The Ka-Ter Translation Project

The Ka-ter Translation Project is the most important translation projects within the Dzogchen Community and is bringing enormous benefit for the present and future generation.

Introduction by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

 I am happy to announce the initiation of a new project from Shang Shung Institute Austria. This project is called the Ka-ter Translation Project. The name Ka-ter comes from Kama and Terma; Kama means all the original texts of teachings and Tibetan culture that has existed for centuries and centuries until now, and Terma means hidden treasures of texts and objects rediscovered by Tertons in the correct time or moment.We have many very ancient texts and objects related with Kama or Terma in Tibet. The Ka-ter Project includes several activities: the Training for Translators from Tibetan, the translation and publication of the Dzogchen Tantras, and the project for the preservation of the Terma teachings of the great Terton Changchub Dorje and so on. Soon to begin is a collaboration of Shang Shung Institute with several universities. I hope that this initiative will be very important for all the people interested in the Teachings and Tibetan culture. In order to become familiar with the unique knowledge of the ancient masters of Tibet, one must comprehend their scriptures and precious texts and make them available for future generations in Western language in a precise and correct translation.The Ka-ter Translation Project is an important step in that direction. I really hope that all of you who interested in this area will support this project, directly or indirectly, and collaborate with its various aspects. You are really welcome to collaborate on this project!With many Tashi Delegs,Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

History of the project

The work on translation of unique and sacred Tibetan texts has always been an important task of the Shang Shung Institute. The crucial point of this work is to guarantee qualified translations of the ancient wisdom, knowledge and experience of Tibetan culture into western languages. But good and experienced translators are very rare, because it is really extremely difficult to become a qualified translator as one has to put so much diligence, devotion and dedication into his studies and work for many years. In the last fifteen years several translation projects were set off in the Dzogchen Community and many texts were translated, most of them by Adriano Clemente. Also Jim Valby has spent many years on the translation of Dzogchen Tantras.

To train people to develop their skills to translate correctly from Tibetan has been a long-lasting idea and hope of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. In 2002 Rinpoche suggested that the Shang Shung Institute Austria could take over the task of raising the funds and organizing this project and finally the preparations started. Rinpoche appointed the Tibetologist Elio Guarisco to be the instructor of the Training for Translators. 

In summer 2004 Rinpoche enlarged the tasks regarding translations and initiated the Ka-ter Translation Project :

He suggested that a small team of three qualified translators - Adriano Clemente, Elio Guarisco and Jim Valby - should take over the responsibility for the translation of the Dzogchen Tantras, that Elio Guarisco should continue to be responsible for the Training for Translators and that the Shang Shung Institute Austria should collaborate with the Shang Shung Institute of America regarding the preservation of the unique collection of the Tantras of Changchub Dorje, the master of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Further on Rinpoche proposed a collaboration with universities that have an Orientalistic section attached to them.

In summer 2006 the first translation of the Ka-ter Translation Project was published. It is the latest book of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu on Tibetan Medicine called "On Birth, Life and Death". 

Blessings and wishes from His Holiness, the XIV. Dalai Lama to our new project

On the 15th of January 2005 Oliver Leick, the director of the Shang Shung Institute Austria, received the following mail from the Office of Dalai Lama:

Dear Mr. Oliver Leick, His Holiness is pleased to learn about the Ka-ter Translation Project which is an initiative aimed at spreading and deepening knowledge of Tibetan culture and to ensure its survival. This is what we Tibetans have been trying to do ever since we have been in exile. His Holiness sends you His blessings and wishes your project success.

Best wishes, Tenzin Geyche Tethong