| The library project: a facility for text preservation, research, & translation |
|
Songtsen preserves one of the most extensive collections of Tibetan texts in the world – many of which are now the last remaining copies. It contains many unique books, some of which are more than ten centuries old. It has become an urgent priority to create a facility to properly store these texts, where they can be of service to scholars, translators and to the interested public. Providing access to texts that are now virtually unavailable, the facility will undoubtedly function as one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist research centres in the world. The library will also house ancient and original texts in a climate-controlled environment where texts will not be damaged by dust, dampness, or other deteriorating factors.
|
|
| Tibetan translation: the translation of Tibetan texts |
|
The translation of Tibetan Buddhist texts requires not only familiarity with the language but also a deep knowledge of the subject. The task involves extensive research, correction, clarification, style improvement and re-reading. Members of the Padmakara Translation Group must therefore work in close collaboration with Tibetan lamas, scholars and learned khenpos (monks with knowledge superior to a PhD equivalent in Buddhist philosophy). Such a process takes far too long for any idea of ‘profitability’ to be considered. The only way to ensure that the translators can carry out this work properly is by a system of external grants.
|
|
| Scholarships for new translators: training a new generation |
< |
There is a clear need for a new generation of translators who will eventually be able to take their place. They will need not only a good knowledge of Tibetan, but also fluency and writing skill in their native language. Another fundamental requirement is a good understanding and prolonged personal experience of Buddhist practice, preferably acquired in a traditional intensive retreat. Grants for one or several students over one or several years in the form of study scholarships would be a valuable investment in the future.
|
|
| Publication projects: helping to print Padmakara books and practice texts |
|
A large percentage of the funds generated from the sale of Padmakara books is dedicated to printing texts recently translated into Western languages or reprinting texts in their original Tibetan, particularly those that are most rare or treasured by our teachers. Furthermore, Padmakara must frequently reprint texts to maintain its stock. However, as Padmakara funds must be distributed to various preservation projects, the funds allotted from book sales are not sufficient to cover costly printing expenses. Therefore, Padmakara relies on the contribution of individual donors for supplementary support.
|
|
| The audio archives project: preservation of a unique audio heritage |
|
Over the last thirty years, numerous teachings have been recorded and now constitute an irreplaceable living transmission of the Buddhadharma. It has now become extremely urgent to convert analogue recordings on deteriorating magnetic media to digital form before they disappear without trace. A plan has been devised to help accomplish this enormous task. The plan consists of…
|
|
| Administration: sponsoring administrative staff salaries |
|
Padmakara depends to a large extent on sponsorship to cover the salaries of the two existing members of the administrative staff, for ethical as well as financial reasons. Currently, only one staff salary is covered by a grant from the Tsadra Foundation, while the other is partially funded by donations. In addition, Padmakara plans to take on a third, part-time administrative staff member in the near future, as the administrative workload is now more than can be handled by two people.
|
|
