A View on Buddhism

[JeffC]

From time to time I fantasize about learning Tibetan, with the goal of being able to better understand a wider range of teachings, mantras, etc.

This isn't my highest priority since I know that so many wonderful translations are available but I wonder if anyone has tried this.

The idea would be to focus on keywords so that I could glean the most direct meaning on my own. I realize that truly understaning Tibetan would be a monumental undertaking.

I wonder if anyone has tried this what resources are available. I'm not talking about a glossary but something really geared toward this specific goal.

Thanks in advance,
Jeff

[Mani]

First off, I don't have any suggestions for you, but I think that it is wonderful for you to seriously think about undertaking this task, Jeff!

Even though there are a lot of wonderful translations of both texts and teachings, I'm sure something is still being missed. The ability to learn language would enable one to both read many texts that otherwise would not be available and to understand any teachings attended in their true essence and original language. I think of the analogy of the fact that many Sanskrit words are not translated, as to do so would not narrow down the meaning.

I may be in a similar situation to you as I may decide to learn a second language in order to learn firsthand without the need for translation, and to communicate in general if I ever stay for a period of time.

I would also like to learn some Sanskrit as well. One day, perhaps...

[rudyh01]

Learning Tibetan has many advantages, like;
- studying the original texts first-hand is very different from studying the translations, as you get a much better idea of what the various expressions mean, so your understanding becomes much more detailed
- you can talk to Tibetan teachers directly about problems or for spiritual advice in their own language
- you can be of huge benefit to many others by translating

I gave it a try many years ago, but although I speak several foreign languages, my brain simply refused to absorb any Tibetan words. I suppose I didn't have any good karma in that direction...
It is a difficult language to learn as it does not resemble western languages at all; the grammar, different scripts and different levels of speech (Dharma, everyday and polite Tibetan often have different words for the same thing), but once you obtain a working knowledge of it, the advantages for your own understanding and practice are big.
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Love & clear light,
Rudy

[Mitch White]

No Problem ---

http://www.learntibetan.net/

http://www.learntibetan.net/reviews/lrnprtib.htm

http://www.tibet.com/language/index.html


http://ibanepal.wordpress.com/2008/01/03/how-to-learn-tibetan/


http://www.mylanguageexchange.com/Learn/Tibetan.asp

To study you will need Classical Tibetan,

To speak Central Tibetian probably..
_________________
"Investigate Right Where You're Standing"
Master Chu-hung