English TL

Sera Jey English Translation Department (SJETD)

ESTABLISHMENT :

Translation instruction began at Sera Jey Secondary School in 2009, with another session launched by Sera Jey Library in 2011. Over fifty students participated in these courses, successfully completing the three-year program. In 2014, the Monastic Administration integrated the two separate translation classes held at SJSS and SJL into a new program under the Department of Modern Education. Currently, approximately sixty monks are engaged in translation studies within the department.
 
PURPOSE :

With the blessings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the department was established to share our profound understanding of psychology or the science of the mind with a world that often overlooks inner contemplation. To achieve this objective, we established this department to educate as many monastic students as possible in English proficiency and translation methodology. This equips them not only to act as interpreters for others but also to effortlessly communicate in a second language.

 
TRANSLATION COURSE :

The comprehensive translation program spans six years, comprising three years dedicated to translation studies and an additional three years for the Lotsawa course. Throughout the initial three years of the translation training classes, students receive instruction in advanced English subjects, translation methodology, and English terminology, with a particular focus on Tibetan Buddhism. Lotsawa students undergo rigorous training in both oral and written translation of the five major Buddhist texts.

 
LANGUAGE COURSES :
 
As globalization continues to shrink the world and effective communication becomes increasingly vital in fostering understanding among nations and individuals, SJETD provides six-month English language coaching classes annually, ranging from basic to intermediate levels, for monks interested in enhancing their communication skills. Additionally, the department organizes specialized English language classes specifically designed for Geshes, senior monks who have completed their studies, recognizing the language barrier as a challenge for them to expand their spiritual activities.
 
Recognizing the futility of delving into Tibetan Buddhism without a fundamental understanding of the Tibetan language, the department offers Tibetan language courses tailored for foreign monks genuinely dedicated to studying the profound Buddhist texts. Our goal is to empower them to navigate Buddhist scriptures in Tibetan independently.
 
ACCOMPLISHMENT :

The establishment of this department has led to the development of numerous monks proficient in both oral and written translation. Many of our students have delivered talks and presentations to interested audiences, spanning both Buddhist and non-Buddhist communities. Additionally, some students have served as translators for esteemed Geshes and revered masters on significant occasions. Several of them have managed to graduate from Emory University. Moreover, we are fortunate to have nurtured students who have had the honor of serving as interpreters for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

The department has orchestrated numerous educational exchange initiatives, inviting scholars from diverse fields to lecture at the monastery. Additionally, in our commitment to fostering inter-religious harmony, we’ve organized numerous interfaith conferences, held both online and offline, where intellectuals from various faith traditions convene to advance the noble aspirations of His Holiness. 
 
TRANSLATED BOOKS :
 
The students of the department have been able to translate the following texts into English.

S.No	Translated Book Titles
1	The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment by great master Atisha.
2	Foundation of all Good Qualities by Lama Tsongkhapa.
3	Tenets of four Buddhist schools of thought by Jetsun Choejyi Gyaltsen.
4	Outlines of ‘The Great Stage of Path to Enlightenment’ by Lama Tsongkhapa.
5	Seven Treaties on Valid Cognition by Khedrup Je.
6	Explanation of the holy objects of Sera Jey Monastery.
7	Awarenesses and Knowers’ by Yongzin Phurchog.
8	Descriptions for 200 alters belong to different traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon tradition.

Our students are currently in the process of translating His Holiness Dalai Lama’s book and another book on the History of Mahayana which is expected to be completed quite soon.