During the MDTH first translators conference, Chakhung Lama Tsewang Rinpoche provided a comprehensive overview of the MDTH Translation Project for the works of H.H. Jigme Phuntsok. He delved into the project’s origins, emphasizing its importance in making the wisdom of H.H. Jigme Phuntsok accessible to a global audience. Lama Tsewang Rinpoche highlighted the diverse composition of the project team, which includes advisors, translators, scholars, and dedicated volunteers, all bound by a shared commitment. The presentation detailed the substantial progress made in translation efforts and addressed the challenges encountered along the journey. Throughout, heartfelt gratitude was expressed for the generous support received, underlining the collaborative spirit that has played a crucial role in advancing the project.
For the very first time, the MDTH translation project of the works by H.H. Jigme Phuntsok was being introduced to the broader public! Rinpoche hopes that through this introduction, more individuals will come to comprehend and actively engage in this significant translation endeavor. We welcome professionals in the fields of translation, editing, proofreading, and other related areas to join our team. Enthusiastic volunteers with a passion for translation are also highly encouraged to participate. Through collective efforts, we aim to preserve and propagate the illuminating wisdom of H.H. Jigme Phuntsok globally, thereby bringing profound impacts to people’s lives.
Speech Given by TseWang Rinpoche
A comprehensive overview of the MDTH Translation Project for the works of H.H. Jigme Phuntsok
"At the great sacred place of the pure realm of Mount Wutai, The blessing of Mañjuśrī’s mind ripened within your mind. I supplicate at the feet of Jigme Phuntsok. May you bless me to transfer the realization of enlightened mindstream."
Tashi delek to Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso of the great monastic center ThegchokNamdrolDargayling and to all my vajra siblings, students of ChojeYishin Norbu, the translators of Memorial Dharma Translation House and all my dharma friends who travelled here from foreign countries. Generally, I’m not great at speaking, but I thought of sharing how the Memorial Dharma Translation House began. Firstly, before I dive into that, there is a logo that I would like to introduce… (There is a separate introduction on the logo)
This first Translator’s Conference was put together by the Memorial Dharma Translation House. Firstly, if you are wondering the reason to translate Lama Yishin Norbu’s teaching and ask, “Why should we translate the teachings?” Well, this idea originated when Lama Yishin Norbu was alive and I used to wonder if I could have the fortune to be his translator. At that time, YodselNyingpo, a fellow Chinese student of Lama Yishin Norbu and our dharma friend, who held a PhD, urged me to learn English and said that there will come a time to translate Lama Yishin Norbu’s teachings into English. He repeatedly said that it would serve a noble purpose.
Unfortunately, because of my circumstances, I did not get the chance to learn English. Later, YodselNyingpo translated ‘The Sound of Divine Drum: Advice at a time of Victory’ to English.
During the time, when Lama Yishin Norbu mentioned various reasons why we must learn English, including it being a global language, I also had high hopes and thought I’d learn English in the future. However, (again) due to various factors and time constraints, that opportunity didn’t arise. Later, when I attempted to go outside (Tibet?) to learn English, I did not get permission from Lama Yishin Norbu. When I went to see Rinpoche and expressed my reasons and purposes, he said, “At this moment, both Medon and I are old and unwell. That is why, don’t leave right now. In the future, when we’re no longer here, Mutso will never prevent you from going out. She’ll always be here.” Lama Yishin Norbu never said we couldn’t learn English or go outside, so I believe I received his permission to go outside in the future. However, I abandoned the thought and stayed in Gar, only learning bits of English. Later, after Lama Yishin Norbu passed away, as per Rinpoche’s wishes and my own previous aspirations, I eventually went outside via Lhasa and learned English. But given my age and being alone, translating all the teachings was challenging. That’s why, with the creation of Memorial Dharma Translation House, we continued with the commitment to translate Lama Yishin Norbu’s entire teachings to the best of our ability.
Moreover, in 2016, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche offered many scholars such as khenpos and geshes from various sects the chance to learn English, and I took part in it. During the time, Dr. Grace advised me to act swiftly if I had such aspirations. She said that if I can establish a committee, she will support it and become its supervisor. She said that Lama Yishin Norbu has numerous students in the world and also mentioned other reasons. Then, despite financial and other limitations, with ignited enthusiasm, we established this committee due to favorable circumstances.
After the establishment, First, I made calls to Khenpo TsultrimLodro, Tulku Lungtok, Tenzin Gyatso, Sodargat, and a few others in Tibet. Some I visited personally, while others I contacted through messengers and informed them of the establishment. I shared my ideas and sought their guidance on the next steps.
Furthermore, during Khenpo TsultrimLodro’s visit to Canada on May 15, 2015, we had a discussion through a call from Khenpo Tsulnam’s phone. He mentioned that the authorization and consent to translate Lama Yishin Norbu’s teachings were already given while Rinpoche was alive. He said that it would be great if the teachings can be translated but cautioned us to be very careful when it came to translators. Rather than trying to finish the translation sooner, he advised that it would be better to translate over a longer period and strive for a more accurate translation.
Later, on July 12, 2016, when Khenchen Sonam Dargay visited Taiwan, I flew there via Tailand to meet him. We had an extensive discussion about translating Lama Yishin Norbu’s complete teachings into English. By the end, we received several encouraging assurances, including promises of any assistance we needed.
Then, in December of 2017, when KhenchenSodargay was in Switzerland, Dr. Grace met with him and discussed the future plans of the Memorial Dharma Translation House, and at our request, he agreed to be a guidance counselor. Later, we made a request to Alak Zenkar Rinpoche for his support. He is a counselor for several Tibetan translator committees like Padmakara Translation Group. Rinpoche said that our initiative is noble and pledged to provide whatever assistance we require, including financial support.
In 2017, when I visited Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche and presented our plans, he assured me that he and his foundation will provide any assistance for the translation project, including [nancial aid. Rinpoche then called his genera; secretary, Tashi and told him the need to translate (Lama Yishin Norbu’s teachings). He instructed him to assist us in any way possible. Likewise, my dharma friend KhentrulLodroThaye has been in America for many years now. He has been consistently imparting numerous teachings, including Dzogchen teachings. In general, all of ChojeYishin Norbu’s teachings carry signifycant consequences, and amongst them, the most significant are his Dzogchen teachings, specifically the ‘ā’ section. When we requested Rinpoche to translate this part of the teachings, he readily agreed, fulfilling our hope. It was translated within four years. Likewise, we have also arranged advice from other scholars regarding the stages of correcting etc.., and these will be showcased tomorrow. With the help of Khyentse Foundation’s scholarship we have managed to translate the ‘ā’ section successfully within four years, producing a suitable translation.
Generally, once translated, we cannot just deem it complete and not proceed any further. The reason is because it is challenging (to finalize) due to a lack of established terminologies and the existing discrepancies between the understating of translators, Westerners, and the English language. However, I believe the outcome is fairly good considering today’s standards. This is regarding the ‘ā’ section of the teaching.
Later, in 2021, we initiated the translation project here at Namdroling Monastery. I heard that there are many khenpos, lopons, and other translators here who are proficient in English. ChojeYishin Norbu also once resided here for an extended period and he was very close with Drubwang Rinpoche. That is why, I thought that it would be auspicious to start and complete the translation of Yishin Norbu’s teachings here. This was accomplished with the help of my dharma friends and compatriots Tsultrim Dargay and Lopon Lungtok Nyima. Lopon Tsultrim Dargay requested each lopons to translate the teachings. Despite their individual responsibilities within the monastery and ongoing studies, we managed to start the project. Not only did we begin, but we also achieved significant progress.
Until now, in addition to the ‘a’ section, the translation house has translated numerous teachings. I don’t mention how each of his teachings holds immense blessings. However, Rinpoche used to say, “Among the many mind treasures I’ve composed, ‘Blessing of the White Mañjuśrī’ and ‘the Empowerment of Yamantaka’ are extremely profound teachings that possess blessings of the short lineage. ‘The sadhana of the Peaceful Mañjuśrī’ and ‘the instructions of bestowing the Buddha in the palm of your hand’ are the teachings which possess extensive reach of enlightened activities. ‘The NeckPouch Dagger (PurbaGulkhukma)’ is the teaching where the varieties of auspiciousness have never been broken. So, practice them, and undoubtedly, you’ll attain the ordinary and supreme siddhis.” All of these teachings have been translated and currently, around 80% of the total teachings. These teachings were translated with a clear intention: to perpetuate Lama Yishin Norbu’s activities of speech (teachings) and enlightened deeds until the very end of existence with (auspicious) circumstances.
We are hoping to complete the translation by the end of the year, but there is still considerable work remaining and far from completion. The reason is that to revise and edit, we require scholars, especially westerners who are not only fluent in English but also understand the Buddha’s teachings. Additionally, we need individuals well-versed in Dzogchen teachings and proficient in English.
While we can continue to revise and edit if we have individuals possessing these skills, it’s challenging to a humble monk like myself. Yet, though I am an ordinary monk who lacks any capabilities, I think this progress is acceptable and I am happy with it. I owe this achievement to Lopon Tsultrim Dargay, Lopon Lungtok Nyima, and everyone else involved. Both of them are dedicated to their roles at the monastery. For example, Lopon Tsultrim Dargay teaches classes there. However, they’ve managed to excel in every task they’ve been assigned, completing with remarkable effort and enthusiasm. This accomplishment is also thanks to the generous support of patrons who provided us with ample resources. This isn’t something I could achieve alone.
Currently, not everything can be determined solely within the first translators conference. As I mentioned above, it is wonderful that the translators could gather for the first auspicious translators conference. However, there are many translators from outside whom we haven’t invited.
I’ve long wished to invite Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso to this conference, and it has been incredibly auspicious that he honored our request and attended. He is the primary propagator of KyabjeDrubwang Rinpoche’s enlightened activities and teachings in the West. He is also a student of Lama Yishin Norbu, our dharma friend, hence making this very auspicious in every aspect. We invited Khen Rinpoche seeking his guidance and advice, and his acceptance has created auspiciousness.
Starting now, we will gather as many translators as we can in places like India, Nepal, Bhutan, or other foreign countries for discussions. Whether you are fluent in English or not, please join us if you’re able. Even if you can’t physically be present, it’s our foremost duty to work towards spreading Lama Yishin Norbu’s enlightened activities. We must all share this responsibility. For example, I’m an ordinary individual without any special qualifications or anything for that matter. If I arrogantly put my hands on this project and secretly work for my personal gain, it is unacceptable.
So, as a request to all who have gathered here, the disciples of Lama Yishin Norbu who possess more wisdom and capabilities than I do, please avoid thinking, “these are Dzogchen words” or “these words are sacred, so it’s not suitable for me to share their exact meanings.” It is crucial for each of us to take responsibility. It is not just the Dzogchen teachings; even the prophecies, symbolic scriptures, and his songs have outer, inner, and secret meanings. My old dharma friends who have a firm grasp of the teachings, you have clearer understanding in your minds. So, if you have any doubts about the translations, please don’t hesitate to message or call us. Ask about the translation process, whether it was successful, and share any doubts or concerns about mistranslations. I put my palms together and request your support in these aspects.
Today, I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to KhentrulLodroThaye and Paloma for completing the translation of the ‘ā’ section, spanning about four to five hundred pages. They persevered through immense challenges and generously supported us with expenses and other necessities. I am truly thankful to them.
I would like to thank the Khyentse Foundation for their unwavering support. Thank you, Dr. Grace, for volunteering and helping over the past seven years. I would also like to thank my dharma friends, the khenpos and tulkus in Tibet, who, despite not meeting personally, offered their support. Then, I would like to thank the devoted individuals of Chinese ethnicity whom I know personally. Their tremendous aid and support have been a source of hope in completing this project.
As I mentioned earlier, Lopon Tsultrim Dargay and Lopon Lungtok Nyima established the office, provided necessary resources to the translators, and tirelessly managed countless tasks. To them, I extend my sincere gratitude. Thank you to the translators who are also working day and night to translate the teachings.
I would like to thank the khenpos whom I invited to assist the translation group on occasions. Lastly, my heartfelt thanks to Jigme Lozang, also known as Gaden Lozang, and all others who have supported us since the inception of this committee. They are responsible for the latest edition of Rinpoche’s collected teachings consisting of six volumes, and in arranging and comparing with the sources.