With the Help of Sarasvath

The Challenges of Translating and Interpreting Tibetan Buddhist Ritual Texts

Bibliographic Data

ID11403237
AuthorsSarah F Haynes (Western Illinois University, corresponding author)
Year2009
Volume37
Publication date2009-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueArc The Journal of the School of Religious Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0229-2807 • E-ISSN: 2817-1799
PublisherMcGill University Library and Archives (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.26443/arc.v37i.508
OpenAlexW4386765288
LanguageEN
References cited10

ibetan Buddhist ritual is a topic that is just now receiving the attention it deserves.1Until recently scholars of Tibetan Buddhism have paid more attention to the philosophical traditions rather than the rich ritual practices.This paper takes a step in the direction towards remedying the gap in scholarship on Tibetan Buddhist ritual.The following is based on the experience of translating Tibetan Buddhist ritual texts.The intentions of this paper are to highlight the challenges of translating and interpreting esoteric ritual texts and to reflect upon the function of Tibetan Buddhist ritual texts, highlighted by my experiences working with a Tibetan Buddhist monk in India.Specifically, this paper argues for a performative approach in analyzing Tibetan Buddhist ritual material.The foundation for this discussion is a collection of Tibetan Buddhist ritual texts written in honour of the goddess SamsvatT (dbyangs can ma).Much is known about Sarasvati in her Hindu context, but little has been revealed about her role in Tibetan Buddhism.This paper is based on my translation of nineteen ritual texts devoted to Sarasvati in her Tibetan Buddhist ritual context.The texts fall within the category of esoteric tantric rituals, primarily homa and sadhana.What follows are reflections upon this process

Computer Science · Indian History and Philosophy · Medieval and Classical Philosophy

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