Training
Khyentse Vision Project offers a two-year Training & Internship Program to promising translators, targeting the skills required to confidently translate texts from the wide range of genres found in the Khyentse Wangpo collections.
Our Goal
Many aspiring translators have solid Tibetan language skills but lack the experience and expertise to work independently on the wide-ranging and often complex texts found in the Khyentse Wangpo collections. Our team of translators provides trainees with targeted training to help them fine-tune their translation skills.
Our Program
In Year One, trainees learn translation and research methodology over the course of a three-part program that is tailored to working with the the Khyentse Wangpo collections.
During Part One of the first year, participants attend weekly workshops led by Khyentse Vision Project translators and guest experts while carrying out a rigorous course of independent and collaborative assignments. During Part Two, trainees attend an intensive classical reading seminar at Rangjung Yeshe Institute. Finally, during Part Three, trainees work closely with Khyentse Vision Project translators in a guided mentorship where they learn the ins and outs of crafting a polished translation.
Participants who meet Year One assessment criteria are invited to complete an internship during the second year. As interns, they select a text and translate it under the guidance of a senior translator, then work with an editor to bring their project to publication.
Guest Expert Workshops
Translating Khyentse Wangpo
work with style & poetic technique in target language; understand importance of lineage & experience in translation
Genre:
supplication, poetry
Translating Philosophy & Commentaries
Genre: philosophy, commentaries
Creating Inspiring & Polished English Translations
engage with target language sources on style, process & poetic form; understand relevance of linguistic history
Genre: prose, poetry
Translating Biographies, Colloquial Language & Songs
conduct genre-relevant research; understand historical & cultural context of biographical literature
Genre: biography, song
Tibetan Grammar, Language & Source Text Familiarity
work with source texts; demonstrate familiarity with editions & history of source collections
Genre: philology, karchak
Translating Sādhana & Practice Liturgies
identify structure & form of sādhana; conduct background research for translation of liturgical texts
Genre: sādhana
Creating Metered Verse in English for Chanting
work with style, process & poetic form; create metered verse in target language
Genre: supplications, praises
Tantric materials and sensory objects
translate technical vocabulary; consider associated terms
Genre: tantra
The translation process
work effectively with advisors & experts; apply a systematic approach to translation
Genre: source text collections
In-House Workshops
Life & Times of Khyentse Wangpo; Understanding Poetry
become familiar with the historical times of Khyentse Wangpo & the Rime movement; discuss effective poetic techniques in English
Genre: supplication, poetry
Work with Expert Traditional Advisors
prepare translations for review; identify & address questions
Genre: vajra songs, mind training
Khyentse Wangpo & the Sakya Tradition
understand importance of tradition & lineage in applying translation methodology
Genre: Sakya tradition material
Review of Praise to Tangtong Gyalpo
identify symbolic language & decipher esoteric expression; understand Tantric textual context
Genre: anuttarayogatantra texts
The Editorial Workflow Process
collaborate effectively with editors; become familiar with editorial workflow process; work with constructive criticism
Genre: editorial processes
Translating Historical & Geographical Tibetan Texts
work with historical style & language; apply relevant research methods
Genre: history, geography
Language in context
recognize grammar cues in source texts & their impact on meaning; select reference materials
Genre: mind training
The Life of a Translator & the Translation Process
work with style & process; approach restricted texts correctly; appreciate role of lineage & blessings in translation
Genre: treasure cycles
Research in practice
follow textual research guidelines; conduct research for a translation project
Genre: prayers & praises
Khyentse Wangpo’s place in Tibetan literature
gain an overview of texts & genres; identify content crossover with important collections
Genre: text collections
Advanced reading
locate cited works; compare editions; conduct research for a translation project
Genre: advice & intstructions
Khyentse Vision Project Translator Guidelines
apply in-house style guidelines; understand translation standards; work effectively with editors
Genre: style guidelines
Translator Training Program participants
Discover more about our program participants from around the world.
Collaborations with Rangjung Yeshe Institute and Dharma Sagar
Khyentse Vision Project collaborates with Rangjung Yeshe Institute to deliver intensive translation methodology and language training. Since 2021, trainees have attended a range of classes with Rangjung Yeshe Institute, culminating in a special online classical Tibetan reading seminar, led by Khyentse Vision Project translators in collaboration with institute teachers.
We work with Esukhia’s Dharma Sagar program team to trial and evaluate their immersive language training and placement testing, and to share translator resources. We also invite Padmakara translator trainees to join us for Guest Expert Workshops.
Find out more about Khyentse Vision Translator Training
Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about training opportunities and events. The minimum requirement for a trainee to be accepted into our program is three years of classical Tibetan language study at a recognized institution, or equivalent training with a recognized scholar.