Learning Classical Tibetan: A Reader for Translating Buddhist Texts

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

A modern and accessible reader of Classical Tibetan Buddhist texts based on the traditional monastic educational system, designed for both classroom use and independent study Unlike most readers of Classical Tibetan, this is a comprehensive manual for navigating Tibetan Buddhist literature based on a Tibetan monastic curriculum. Utilizing the most up-to-date teaching methods and tools for Tibetan language training, students learn to navigate the grammar, syntax, and style of Classical Tibetan while also engaging the content of Buddhist philosophical works. Texts that are presented in this reader include Jnanamitra's Explanation of the Heart Sutra, Tsongkhapa's Three Principal Aspects of the Path, the Fourth Panchen Lama's Prayer for Release from the Bardo, and Santideva's A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life. Chapters consist of a contextual introduction to the reading, the Tibetan text marked with callouts that signal annotated points, annotations that include progressive explanations of grammar, cultural notes on vocabulary, translation hints, notes on the Sanskrit origins of Tibetan expressions and grammatical structures, and a literal translation of the text. The reader also includes advice on how to use the book, study plans for classroom use, discussion of dictionaries and other helpful resources- a glossary of English grammatical and linguistic terms, abbreviation lists for verb classes and noun cases as described in Joe Wilson's Translating Buddhism from Tibetan, notes on reading blockprints, and examples of different scripts. This textbook also provides cultural notes and explanations of the Sanskrit influence on Tibetan genres, literary styles, expressions, and so on that aren't readily found elsewhere. Using a clear and approachable style, Paul Hackett provides a practical and complete manual that will surely benefit all students of Classical Tibetan. This reader will be released in conjunction with Hackett's new expanded edition of his well-known A Tibetan Verb Lexicon.

Reviews

What a fantastic collection of interesting texts, study aids, and unusual remarks about the ins and outs of the language and culture that all expand and distill the essence of the Classical Tibetan language. And what a wonderful layout!Jeffrey Hopkins, Professor Emeritus of Tibetan Buddhism, University of Virginia

In Learning Classical Tibetan, Paul Hackett provides a welcome and much needed sourcebook for the study of classical Tibetan Buddhist literature. Drawing on his decades of experience as both translator and teacher, he has prepared a primer of readings from diverse authors, genres, and historical periods, all organized in a graded system of levels from introductory and intermediate to advanced. Each reading is paired with a systematic annotation of relevant grammatical structures, important vocabulary and technical terminology, and translation tips and strategies. This will be an invaluable textbook for instructors in the classroom as well as those wishing to study on their own.Andrew Quintman, Associate Professor of Religion, Wesleyan University

Author Bio

PAUL HACKETT specializes in canonical Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan culture, as well as their influence on contemporary alternative religion in America. He is also active in the field of applied computational linguistics and serves as the chair of the Tibetan Information Technology Panel for the International Association for Tibetan Studies. He currently teaches classical Tibetan language at Columbia University.