Introduction

Under the guidance of Venerable Professor Dhammajoti (法光法師/教授), The Research Centre for Translation of Buddhist Texts (佛學文獻翻譯研究中心 RCTBT) at HSUHK is honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Stephen Suen (孫漢明博士) and Dr. Eliza Fok (霍何綺華博士) on the publication and promotion of the Abhidharmakośabhāṣya (AKB) (《阿毗達磨俱舍論》). This project aims to produce an accurate and authentic translation, making this seminal work in Buddhist philosophy more accessible to a wider audience through a high-quality publication and an engaging digital platform.

Project Objectives

Our goal is to publish a complete and accurate translation of the Abhidharmakośabhāṣya under the guidance of Venerable Professor Dhammajoti, with the generous support and expertise of Dr. Stephen Suen and Dr. Eliza Fok, both renowned scholars in Buddhist studies. This translation will be published in phases, prioritizing key chapters to ensure a timely and methodical release of this significant text.

In addition to the translation, we are committed to developing an innovative and user-friendly digital platform that will make the Abhidharmakośabhāṣya available to a global audience. This platform will feature a side-by-side display of the original text and its translations, alongside multimedia resources and interactive tools designed to engage scholars, students, and Buddhist enthusiasts alike.

To ensure efficiency and accuracy in the translation process, we will also utilize the Centre's self-developed AI applications. These tools will assist in maintaining consistency, managing complex terminology, and streamlining the publication workflow, allowing our team to focus on delivering a high-quality translation that adheres to the highest academic standards.

Started:
Aug 2024

Work on the 1st chapter is underway.

6+ Scholars

A team of 6+ expert scholars is guiding the project.

We are committed to at least 3 years of focused research and translation.

1. Phased Publication

The Abhidharmakośabhāṣya will be divided into sections for phased publication, guided by Venerable Professor Dhammajoti. Key chapters will be prioritized based on expert advice, with realistic deadlines set according to the text's complexity and the team's capacity.

2. Digital Platform Development

A user-friendly digital platform will be created to host the Abhidharmakośabhāṣya translations. Features include responsive design, side-by-side Sanskrit, Chinese, and English texts, multilingual audio recordings, advanced search, an interactive glossary, discussion forums, and multimedia resources. User testing and feedback will ensure continuous improvement.

3. AI Application Integration

The Centre's AI tools will streamline the translation process, including a translation memory system for consistency, a terminology tool for accuracy, and quality assurance to catch errors. These tools will be refined based on project needs and expert feedback.

Significance

This project constitutes a significant contribution to the field of Buddhist studies and to the understanding of the Abhidharmakośabhāṣya in particular. By providing new, accessible translations of this important text, along with a powerful web-based application for accessing and studying it, the project will help to promote the Buddha's teachings and facilitate further research into the Abhidharma tradition among a wider, international audience.

The involvement of Venerable Professor Dhammajoti, Dr. Stephen Suen, and Dr. Eliza Fok, all renowned scholars in the field, will ensure the academic rigor and quality of the project's outputs. Their guidance and expertise will be invaluable in navigating the complexities of the text and its various translations and annotations.

This project also represents a stimulating opportunity to apply cutting-edge technology to the study of a classic Buddhist text, and to make the insights of the Abhidharmakośabhāṣya available to a broader audience than ever before. With the support of the donors and the dedication of our research team, we are confident that this project will be a major success and a lasting contribution to the field of Buddhist studies.

Translation Project of the Abhidharmakośabhāṣya (AKB)