Research and Translation

Research and Translation

This Department provides vital services to the Publication Departments of the institute, and is also responsible for conducting courses on Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan language and culture. It supports scholarly research in all fields of Tibetan thought and translates rare and important texts into English and Hindi and other related resources into Tibetan for publication. Hands-on Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan language classes were started in 1971 and have grown steadily in scope and attendance ever since. The courses have become important aspects of the LTWA’s efforts to both sustain and extend appreciation and understanding of Buddhism and Tibetan culture. Classical Tibetan and Indian Buddhist texts are selected as the focus of study, to provide first-hand knowledge of Buddhist philosophy, meditation, psychology and ethics. The academic year is of ten months from March to December and full-time intensive courses in Tibetan language and literature are conducted every year. On an average student from more than 30 countries are registered for these courses. There is also an annual three-month Intensive Translation Workshop, where Buddhism, Tibetan language, translation skills and English are refined after students graduate from other institutions. So far, eleven workshops were held. Since 2015 the department initiated a six-year course on Tibetan studies and added to its regular program.

This department also publishes, The Tibet Journal, a scholarly publication in English which first appeared in 1975 and is highly regarded within Tibetan academic circles throughout the world. It features articles on Tibetan history, art, philosophy, literature and language, and includes books reviews. Articles related to Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia and the Trans-Himalayan regions, which have geographical and cultural affinities to Tibet, are also published in the journal.

The Tibet Journal
The library’s Tibet Journal, a scholarly quarterly journal in English, first appeared in 1975. It features articles on Tibetan history, art, philosophy, literature and language, and includes book reviews. Special editions have been dedicated to single topics such as the Tibetan government and court systems, the Muslim community and the visual arts. The journal also publishes articles related to Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia and the Trans-Himalayan regions which have geographical and cultural affinities to Tibet.

The Hindi Journal
Since the inception of this section, till date six books have been published and this year a half-yearly journal named ‘Bhotvani’ was launched on the auspicious occasion of the birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Journal was launched by Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche “His Eminence Kalon Tripa,” at the new LTWA Conference Hall amidst renowned scholars, professionals and dignitaries. Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche gave a short speech during the Journal: “Today from Gangchen Kyishong, we have started a Revolution in Hindi and through this initiative we should keep the momentum of this revolution. This is a revolution in two ways. One, its a revolution in Hindi and second, ‘Bhot’ or Tibet in one sense is actually a designation of national characteristic and in another sense is of a regional characteristic. The ‘Vaani’ refers to its language and that language is in Hindi. So the revolution that has been born in this Hindi language must be sustained.”

Through this Journal, articles on Tibetan religion, culture, tradition, history, folk tales and poetry are published. The contribute, in a small way towards the
overall awareness and development of education of the Tibetan youngsters in exile. Section would be happy if the general readers could give suggestions and comments and provide articles to further improve the future issues of this Journal. Taking this opportunity, the Hindi Section would like to acknowledge all those who have given suggestions and contributed articles. We also hope that in future, not only the scholars, but the general public will also contribute articles.

Department Members