..續本文上一頁che on his teaching tours abroad, I did not envy the architecture there, or the comfort of life. But if I saw a bookshop with very good books, I became overjoyed; or encountering intellectuals who thirsted for knowledge, I greatly admired them. This was not a sudden impulse; I am still like that now. I believe that throughout my life, I will remain drawn to the pursuit of knowledge. Therefore, when I know that many students here are also in search of truth, that we share a common goal, I am truly happy.

　　The various traditions within Tibetan Buddhism – Gelug, Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyu, Jonang, all have particularly long history. Each lineage has a very complete system of studying, contemplating, and practicing the Dharma. Their systematic study is especially worthy of praise. When you have the time you should acquaint yourself with it. I have been to many universities, but I discovered that the method of study and contemplation in universities are completely different to Buddhist academies in the Tibetan region. In the Tibetan region, many people are very diligent in their studies, they tend to sleep little at night, disregard the harshness of life, and so long as they can obtain the truth, they are willing to overcome any difficulties. Through such tempering, the eventual fruits are also very gratifying. Yet with many university students, the conditions for their studies are too comfortable, they are surrounded by many causes for distraction that often tempt them, so it is difficult to develop their latent wisdom. Thus, I hope that each of you here can do your best to avoid some of the messy things that poison and delude the mind. Otherwise, one easily falls into the trap of seeking pleasures that sap the spirit, and lose the ability to truly focus on studies.

　　I see that many of you are involved in translations. Translation requires a single-minded focus to ensure its accuracy, otherwise, there may end up many laughable mistakes. A while ago, a relatively well-known person translated some of my university talks into Tibetan. I heard that he has translated many books before. When he showed me the draft translation, I found that he translated “son of a “stone woman” (female with imperforate hymen)” as “son of a stone daughter”. In fact, “stone woman” refers to a woman who cannot reproduce, who cannot possibly have a son. So in Buddhism, it is a frequently used analogy to describe things that cannot possibly exist. Having translated it into “son of a stone daughter”, while a “stone daughter” also cannot have a son, so in meaning it kind of made sense, but it is very different to the original meaning. When I read this, I had a good long chuckle at home. This also frequently happened during translations from Sanskrit to Tibetan. It is really important that as far as possible, translations should remain faithful to the original meaning.

　　The materials we translate may not be valued today, but perhaps in future generations they will have significant impact on humanity. There are some historical figures whose translations or works were not widely recognized during their times. Those around them, out of jealousy, either poured cold water on their enthusiasm or ignored their works. But slowly, because their intentions were pure, their works eventually came to benefit society. Even if they do not benefit, they definitely would not harm.

　　In this day and age, there are fewer and fewer who whole-heartedly focus on learning and knowledge. The poems and verses that people like to quote basically all originate from the Tang and Song Dynasties. Contemporary poems and verses are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn”s horn. Perhaps it is due to an overabundance of material wealth resulting in the human mind being scattered outwards and not able to …

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