The Evolution of Team-Based Buddhist Scripture Translation in Tang China United in Dharma

Open Access

This open-access book provides a concise analysis of the apex of team-based translation of Buddhist scriptures during the Tang Dynasty, initiated by the notable gathering of translation experts led by Prabhakaramitra. Showcasing the diverse and innovative strategies of translators who joined forces to surmount barriers, this work highlights how their collaborative translation efforts facilitated the spread of Buddhist teachings throughout China. This book brings to light the often overlooked yet crucial roles of these translation teams and examines their organizational structures, translation processes, and the distinct roles of individual members, offering critical insights into the cultural and religious fabric of the period. By enhancing our understanding of the complex dynamics within these institutions, this work also addresses a significant gap in the historical study of sutra translation in medieval China. It is an essential resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of Buddhism, translation studies, and Chinese history.

Introduction.- Tracing the Origins: Pre-Tang Translation Models.- Dawn of a New Era: Translation Efforts in Early Tang.- The Golden Age: Tang Translation Initiatives in Full Swing.- Fortitude in Flux: The Persistence of Translation Activities in the Changing Landscape of the Late Tang Period.- Conclusion.

Siu Sai Yau is an Assistant Professor in the School of Translation and Foreign Languages at the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) and the Director of the Research Centre for Translation of Buddhist Texts (RCTBT). He obtained his PhD in Translation from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). His research interests include Buddhist scripture translation, translation history, Chinese studies, and digital humanities and AI. He has been awarded RGC research grants over the years for his work in translation history using state-of-the-art computational methods. He has conducted public workshops and talks on innovative AI-powered tools for translation studies at various organizations, including Fu Jen Catholic University, Kansai University, the Official Languages Division (Civil Service Bureau, HKSAR), and the Hong Kong Translation Society. In addition to publishing academic papers and monographs on the history of translation and intercultural communication, he has developed web-based applications for digital history and language learning, utilizing HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, and Python.