Establish a Library for the Preservation, Study and Translation of Dharma Texts
The 17th Karmapa’s intention to establish a library and translation team at the Central Coast Center is important for the propagation of Buddhism in the West, and is whole-heartedly supported by Siddhartha Foundation International. In order for Buddhism to take root in new countries, the vast scriptures must be translated properly so that people can truly benefit from the wisdom and compassion of these teachings.
Buddhism arose 2500 years ago in many kingdoms that made up ancient India and from there spread throughout all of Asia. Scholars of great learning traveled to India where they spent many years studying Sanskrit, Pali and other local languages in order to accurately translate the Buddhist scriptures. They also practiced the Buddhist teachings to acquire certain inner knowledge and realize their true meaning. Those studies, practices and translations were carried out under the guidance of highly accomplished Indian Buddhist masters, thereby enabling the scriptures to be translated and taught in an authentic manner. Such translations have benefited innumerable people worldwide ever since. Today, masters who have the ability to teach and guide such translation work are few. Therefore, it is important to apply the traditional approach to translation so that people in the West can also be enriched by these precious teachings.
- Khenpo Chodrag Tenphel Rinpoche
Senior Khenpo of the Karma Kagyu School
Considered
one of the most learned and respected scholars of the Kagyu lineage today, Khenpo
Chodrag Rinpoche was educated in the classic system of monastic colleges of old
Tibet that had been recreated by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa at Rumtek Monastery in
Sikkim, India.
At the age of six, Khenpo Chodrag's family fled their Tibetan homeland due to the impending Chinese invasion. Upon reaching Rumtek three years later, Khenpo began a rigorous spiritual and educational program under the direction of the 16th Karmapa that lasted for 17 years. At the age of twenty-six he earned the highly-respected khenpo degree (equivalent to a PhD in philosophy) and graduated first in his class. Five years later in recognition of his outstanding academic achievements, the 16th Karmapa appointed him to the position of Senior Khenpo. For ten years thereafter, Khenpo served as principal professor of Rumtek's monastic college the Nalanda Institute.
For the past fifteen years, Khenpo Rinpoche has served as Educational Director of the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI) located in New Delhi, India. KIBI was founded by the 14th Shamarpa in fulfillment of the 16th Karmapa's wish to establish an institute of higher learning to foster wisdom and compassion through the proper study and translation of the great treatises of Buddhism. Each year, Khenpo Chodrag teaches extensivley throughout Southeast Asia, Europe and the US.