To learn Japanese, Sanskrit, Pali or something else?

[helena]

In fact, the Chinese translations are often a lot older than the Sanskrit documents found in India, Tibet, etc.

Oh no! I would never have considered that possibility, though it does make sense.

Thanks for asking, and for the links (thanks to you too Will). I will check them out, you are very helpful.

Say, would you be willing to tell us a little about why you would like to undertake this type of learning? How are you hoping this will enrich your understanding of your practice?

My main motivation is that I find that reading something in its original language provides a depth that translations just cannot provide. I just bought an English version of "Winnie the Pooh" for my daughter and was astonished about the difference it made over the (very good) Dutch translation. And this is just a translation of an English children's book to Dutch. When you translate ancient wisdom from the other side of the world, you lose so much more.

So, no lofty goals like becoming a UN translator here either, but I hope I answered your question

--Helena

[Lynn]

Thanks, Helena! BTW, if you would like to read a Buddhst book of translated work that is just fabulous (especially the intros to each chapter) please have a gander at "In the Buddha's Words" trans. by Bikkhu Bodhi. It's an anthology of his full works translating the Pali Canon. A true gem.

In Gassho~

*Lynn

[Gregor]

Lynn,

Great Recommendation!!! I'm re-reading it right now in preparation for tackling the four major Nikayas. We really owe a debt to Bhikkhu Bodhi and Wisdom Publications for making them available to us.

In Gassho,

Greg

[helena]

Thanks Lynn! I will check that out. I really like classic books with good introductions and explanations. I find that without those, I am usually lost, because it is such a different time and culture.