory and philosophy texts.
3. Historical Buddhist translation practices examined.
4. Contemporary translation practice analyzed.