The MDTH Translation Project

Memorial Dharma Translation House (MDTH) is working towards the translation and distribution of the four volumes of collected works written by the late H.H. Jigme Phuntsok from Tibetan into English.

Explore MDTH website

Bibliography

目录

Progress Update

进度

0

Books

0

Words

0

Years

0

Translators

Translation Progress

Up to date as of July 2023

Volume A

96.92%

Volume B

100%

Volume C

83.62%

Volume D

83.22%

Total Progress

91.83%

MDTH Timelines

大事记要

1. Auspicious Origination
In 1997, at Larung Gar Buddhist Institute, H.H. Jigme Phuntsok invited a doctor to translate one of his Songs 'The Sound of the Divine Drum, Counsel at a Time of Victory' into English and perform it for the audience. His Holiness acknowledged that despite the language barrier, which was not an issue. It initiated a profound connection, with the intention of spreading his teachings globally through the auspicious blessings of this sacred song.
Sound of the Divine Drum
2. Initial Aspiration
In January 2004, H.H. Jigme Phuntsok passed away, and it was at that moment that Lama Tsewang RInpoche wholeheartedly aspired to translate H.H.'s entire teachings into English from Tibetan. His Holiness had previously granted permission for his teachings to be translated into various languages.
Permission for translation
3. Establishment of MDTH
In August 2016, Dr. Grace Eden, an English teacher of Lama Tsewang Rinpoche, earnestly embraced Rinpoche's will to translate the writings of H.H. Jigme Phuntsok. She embarked on a journey to Tso Pema, the sacred Lotus Lake in India, and together with Rinpoche, established the Memorial Dharma Translation House, a center dedicated to translating His Holiness' teachings from Tibetan to English.
Project Proposal
4. Support from Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche
During a Buddhist seminar in India in July 2016, Tsewang Rinpoche had a meaningful encounter with Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche who fervently assured Tsewang Rinpoche of their steadfast support throughout the translation process. And in 2018, the Khyentse Foundation generously sponsored the translation project with a grant of $40,000.
Sponsorship funds
5. Appreciation Letter from the late Third Dudjom Rinpoche
In 2021, the late Dudjom Tulku Sangye Pema Shepa graced our project with this appreciation letter a few months before he entered parinirvana, which praised Tsewang Rinpoche and the MDTH committee for their remarkable dedication in translating H.H. Jigme Phuntsok's works. The letter highlighted the noble virtues of H.H. and his profound compassion to benefit all sentient beings.
Appreciation Letter
6. Namdroling Translation Office Open
23 JANUARY 2022, MDTH Translation Office Open (Near Namdroling Monastery Golden Temple in Bylakuppe). The significance of this establishment stems from an auspicious connection. Back in 1990, H.H. Jigme Phuntsok stayed in this monastery for over a month during his visit to India. It was during this time that he delivered profound teachings and transmitted the wisdom of Dzogchen.
7. MDTH The 1st Translators Conference 2023
In March 2023, the Yishin Norbu Memorial Dharma Translation House 1st Translators Conference successfully completed in Bylakuppe, India.
Read More
8. Meeting with Khenchen Namdrol Tsering Rinpoche
In April 2023, after the first translators conference, Tsewang Rinpoche had a meaningful meeting with Khenchen Namdrol Tsering in India. Moved by Tsewang Rinpoche's sincere dedication, Khenchen Namdrol Tsering Rinpoche graciously accepted the role as an advisor for the translation project.
9. The Second Translator's Conference of Yishin Norbu Memorial Dharma Translation House 2024
The second Translators’ Conference of Yishin Norbu Memorial Dharma Translation completely successful and spiritually fulfilled, it took place in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 1 and 2, 2024.
Read More

法王如意宝著作翻译纪念杂志

Souvernir Magazine of MDTH is Now Available! Download here

The Souvenir Magazine of MDTH 2023 is a heartfelt collaboration brought to life by the dedicated MDTH team. It not only vividly presents a profound retrospective of the conference but also serves as a vibrant testimony to the historic achievements of the MDTH translation project, infusing new vitality into its future endeavors. From a comprehensive and authentic perspective, it weaves together the lively talks from all speakers and engaging presentations by translators during the first MDTH Translation Conference. Moreover, the magazine underscores the profound importance of H.H. Jigme Phuntsok’s teachings for the benefit of all sentient beings, emphasizing the value of translating these teachings into Enlgish for a global audience. It leaves behind invaluable imprints in the dissemination of H.H. Jigme Phuntsok’s wisdom.

MDTH团队精心打造的法王如意宝著作翻译纪念杂志2023，汇集了首届翻译大会上嘉宾们生动的演讲和翻译们深入的探讨，为读者呈现了大会的精彩瞬间。与此同时，它也展现了法王如意宝的法教对利益众生的深远意义，在传承和弘扬尊者智慧的道路上，留下了珍贵的足迹。

Foreword0001
Foreword0002
Foreword0003
Foreword0004
Foreword0005
Souvernir Magazine of MDTH 2023_page-0016
xuyan0001
xuyan0002
xuyan0003
xuyan0004

During the MDTH first translators conference, Chakhung Lama Tsewang Rinpoche provided a comprehensive overview of the Memorial Dharma Translation House (MDTH) Translation Project for the works of H.H. Jigme Phuntosk. 

在首届MDTH翻译会议上，财旺仁波切全面介绍了法王如意宝著作翻译项目。

Read More

MDTH Translators Conference

MDTH翻译大会

26 - 27 March 2023 | Bylakuppe, India

MDTH The 1st Translators Conference 2023

The Yishin Norbu Memorial Dharma Translation House 1st Translators Conference successfully completed in Bylakuppe, India. 

MDTH首届翻译大会在印度比拉库佩成功举办。

KNOW MORE

01- 02 Feburary 2024 | Katmandu, Nepal

MDTH The 2nd Translators Conference 2024

The second Translators’ Conference of Yishin Norbu Memorial Dharma Translation completely successful and spiritually fulfilled, it took place in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 1 and 2, 2024.

MDTH第二届翻译大会在尼泊尔加德满都圆满闭幕。

KNOW MORE

Meet Our Team

The project relies on volunteers, advisors and translators working together in both Tibetan and English.

团队成员

翻译项目的成员包括项目负责人、顾问、翻译，以及众多志愿者。

 

Advisors

 

Khenpo Sodargye

 

Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche

 

Alak Zenkar Rinpoche

 

The late Dudjom Sangye Pema Shepa Rinpoche

Khenchen Namdrol Tsering Rinpoche

Directors

 

Chagkhung Lama Tsewang Rinpoche

Founding Director

Dr. Grace Eden

Executive Director

Translators

 

Chief Translators

Khentrul Lodrö Thayé Rinpoche

Paloma Lopez Landry

Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche

Lopen Thinley Tenzin

Translators

Nima Dorji

Tashi Paljor

Lopen Nidup Wangchuk

Sangay Tenzin

Lopen Rigzin Losal

Shamelle Gonzalez

Phurbu Dolma

Ngawang Sherpa

Office

 

 Gaden Lobsang

Tibetan Secretary

Chan Guat Ting (Emily)

Treasure

Lopen Tsultrim Dargy

Office Member

Lopen Lungtok Nyima

Office Member

Make a Donation Now! 感谢您的捐助!

With your support, we can bring these treasured teachings of H.H. Jigme Phuntsok to a broader global audience.

您的善心将助力法王如意宝的珍贵法教惠及全球的法友。

Khenpo Sodargye

Advisor

Khenpo Sodargye is a Tibetan lama, a Buddhist scholar and teacher, a prolific translator into Chinese, and a modern Buddhist thinker renowned across Asia and the west for his interest in the integration of traditional Buddhist teachings with worldwide issues and modern life.

 

In 2016, Tsewang Rinpoche and Sodagyi Khenpo had a momentous meeting in Thailand. During this encounter, Tsewang Rinpoche shared his aspiration to translate the writings of H.H. Jigme Phuntsok, and Sodagyi Khenpo was delighted to hear this.

 

In December of the following year, Dr. Grace, the Executive Director, had the chance to meet Sodagyi Khenpo at an international conference. She invited him to become an advisor for the translation project, and Sodagyi Khenpo gladly accepted the invitation.

Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche

Advisor

Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche is a renowned Tibetan/Bhutanese lama, filmmaker, and writer. He is widely respected for his contributions to Tibetan Buddhism and his ability to convey profound teachings in a contemporary context.

 

In July 2016, Tsewang Rinpoche had a meaningful encounter with Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche during a Buddhist seminar in India. Tsewang Rinpoche expressed his aspiration to translate the writings of H.H. Jigme Phuntsok. Responding to this, Dzongsar Rinpoche introduced his personal secretary and a senior translator to assist Tsewang Rinpoche. Emphasizing the profound significance of H.H.’s teachings, Dzongsar Rinpoche fervently assured Tsewang Rinpoche of their steadfast support throughout the translation process.

Alak Zenkar Rinpoche

Advisor

Alak Zenkar Rinpoche is the recognized incarnation of Alak Zenkar Pema Ngödrup Rolwé Dorje. He has played a crucial role in revitalizing Buddhism and Tibetan literature in the region of Kham in recent years.

 

Renowned worldwide for his expertise, Alak Zenkar Rinpoche serves as a distinguished advisor to Lotsawa House, a prestigious translation center committed to translating Tibetan Buddhist canonical texts. He graciously accepted the invitation from Tsewang Rinpoche to lend his esteemed guidance to the translation project.

The late Dudjom Sangye Pema Shepa Rinpoche

Advisor

The late Dudjom Sangye Pema Shepa Rinpoche was a respected Tibetan Buddhist master known for his profound wisdom and compassionate teachings. He dedicated his life to practicing and sharing the teachings of the Buddha, inspiring many with his gentle presence and deep spiritual insights. Rinpoche was particularly recognized for his expertise in the Dudjom Tersar lineage and worked diligently to preserve and transmit its teachings. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy continues to inspire and guide those on the path of Tibetan Buddhism.

 

As a descendant of the first Dudjom Rinpoche, Tsewang Rinpoche has had maintained a deep connection with the 3rd Dudjom Rinpoche since childhood. Seeking guidance, Tsewang Rinpoche consulted the 3rd Dudjom Rinpoche on translation project and received valuable encouragement and support in 2017. In 2021, a heartfelt letter of gratitude was personally penned by the 3rd Dudjom Rinpoche, praising Tsewang Rinpoche and the MDTH committee for their remarkable dedication in translating H.H.’s works. The letter highlighted the noble virtues of H.H. and his profound compassion to benefit all sentient beings.

Khenchen Namdrol Tsering Rinpoche

Advisor

Khenchen Namdrol Tsering is one of the leading khenpos in the Nyingma tradition and is universally acknowledged as an expert on the Guhyagarbha Tantra and its various commentaries. As a khenchen, he is one of three most senior khenpos of Namdroling Monastery and is also one of the foremost disciples of H.H. Jigme Phuntsok.


Khenchen Namdrol Tsering Rinpoche’s acceptance of the role as an advisor highlights his commitment to the preservation and dissemination of the teachings of H.H. Jigme phuntsok. Rinpoche’s involvement in the translation project guarantees the accuracy and authenticity of the translated writings. His expertise and understanding ensure that the teachings of H.H. Jigme Phuntsok are faithfully conveyed to a wider audience, preserving their essence and profound wisdom.

Dr. Grace Eden

Executive Director

 

Dr. Grace Eden received her DPhil from the University of Oxford in the area of human-technology-interaction. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor at Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi teaching and conducting research in Human-Computer Interaction.

Khentrul Lodrö Thayé Rinpoche

Khentrul Lodrö Thayé Rinpoche is a Tibetan Buddhist lama of the Nyingma school. He is the abbot of Mardo Tashi Choling in Eastern Tibet, where he established a retreat center and shedra, a formal Buddhist monastic college, under the direct guidance of his teacher, HH Jigme Phuntsok.

 

Paloma Lopez Landry

Paloma Lopez Landry (translator) studied the Tibetan language for three years in Nepal before meeting Khentrul Rinpoche upon his arrival in the US in 2002. She has been translating for him since then as well as for other teachers of the Katog lineage within the Nyingma

Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche

Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche (Tib. འཇིགས་མེད་མཁྱེན་བརྩེ་རིན་པོ་ཆེ།) (b.1963) is the third son of Kangyur Rinpoche. He was recognized by Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche and H.H. the 16th Karmapa as the incarnation of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö. Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche spent his childhood in Darjeeling and later passed much of his time with Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche in India, Nepal and Bhutan, receiving many precious teachings.
Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche frequently gives teachings in France and in various other countries, in both French and English. He also oversees Padmakara’s projects of translating texts from Tibetan into Western languages.

Thinley Tenzin

My name is Thinley Tenzin and I am a lopon from Namdroling Monastery. I was born in eastern Bhutan. I studied till the 11th standard in one of Bhutans high school and became a monk of Namdroling in 2011. I joined Ngagyur Nyingma Institute in 2012 and graduated in 2022. I am currently working in Namdroling Monastery.

Nima Dorji

I am Nima Dorji from Bhutan. I did my higher education till twelve in one of the higher schools of Bhutan, currently i am in sixth grade, undergoing degree education in the higher buddhist phillosophy at Ngagyur Nyingma Institute.

Tashi Paljor

I am Tashi Paljor from Dolpo, Nepal. A good karma brought me to India in 2006 to get an opportunity to see Kyapje Drupwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche. Then my brother sent me to Sera Jhe Secondary School and IGNOU Mysore for modern education. Within next two years I am achieving the Acharya Degree at Ngagyur Nyingma Institute.

Lopen Nidup Wangchuk

I was born in December 1992 in a district named Samdrup Jongkhar, in the estern part of Bhutan. I was raised by my sisters in a village named Wangphu, as I lost my father at a tender age of one and later my mother, when i was six.

Like any other child at six years old, I was sent to receive primary and secondary education at the Martshalla School in Samdrup Jongkhar.

However, at the age of nineteen, instead of completing my secondary school studies, I left Martshalla School and enrolled myself at the famous Namdroling Monastery in Karnataka, India in preparation for a life of a monkhood and for higher Buddhist studies. My journey started with the taking of the “novice monastic vows”, followed by the pratimoksha vows the moment I set foot there. Subsequently, in my third year there, I took the vows to be a fully ordained monk.

For the first six years at Namdroling, I not only got a glimpse of the preliminary practice (Namchoe Ngondro) and Yoga but I also had the opportunity to study the Sutra and Tantra teachings of the Buddha, as well as the commentaries written by great Indian and Tibetan scholars.

As ancillary subjects, I studied Buddhist philosophy in general, poetry, composition, grammar, and the history of Tibet, as well as English and other languages. During this six-years course, I completed four years of study to attain a tha-bral smra-ba’i dbang-phyug degree ( equivalent to a Higher Secondary degree).

At present, I have yet to complete another four years at the Namdroling Monastery in order to receive the phar-phyin rab-‘byams degree (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree) and the last three years for a mdo-rgyud nges-don btan-pa’i nyin-byed chen-po degree (equivalent to a master’s degree).

Upon completion of this nine-year course, by earning these three degrees, I will stand a chance to be placed in various monasteries and Dharma centers in the Himalayan countries and abroad to render my service of teaching Buddhism.

 

Sangay Tenzin

I am Sangay Tenzin hailing from a tiny village in eastern Bhutan. I have completed 10th grade in one of the schools in my hometown in 2015. After that I got enrolled in Ngagyur Nyingma Institute for learning higher Buddhist studies and currently I am studying in 6th standard. Soon I’m going to complete a degree in Buddhist philosophy.

Rigzin Losal

My Name is Rigzin Losal and I was born in Ladakh. In 2005 at the age of 15, I came to Namdroling monastery and became a monk. I first studied Tibetan language and literature along with general Buddhist studies at Namling Junior School and in 2012, I enrolled in the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute (the centre for higher Buddhist studies and research). From my third year at NNI, I also became a member of the Padma Mani Translation Committee (an educational department under NNI) and under the guidance of Khenpo Sonam Tsewang and many other teachers began learning the English language for the purpose of translation. In 2021, I graduated from the nine-year NNI program and was given the title of Lopon (Spiritual Teacher). Since then, I am serving the monastery in many different departments.

Shamelle Gonzalez

Translator

Shamelle Gonzalez has a Master’s degree with emphasis in Philosophy and has been studying with Khentrul Lodro Thaye Rinpoche for 15 years. In 2018, she completed a traditional 3 year retreat under his guidance at Katog Choling in America, where she now acts as the 3 year retreat Druponma (practice assistant) there. At Khentrul Rinpoche’s request, she began editing dharma texts in 2019 and is the coordinator of Katog Tingzin Ling in Miami, Florida and the social media coordinator for Katog Choling.

Phurbu Dolma

Translator

I am Phurbu Dolma, a TCV school alumna. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Tibetan Studies from the College for Higher Tibetan Studies Sarah, as well as my bachelor’s degree via distance learning from Delhi University. I am currently employed as a translator at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives. I truly feel that I was given the opportunity to translate some of HH Khenpo Jigme Phuntosk’s most priceless teachings, which I held the highest regard throughout my life, due to a very potent karmic connection.

Ngawang Sherpa

Born in Nepal, I had primary schooling before coming to Namdroling Monastery, South India, in 2003. I learned Tibetan reading and writing and got trained under monastic rituals and practices.

I entered the 9-year shedra studies at the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute, Namdroling Monastery, in 2009. Alongside the day-to-day curriculum, I also learned English and participated in English-Tibetan-English translation training, and worked for four years as an editor, writer, and proofreader at the Ngagyur Rigzod Editorial Committee, which publishes journals in Tibetan and English. After completing my studies, I went to the University of Bristol, UK, in 2019 and did MA in Buddhist studies. I am currently living in The Netherlands.