{"id":12717,"date":"2025-09-12T18:47:43","date_gmt":"2025-09-12T11:47:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/?p=12717"},"modified":"2025-09-13T15:11:57","modified_gmt":"2025-09-13T08:11:57","slug":"qa-inheriting-and-developing-the-completion-of-the-vietnamese-tripitaka-the-spiritual-and-cultural-heritage-of-buddhism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/qa-inheriting-and-developing-the-completion-of-the-vietnamese-tripitaka-the-spiritual-and-cultural-heritage-of-buddhism\/","title":{"rendered":"Q&#038;A: Inheriting and developing the completion of the Vietnamese Tripitaka, the spiritual and cultural heritage of Buddhism"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: 120%; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/category\/author\/ht-thich-nhu-dien\/\">Most Ven. Th\u00edch Nh\u01b0 \u0110i\u1ec3n<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/category\/author\/ven-thich-trung-sy\/\"><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Ven. Th\u00edch Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/category\/author\/bhikkhuni-khanh-nang\/\">Bhikkhuni Kh\u00e1nh N\u0103ng<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-12718 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/dang-ENGLIH-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/dang-ENGLIH-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/dang-ENGLIH-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/dang-ENGLIH-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/dang-ENGLIH.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">I. <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Introduction: Commemoration and Recognition<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">Namo Amitabha Buddha<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cN-YFcGojoo&amp;list=PL7hSPEhKYWcDLX0XzzBJIrAvIeWx7-Okb&amp;index=4\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-family: 'arial black', sans-serif; color: #282828; background-color: #ffff00; font-size: 100%;\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cN-YFcGojoo&amp;list=PL7hSPEhKYWcDLX0XzzBJIrAvIeWx7-Okb&amp;index=4<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">Thank you S\u01b0 C\u00f4 for your introduction, and I will say a few words in English to greet the listeners. Then I will present in Vietnamese and Senior Venerable Th\u00edch Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9 will translate my answers in Vietnamese into English, because my English ability is limited. Moreover, when answering in Vietnamese, I have more time to think and answer the Nun&#8217; s question more deeply. Please begin with your questions.<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>1.<\/strong><\/span> The project of translating the Vietnamese Tripitaka is a great effort led by the Most Venerable Elder Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9. Could you please share some thoughts on the vision and role of the Elder in leading this important project?<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">Answer: After the Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation was established in 1964 at X\u00e1 L\u1ee3i Buddhist Temple in Saigon, Vietnam, the Institute for Sangha Supreme Patriarch immediately thought of establishing a Vietnamese Tripitaka Translation Council on October 20, 21, and 22, 1973 at V\u1ea1n H\u1ea1nh Buddhist University in Saigon, it consisted of the 18 Most Venerable Elders of the Supreme Sangha Council, including the Most Venerable Th\u00edch Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9.\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">From 1973 until after the Vietnam War ended in 1975, due to the chaos, the Venerable Ones in the Translation Council could only translate a number of representative Sutras, Vinaya, and Abhidharma.\u00a0 Until December 3, 2021, a provisional Tripitaka Translation Council was established with Professor Tr\u00ed Si\u00eau L\u00ea M\u1ea1nh Th\u00e1t as advisor. The Most Venerable Th\u00edch Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9 in Vietnam is the President, the Most Venerable Th\u00edch Nh\u01b0 \u0110i\u1ec3n in Germany is the Chief Secretary, the Most Venerable Th\u00edch Th\u00e1i H\u00f2a is the Deputy Secretary at home, the Most Venerable Th\u00edch Nguy\u00ean Si\u00eau is the Deputy Secretary abroad. There are many other Boards as well.<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">The Most Venerable Th\u00edch Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9 is a great master, a very outstanding Buddhist scholar in many aspects such as being fluent in many ancient and modern languages such as: Chinese, Sanskrit, Pali, Tibetan, English, French, German, etc. and he was also a former lecturer at Van Hanh Buddhist University in Saigon before 1975 as well as many other Buddhist Colleges in the country. Therefore, his role as President was very important from when establishing the Provisional Tripitaka Translation Council until his passing on November 23, 2023.<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">2.<\/span><\/strong> As a successor, how do you view the intellectual legacy, spiritual aspirations, and dedication of the Most Venerable Elder Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9 to Vietnamese Buddhism through this project?<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">On September 21, 2023, the Most Venerable Th\u00edch Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9 signed a document as President of the Provisional Tripitaka Translation Committee regarding the project of translating the Tripitaka after he passed away, and the content of this document is quite detailed. I will continue to answer the questions of the Venerable Nun later and a Central Translation Committee has been approved by the Most Venerable Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9 representing the Institute for Sangha Supreme Patriarch.<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">The intellectual legacy, spiritual aspirations, and dedication of Venerable Master Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9 can be read in this excerpt from the General Records as well as the introduction of each volume of the Sravaka Pitaka as follows:<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">To express the deep gratitude to the past Patriarchs and Venerable Ones of the 1973 Translation Council in the career in propagating the true Dharma, the Dharma Propagation Council vows to contribute merit, wholeheartedly support, and offer mind power and intelligence power so that the standard Vietnamese Tripitaka can be published in turn, starting from the Sravaka Pitaka, January 2022, until the completion of the Bodhisattva Pitaka and the Tantra Pitaka in the next decade&#8230;. (The Provisional Translation Council informs)<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">II. <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Vision and Origins<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">3.<\/span><\/strong> What is the initial motivation for initiating the Vietnamese Tripitaka Translation Project?<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">It is a continuation of the Tripitaka Translation project of the Vietnamese Tripitaka Translation Council since 1973.<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>4.<\/strong><\/span> How does this project inherit and develop the work of the Tripitaka Translation Council in 1973?<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">Recently in 1973 a Tripitaka Translation Council was established for the first time in history. President: The Most Venerable Th\u00edch Tr\u00ed T\u1ecbnh, General Secretary: The Most Venerable Th\u00edch Qu\u1ea3ng \u0110\u1ed9, with members gathering all the Most Venerable Ones, Senior Venerable Ones, and Venerable Ones who have had translation project, and has prestige on the aspect of Buddhist studies, under the direction of the Institute for Sangha Supreme Patriarch of the United Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation. The translation program was drafted on a large scale, but due to the war situation, only a small part of it was implemented. A part of this achievement was later published in 1993 by the Vietnam Buddhist Research Institute, affiliated with Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, under the title: Vietnamese Tripitaka.\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">This achievement is the sutras of the Agamas assigned by the Tripitaka translation council, in which, the (Digha) Long Agama and (Sa\u1e43yukta) Miscellaneous Agama were translated by the Most Venerable Thi\u1ec7n Si\u00eau, the Most Venerable Tr\u00ed Th\u00e0nh, and the Most Venerable Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9 of the Institute of H\u1ea3i \u0110\u1ee9c Buddhist Studies college in Nha Trang, the (Madhyama) Middle Agama and (Ekottara) Gradual Agama were translated by the Most Venerable Th\u00edch Thanh T\u1eeb, the Most Venerable B\u1eedu Hu\u1ec7, and the Most Venerable Thi\u1ec7n T\u00e2m of the Hu\u1ec7 Nghi\u00eam Buddhist Studies College in Saigon. In addition, a part of other merit has also been completed such as:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">The Most Venerable Tr\u00ed Nghi\u00eam: The Maha prajnaparamita Sutra &#8211; The Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra (translated by Xuanzang in 600 volumes) belongs to the Prajnaparamita collection. The Most Venerable Tr\u00ed T\u1ecbnh: The Maha Prajnaparamita Sutra (Major Chapter) belongs to the Prajnaparamita collection, Saddharma Pu\u1e47\u1e0dar\u012bka S\u016btra &#8211; the Sutra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma (translated by Kumarajiva) belongs to the Lotus collection, the Mah\u0101vaipulya Buddh\u0101vata\u1e43saka S\u016btra (80 book edition) belongs to the Avatamsaka collection, and (Mah\u0101ratnak\u016b\u1e6da S\u016btra) the entire Jewelled-accumulation s\u00f9tra.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">III. Translation Philosophy and Academic Approach<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>5.<\/strong><\/span> What core principles guided translation approach of the project?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">Building upon the Vietnamese Tripitaka translation project in 1973 and that of the Most Venerable Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9 that was previously formed, we continue this endeavor, and those who specialize in Sutras, Vinaya, and Abhidharma will be assigned according to the capacity of these translators.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">6. How does the translation team balance faithfulness to the original text with making the translation accessible to modern Vietnamese readers?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">In the past and even in the present, all translations have been based on the Taish\u014d Shinsh\u016b Daiz\u014dky\u014d (Taish\u014d Tripitaka) in classical Chinese for translating into Vietnamese, but there are also many Sutras that need to be compared with the original Sanskrit, Pali or Tibetan texts for cross-referencing. When translating, if translators have doubts about the authenticity or meaning of the ancient Chinese text, especially ancient terms, they should pay attention to translating them into modern Vietnamese for easy understanding. At the same time, they must still keep the original ancient Chinese text in the translation so that they can be compared when needed.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>7.<\/strong><\/span> When there are differences between the Chinese translations and the original P\u0101li or Sanskrit texts, how does the translation team handle them?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">We will select translations that have been cross-checked with Sanskrit, Pali or Tibetan sources, (if available) to create a translation as reliable as the classical Chinese translation. At the same time, the Vietnamese version will be selected or edited according to the translator&#8217;s insightful judgment.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>8.<\/strong><\/span> When the original Sanskrit sources were lost, what methods are used to ensure that the Vietnamese translation remains as accurate as possible?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">Due to the differences between the textual traditions of the different schools, in order to have an understanding of the original teachings common to all requires extensive comparative research. This work is beyond the present capacity of the translators. However, whenever possible, differences between the various textual traditions will be recorded and compared. In such cases, the translator will consult parallel Sutras, alternative Chinese translations, and infer the possible original forms in the Sanskrit text for the purpose of correction. All such corrections will be noted in the footnotes.<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">IV. <strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Organizational Structure and Operations<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">9.<\/span><\/strong> Could you please provide an overview of the organizational structure of the project, especially the roles of the Translation Committee and the Publication Committee?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">At present, we have councils and organizations consisting of members both within the country and abroad, as follows:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">A. The Dharma Propagation Council consists of: Witness, Guidance Advisor, Chief Secretary, Deputy Secretary and members. <\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">B. The Translation and Composition Committee consists of: an Advisor who also serves as the Committee Chair (currently the President), Vice Chairs (including the Chief Secretary for domestic affairs and the Deputy Secretary for overseas affairs), assistants, secretaries, and committee members. (This committee functions directly under the Office of the Institute for Sangha Supreme Patriarch of the Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation)<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">C. The Dharma Propagation Committees across the various continents include: Australia, America, Canada, and Europe (This Committee operates independently abroad).<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">D. The Press and Publication Committee consists of: the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, and other committee members.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">E. The Sponsorship Committee has the same composition as the one mentioned above. (Dharma Propagation Council has a meeting once a year).<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">In addition, the Tripitaka Publishing Association has also been established, comprising:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">President: The Most Venerable Th\u00edch Nguy\u00ean Si\u00eau; Secretary: Senior Venerable Th\u00edch H\u1ea1nh Tu\u1ec7; Treasurer: Layman T\u00e2m Quang V\u0129nh H\u1ea3o; and the Publication Committee consists of dedicated lay Buddhists.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">The role of the Translation Committee is divided among members specializing in the Sutras, Vinaya, and Abhidharma, and meets every three months to prepare for upcoming work. The Tripitaka Publishing Committee publishes once a year, while the Publishing Committee of the Dharma Propagation Council issues books as needed, publishing the scriptures of monastic and lay Buddhist devotees from both inside and outside the country, in accordance with the principles of the Dharma Propagation Council.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">10.<\/span> <\/strong>How to maintain consistency and quality across different translation teams?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">This task is not simple. After the translators have completed a translation of a sutra, vinaya, or treatise, it will be sent to the Editorial Committee for review. After the Editorial Board completes its review, the manuscript is forwarded to the Chief Secretary for Dharma Teachings for further examination. Once the Chief Secretary has examined it and provided comments, it is returned to the translators for a final review. The text then proceeds to typesetting and preparation for printing.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>11.<\/strong><\/span> What efforts are being made to train new translators in ancient languages such as P\u0101li, Sanskrit, Classical Chinese, and Tibetan?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">When the Most Venerable Th\u00edch Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9 was still alive, the Sponsorship Committee supported Professor \u0110\u1ed7 Qu\u1ed1c B\u1ea3o (from Germany) to teach Sanskrit for two years through the online system on Zoom. The number of trained people is about 30, both lay and monastic people. These people can currently directly translate some Sanskrit Sutras into Vietnamese.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">Recently, Senior Venerable nun TN. Thanh Tr\u00ec has been in charge of teaching Sanskrit to about 10 to 15 monks, nuns and lay people at an advanced level. She is capable of translating Sanskrit texts directly into Vietnamese, showing very promising results.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">Regarding P\u0101li, currently many monks and nuns are studying it in countries with Therav\u0101da Buddhism. However, Senior Venerable Th\u00edch Ch\u00e1nh Th\u00e2n (USA), a prominent translator, who once lived in Sri Lanka, has translated directly from P\u0101li into Vietnamese. Regarding the Tibetan language, the Most Venerable Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9 and we personally met with Master Geshe Kuso in Long Beach, U.S.A., to request his assistance in providing Tibetan language training together with Senior Venerable Nun Kh\u00e1nh N\u0103ng. However, this training has not yet been implemented and will be carried out in the near future.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>12.<\/strong><\/span> What have been the main achievements of the Central Translation Council over the past two years?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">Over the past two years, we have continued to translate and publish eight volumes of the Sravaka Pitaka, including Sutras, Vinaya, and Abhidharma, as a follow-up to the first series of the Sravaka Pi\u1e6daka that was published in 2022 and in this year, 2025. We will also publish a number of additional volumes of Sutras, Vinaya, and Abhidharma that continue the remaining portion of the Sravaka Pi\u1e6daka. <\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">The total number of printed volumes of the Sravaka Pi\u1e6daka is as follows: 24 volumes from the first batch, plus 5 volumes of the General Index (compiled during the lifetime of the Most Venerable Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9), and 8 additional volumes published in 2024. At present, the Sravaka Pi\u1e6daka consists of 32 volumes and 5 volumes of the General Index.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>13<\/strong><\/span>. How does the Central Translation Council operate \u2014 from leadership and planning to the daily management of translation work?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">We actively invite reputable translators to undertake the translation and hold meetings every three months to summarize the completed translations of the Sutras, Vinayas, and Abhidharmas, and at the end of each year, we plan to publish a number of translated versions.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">14.<\/span><\/strong> Are there any major differences between the current Vietnamese Tripitaka translation project of the Central Translation Council and previous Vietnamese Tripitaka translations carried out by other Vietnamese Buddhist organizations?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">Of course, there are differences. For instance, the Linh S\u01a1n Ph\u00e1p B\u1ea3o&#8217;s Tripi\u1e6daka, initiated by the late Most Venerable Th\u00edch T\u1ecbnh H\u1ea1nh, does not allow the translation of the Tantric part. By contrast, the late Most Venerable Th\u00edch Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9 held the view that any texts belonging to the \u015ar\u0101vaka tradition should be translated and included in the \u015ar\u0101vaka Pi\u1e6daka. Any Sutras that belong to the Bodhisattva Vehicle are placed in the Bodhisattva Pi\u1e6daka, and those that belong to the Tantric Teachings are placed in the Tantric Pi\u1e6daka, and so on.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">V. Challenges and Solutions<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">15.<\/span><\/strong> What are the biggest challenges that the project faces\u2014academically, technically, or organizationally?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">Dedicated translators always strive for the highest accuracy in their translations, which requires a great deal of time and effort. Currently, there are artificial intelligence (AI) systems that can assist with faster translation, but most translators have not fully embraced this approach. The reason is that Chinese characters often have multiple homophones with different meanings, which AI finds difficult to distinguish accurately. Moreover, reviewing and correcting errors in AI-generated translations often demands more effort than translating directly. Therefore, using AI to support translation is still not considered.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">16.<\/span><\/strong> How are errors or ambiguities in the original Chinese sources identified and handled during the translation process?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">This matter depends on the decision of each translator, who will also consult various other sources when encountering doubtful points. For example, classical Chinese translations are often inconsistency. At least since the time of Master Xuanzang in the Tang Dynasty, translators have had to compare their work with the original Sanskrit texts to ensure greater accuracy. This work requires a lot of time for research and verification.<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">VI. <strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Cooperation and integration<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>17.<\/strong><\/span> How has the project attracted the participation of monks, nuns, and lay practitioners from across Vietnam and around the world?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">Currently, in addition to the disciples and students of the Most Venerable Th\u00edch Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9 who are carrying out the translation work, we are still seeking more participants. We hope that in the near future, the younger generation of monks, nuns, and lay practitioners will actively contribute to the translation of the Vietnamese Tripi\u1e6daka.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">18.<\/span><\/strong> In your opinion, what role does inter-sectarian cooperation play in the success of this project?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">During the times I had the opportunity to meet with Venerable Th\u00edch Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9 while he was still alive, he replied: \u201cThis work does not distinguish between sects, Buddhist organizations, institutions, or individuals, because it is a common effort of Vietnamese Buddhism and does not belong to any single organization.\u201d Although at present, this work is initiated by the Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation, its purpose remains to continue the spirit of translating the Vietnamese Tripi\u1e6daka that began in 1973.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">19.<\/span><\/strong> Is the current project working together with international scholars or research institutes?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">This translation work has been carried out solely by Vietnamese scholars and professors, both within Vietnam and abroad, and has not involved any cooperation with foreign Buddhist organizations. However, following the two recent publications of Sravaka Pitaka, the Vietnamese Tripitaka Publishing Council and the Dharma Propagation Council donated these publications to Buddhist universities in Asia, Europe, the United States, Australia, etc., so that students can use them as research materials.<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">VII. <strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Future Direction<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">20.<\/span><\/strong> What is the projected roadmap for the project, and what key milestones have been achieved so far?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">The milestones achieved have already been presented above, and the Vietnamese Tripitaka Translation Committee plans to publish each year a number of Sutras, Vinaya texts, and Treatises that have been translated into Vietnamese.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>21.<\/strong><\/span> Do you have any plans to publish a digital edition of the Vietnamese Tripitaka?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">At present, it is not yet available, but some Buddhists have started reading Sravaka Pitaka into MP3 format to circulate here and there for those who want to listen.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">VII. Impact and Significance<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>22.<\/strong> <\/span>What impact do you hope this project will have on the learning, practice, and research of Buddhism in Vietnam?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">Learning alone is not enough to help people attain enlightenment. To open the door to liberation, we must combine learning with practice. Anyone who wants to practice the Buddha&#8217;s teachings correctly must seek out the Tripitaka: read it, chant it, listen to it, and study it carefully, only then can we hope not to deviate from the Buddha&#8217;s teachings.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">23.<\/span> <\/strong>What message do you want this project to communicate to future generations of Vietnamese Buddhists?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">The second and third generations of Vietnamese born overseas can generally speak and understand Vietnamese, but their pronunciation often sounds like that of foreigners. Their ability to read and write Vietnamese is very limited. Therefore, we really hope that Vietnamese mothers will teach their children to read, write, speak and understand Vietnamese, because this is very important. <\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">At the same time, the Youth Leaders of the Vietnamese Buddhist Family abroad should also make an effort to use Vietnamese to teach the children so that they can read this Tripitaka. As for future generations born in Vietnam, there is probably no need to mention them. I really hope that future generations should start reading whenever they can; if they only look at the Tripitaka without reading it, the Sutras, Vinayas, and Abhidharmas will forever remain on the shelves. The Germans have a proverb: Ohne Anfang Ohne Ende (Without a beginning, there is no end).<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">VIII. Honoring the Legacy of the Most Venerable Th\u00edch Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>24.<\/strong><\/span> As the successor, what specific actions have you taken to preserve, promote and expand the vision of the Most Venerable Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9?<\/span><\/p>\n<div><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">When the Most Venerable Th\u00edch Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9 was still alive, some monastic people overseas asked me to convey an invitation for him to assume the position of Tripitaka Dharma Master of Vietnamese Buddhism. However, he tactfully declined and humbly replied: \u201cThe Venerable Elders before me had many more merits and contributions than me, but none of them dared to accept this honorary title, so how could I dare to accept it?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">But in my opinion, at some point the Vietnamese Tripitaka Translation Committee will formally submit a request to the Institute for Sangha Supreme Patriarch to at least posthumously confer the title Vietnamese Tripitaka Dharma Master on the 18 most meritorious people in translating this Sutra in the forthcoming future.<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">25.<\/span><\/strong> What challenges have you faced when taking on the role of leading a scholarly project associated with such a famous monk?<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">When the Most Venerable Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9 was still receiving medical treatment in Japan in 2021-2022, he called me directly from Japan to Germany and asked me to do some things. I willingly followed his requests and wishes, such as campaigning to establish the Dharma Propagation Council and then the Vietnamese Tripitaka Translation Committee. I told him that I am not proficient in ancient languages such as Sanskrit, Pali, and Tibetan. I only know a few living languages such as Japanese, German, and Chinese. How can I take on this heavy responsibility?<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">The Most Venerable replied: \u201cThat matter has already been taken care of by others. Indeed, although the Most Venerable Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9 passed away nearly two years ago, the project he founded is still enthusiastically maintained and developed by many Venerable and lay Buddhist devotees until today. This is truly a fortunate blessing for our Vietnamese Buddhism.\u201d<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>26.<\/strong><\/span> In the process of carrying out the project, are there any official activities to recognize or honor the contributions of the Most Venerable Elder Master Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9?<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">No one does not admire the Most Venerable Th\u00edch Tu\u1ec7 S\u1ef9. It is just a pity that he passed away rather soon; thus, Vietnamese Buddhism has lost a talented and virtuous Master, a scholar and practitioner who devoted his whole life to the Nation and the Dharma. Therefore, I hope that the proposal to posthumously confer on him the title of Tripitaka Dharma Master of Vietnamese Buddhism in the near future is also a legal, honorable, and well-deserved act.<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">IX. <strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Long-Term Succession and Development<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">27.<\/span><\/strong> Do you have a vision for how this project can be sustained, developed, and completed by future generations?<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">In French, there is a proverb: \u201cQue sera, sera\u201d \u2013 which means \u201cWhatever will come, will come.\u201d Therefore, we should regularly recite the Discourse on the Single Excellent Night (131. Bhaddekaratta Sutta) to keep our minds calm and steady in what we are doing in the present. For whatever happens tomorrow is truly the result of what we do today.<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>28.<\/strong><\/span> Are you currently mentoring or preparing a young generation of scholars capable of continuing the vision and depth of this work?<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">There is an American proverb: \u201cIf you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.\u201d We, the Vietnamese Tripitaka Translation Committee, are applying this saying to the succession and continuing training of the younger generation, the path that the Venerable Masters have worked hard to build over the past centuries.<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">Thank you S\u01b0 C\u00f4 so much for your interview.<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 170%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\">Th\u00edch Nh\u01b0 \u0110i\u1ec3n<\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><strong><span style=\"font-size: 150%; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/tv\/van-dap-ke-thua-va-phat-trien-viec-hoan-thien-thanh-dien-tam-tang-tieng-viet-di-san-van-hoa-tam-linh-phat-giao\/\">https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/tv\/van-dap-ke-thua-va-phat-trien-viec-hoan-thien-thanh-dien-tam-tang-tieng-viet-di-san-van-hoa-tam-linh-phat-giao\/<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Most Ven. Th\u00edch Nh\u01b0 \u0110i\u1ec3n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Ven. Th\u00edch Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Bhikkhuni Kh\u00e1nh N\u0103ng I. Introduction: Commemoration and Recognition Namo Amitabha Buddha https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cN-YFcGojoo&amp;list=PL7hSPEhKYWcDLX0XzzBJIrAvIeWx7-Okb&amp;index=4 Thank you S\u01b0 C\u00f4 for your introduction, and I will say a few words in English to greet the listeners. Then I will present in [&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":12718,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[764,231,224,247,536,331],"tags":[763],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12717"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12717"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12717\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12728,"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12717\/revisions\/12728"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12718"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12717"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12717"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12717"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}