陶莉居士2026年4月14日晚間於萬佛城大殿

All Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, Venerable Master Hua, all Dharma Masters and Dharma friends, good evening.

諸佛菩薩, 宣公上人, 各位法師、諸位法友，大家晚上好！

My name is Li Tao, I come from New Jersey. I am currently a student at DRBU in the Buddhist Translation Program. The program lasts one year, and I am about to graduate. Today, I would like to share my experiences from this past year of study.

Over the past year, this program has not only given me technical training in translation, but has also transformed the way I understand language, learning, and even my own mind. Looking back, I feel that this year has been both a period of study and a process of inner cultivation.

我叫陶莉，我來自新澤西州,目前就讀於法界佛教大學的佛典翻譯班。這個譯經班為期一年，我也即將畢業。今天，我想和大家分享這一年來的學習心得。在過去的一年裡，這個課程不僅讓我在翻譯技巧上得到訓練，也深刻地改變了我對語言、學習，甚至對自己內心的理解。回顧這一年，我感覺這不只是學習的過程，更是一段內在修行的歷程。

DRBU’s founder, Venerable Master Hsuan Hua, vowed to bring the Buddhadharma to the West and to translate the Buddhist canon into modern languages. In one of his writings, he said, “When I left the home-life, I wanted to find out why such a perfect teaching as Buddhism was studied by so few people in the world. Why were Protestantism and Catholicism so widespread? After looking into it, I discovered that the reason Buddhism has not spread throughout the world is because we, the disciples of the Buddha, have not translated the Buddhist scriptures into the languages of each and every nation. Catholicism and Protestantism, on the other hand, have had the Bible translated into the languages of all countries. The people of every country can read it and immediately understand it.

法界佛教大學的創辦人，宣化上人，發願將佛法傳到西方，並將佛教經典翻譯成現代語言。在他的一篇開示中曾說：「我一出家的時候，就研究為什麼佛教的義理這麼圓滿，但世界上學佛的人卻那麼少，是什麼原因？為什麼耶穌教、天主教，就能那麼普及？研究之後，我才發覺這就是因為我們佛的弟子，沒有把佛教的經典翻譯成各國的語言文字，所以不能普及世界各地。不像天主教、耶穌教，他們將一本《聖經》翻譯成各國的文字，每一個國家的人，一看就懂了。

He Continued, “If we can do this with the Buddhist scriptures, translating them into as many languages as we are able, Buddhism will become a universal teaching even without our wishing it. So, I made a vow when I left the home-life that, even though I don’t know any other language, as long as I’m alive, I will see to it that the Buddhist scriptures are translated into the languages of all countries. That’s my vow. I’m willing to exhaust my abilities to promote this work.”

上人還說, “佛教的經典如果能夠這樣，能翻譯多少國的文字，就翻譯多少國的文字，那你就不求它普及，它也會普及了。所以我出家時就發願，雖然我不懂外國語言，但是在我有生之年，我也要將佛教的經典翻譯成各國的語言、文字，這是我的願力，我願意盡所有的能力來推動這個工作。”

He also said, “The reason we are able to hear the Buddha’s teachings today is entirely due to the efforts of translators throughout the ages; without them, there would be no path of practice. Translating the scriptures is a sacred undertaking that influences generations to come. Individual accomplishments have limited impact, but enabling the Dharma to enter the hearts of people around the world brings benefits that endure far into the future. May we work together so that more people can understand and put the Buddha’s teachings into practice.”

上人又講,「我們今天之所以能聞到佛法，完全仰賴歷代譯經者的努力；若沒有他們，就沒有修行的道路。翻譯經典不只是文化工作，而是一項影響千秋萬世的神聖事業。個人的成就影響有限，但若能讓佛法走入世界人心，利益才是長遠的。願我們共同努力，讓佛法被更多人理解與實踐。」

When I first read Venerable Master Hua’s words, I felt a powerful sense of calling and knew that I wanted to be part of his vision. It was not just an inspiring idea, but something that felt deeply meaningful and necessary. That was one of the main reasons I decided to join the translation program.

Now that nearly a full academic year has passed, I can clearly see how much my understanding of translation has changed. More importantly, I have begun to see translation not only as a skill, but as a responsibility and a form of practice.

當我第一次讀到上人的這些開示，心裡感受到一種強烈的使命感，很希望能夠加入宣化上人的宏願。那不只是一個令人感動的理想，更是一件深具意義、且非常必要的事情。這也是我決定加入佛典翻譯班的主要原因之一。如今，一個學年即將結束，我可以很清楚地看到自己在翻譯理解上的轉變。更重要的是，我開始體會到，翻譯不僅僅是一項技能，更是一種責任，也是一種修行。

First, the program helped me recognize and correct some of my misconceptions about translation. Initially, I understood translation as a mechanical, word-for-word transfer of meaning. However, through studying translation theory and the work of earlier translators, I came to see how factors such as audience, culture, and the translator’s own interpretive choices shape every translation. These elements influence both the effectiveness and the style of the final work. I also came to appreciate the insights of well-known translators, both ancient and modern, whose experiences have made this journey truly eye-opening.

首先，這個課程幫助我認識並修正了自己對翻譯的一些誤解。起初，我將翻譯理解為一種機械式、逐字逐句的語言轉換。然而，透過學習翻譯理論以及前輩譯者的作品，我逐漸明白，讀者對象、文化背景以及譯者自身的理解與抉擇，都會影響每一個翻譯成果。這些因素同時塑造了譯文的效果與風格。我也從古今中外許多優秀譯者的經驗中獲得啟發，讓整個學習過程變得非常開闊而深刻。

In many ways, translation starts as an internal exchange, a process of first coming to understand the text for oneself before presenting it to others. The goal is not simply to transpose words between languages, but to convey the living spirit and deeper meaning of the message. When a teaching truly resonates within me, I trust that this inner clarity will carry through the translation and be sensed by those who read it.

在許多層面，翻譯始于一種內在的交流, 在與他人分享之前，先自己理解文本、與經文相應的過程。翻譯的目標不僅僅是將詞語從一種語言轉換為另一種語言，更在於傳達其中鮮活的精神與深層的意義。當一段法義在我內心產生共鳴時，我相信這種內在的清明也會貫穿于翻譯之中，並被讀者所感知。

In our group translation work, each participant begins by independently completing different stages of the process: primary translation, review, and editing. Then, during group sessions, we finalize the translation together. I deeply value this collaborative approach, as it draws on each person’s linguistic strengths and allows everyone to contribute meaningfully. It creates space to clarify difficult words and concepts collectively.

在我們的小組翻譯中，每位成員會先獨立完成不同階段的工作，包括初譯、審校與潤稿，之後再在小組討論中共同定稿。這種方式和中國古代翻譯佛經的譯場有很多共同之處, 我非常認同這樣的合作方式，因為它能夠結合每個人的語言專長，讓大家都能充分參與，也為共同釐清艱深詞句與觀念提供了空間。

Working in a group is far more effective than working individually. Through discussion, each member presents their understanding, which deepens our collective grasp of the text and helps clarify nuanced meanings. I find this approach not only intellectually enriching but also spiritually rewarding, as it fosters shared inquiry, patience, and mutual respect.

相較於個人獨立工作，小組合作更為有效。透過討論，每位成員都可以提出自己的理解，進一步加深我們對文本的整體掌握，也有助於釐清細微而重要的意涵。我覺得這樣的過程不僅在學術上收穫豐富，在修行上也同樣具有意義，因為它培養了共同探究的精神、耐心以及彼此尊重的學術氣氛。

It is also a humbling experience. When I see my work revised – sometimes completely – it sometimes feels like a serious personal attack, but I have to admit that the changes always improve my own version. Equally important is the respect we show for one another’s perspectives. This spirit of openness enables us to work harmoniously and productively, creating an environment where collaboration is both effective and rewarding. I truly enjoy group translation and have learned a great deal from it.

這同時也是一種令人謙卑的經驗。當我看到自己的譯文被大幅修改時，失落之餘我常常發現修改後的譯文確實更好。更重要的是，我們彼此尊重不同的觀點與見解。這種開放與尊重的氛圍，使我們能夠和合共事，也讓整個翻譯過程既愉快又有成效。我非常喜歡參與小組翻譯，也從中學到了很多。

Another realization I have gained is how effective translation can be as a form of spiritual practice for personal cultivation. The Buddhist canon presents itself as a vehicle for wisdom and liberation—a set of tools for self-transformation. Translating the scriptures is, in fact, a noble form of practice, one that encompasses a lot of the spirit of the bodhisattva path.

我的另一個重要的體會，是翻譯本身也可以成為一種非常有效的修行方式。佛教經典本身就是通往智慧與解脫的載體，是自我轉化的重要工具。而翻譯經典，其實是一種極為殊勝的修行，蘊含了菩薩道的許多精神。

In one of our classes called reading seminar, we are studying the Avataṃsaka Sūtra, the chapter on the Practices and Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. As I study the sutra, it became clear to me how deeply interconnected the translation of Buddhist texts is with the practices and vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva.

在我們的一門「閱讀研討課」中，我們正在研讀《華嚴經》〈普賢菩薩行願品〉。在閱讀的過程中，我逐漸體會到，佛典翻譯與普賢菩薩的行願之間，有著非常緊密的關聯。

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva proclaims to Sudhana and the assembly of bodhisattvas the Ten Great Vows: paying homage to all Buddhas, praising the Tathāgata, making vast offerings, repenting karmic obstacles, rejoicing in others’ merit, requesting the turning of the Dharma wheel, requesting the Buddha to remain in the world, constantly learning from the Buddha, according with sentient beings, and universally dedicating merit. These ten vows are supreme practices for attaining Buddhahood and also a profound path guiding beings toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

普賢菩薩為善財童子及諸菩薩所宣說的十種廣大行願，即：禮敬諸佛、稱讚如來、廣修供養、懺悔業障、隨喜功德、請轉法輪、請佛住世、常隨佛學、恆順眾生、普皆回向。這十大願是成就佛果的極高行持，也是引導眾生往生西方極樂世界的殊勝途徑。

In relation to the translation of Buddhist scriptures, translating the canon is the most concrete expression of “making vast offerings” in the form of Dharma-offering. As taught in the Avataṃsaka Sūtra, “Among all offerings, the offering of the Dharma is supreme.” Translators make offerings to the Buddha through their body, speech, and mind, while also transmitting the Buddha’s wisdom to sentient beings. This represents the highest form of Dharma-offering, one that transcends the material and directly benefits the minds and lives of beings.

對應到佛經翻譯來說, 翻譯經典是「廣修供養」的「法供養」最具體的展現。在《華嚴經》的教導中，有一句非常重要的話： 「一切供養中，法供養為最。」譯者用身語意業供養佛陀, 更包含將佛陀的智慧傳遞給眾生, 是一種最高層次的法供養，超越了物質，直接利益眾生的心靈與生命。

Furthermore, the scriptures are regarded as the Buddha’s “Dharma-body relics.” To respect and translate them, thereby ensuring the long abiding of the true Dharma, is in fact part of “paying homage to the Buddhas” through reverence for the Dharma jewel. When we encounter the Buddha’s teachings, receive them with joy and faith, and then translate them into modern languages so that more people may share in their benefits, this is “rejoicing in merit.” At the same time, it is also the highest form of praise and gratitude to the Buddha, as in “praising the Tathāgata.”

再者, 經典被稱為佛的「法身舍利」，尊重經典、翻譯經典，使正法久住, 其實是在「禮敬諸佛」中敬重法寶的一環。我們看到佛陀的經教, 歡喜信受, 以此歡喜心把經典翻譯成現代語言讓更多的人同沾法益, 這就是「隨喜功德」, 同時也是對佛陀最高形式的讚嘆、感恩, 這是「稱讚如來」.

The process of translation brings the Dharma to life through concrete action and allows it to remain in the world for a long time—this is “requesting the Buddha to abide in the world.” Enabling the Dharma wheel to continue turning across different languages and cultures is “requesting the turning of the Dharma wheel.” Translating in accordance with the needs of sentient beings, making the teachings understandable and practicable, is an expression of “accord with sentient beings,” allowing countless beings to hear the Dharma, cultivate the path, and awaken.

翻譯的過程是透過實際行動，讓佛法「活起來」, 讓佛法能夠長久住世，就是一種「請佛住世」. 讓法輪在不同語言與文化中持續轉動, 就是「請轉法輪」. 順應眾生的需要翻譯經典，讓佛法變得可理解、可實踐, 即為「恒順眾生」的表現, 讓無數眾生得以聞法、修行、開悟。

At the same time, in the process of translation, the translators naturally “constantly learn from the Buddha”. By relying on the scriptures to refine body, speech, and mind, and by transforming themselves through wisdom and altruistic action, this also constitutes “repentance of karmic obstacles” on the level of principle.

From this, we can see that translating the scriptures is an exceptionally noble practice that embodies many core aspects of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra’s conduct.

譯者在翻譯經典的同時一定會「常隨佛學」, 依據經典修正身語意, 透過智慧與利他行來轉化自身, 屬於理上的「懺悔業障」.

從這裡我們可以看出，翻譯經典其實是一種極其殊勝的修行，蘊含了普賢菩薩行願中的許多核心精神。

The Venerable Master Hsuan Hua and many of his disciples made the great compassionate vow to bring the Buddhadharma to the West. Overcoming numerous difficulties and obstacles, he established an efficient system for scripture translation, founding the International Translation Institute, the Buddhist Text Translation Society, and Dharma Realm Buddhist University. Because of these efforts, I now have the opportunity to participate in this Buddhist translation program and to learn this Exceptional & effective path of cultivation. For this, I am deeply grateful.

宣化上人以及他的許多弟子，發下了將佛法傳到西方的廣大悲願。在克服種種困難與障礙之後，上人建立了一套高效的譯經體系，創立了國際譯經院、佛經翻譯委員會，以及法界佛教大學。正因為有這些努力，我今天才有機會參與這個佛經翻譯課程，學習這樣一個殊勝的修行方法，對此我心中充滿感恩。

What deeply moves me is that this work is not merely academic or linguistic—it is a living continuation of the Buddha’s wisdom in the world. Each sentence we translate is like building a bridge, allowing the Dharma to cross boundaries of language, culture, and time. Though our individual efforts may seem small, when they are guided by right intention and collective wisdom, they become part of something vast and enduring.

最令我感動的是，這項工作不僅僅是學術或語言上的工作，它更是讓佛陀智慧在世間延續的一種真實實踐。我們所翻譯的每一句話，都像是在搭建一座橋樑，使佛法能跨越語言、文化與時代的界限。或許個人的力量看似微小，但當這份努力建立在正確的發心與集體智慧之上時，就會成為一項深遠而長久的事業。

Before I close, I would like to share a passage from the Venerable Master: “Propagating the Dharma is a very important task, but the translation of Sutras is even more important in terms of the propagation of Buddhism as a whole. I hereby seek out those who share the same aspirations as I have. Let us all stand together and work hard in cooperation to translate the Sutras, using everyone’s wisdom.”

在結束之前，我想再與大家分享上人的一段話：
「弘揚佛法是很重要的任務，但是翻譯經典對於佛教的弘揚更是重要。所以在此徵求志同道合的人，我們大家站在一起，用大家的智慧共同為譯經工作而努力。」

These words are not only an encouragement, but also a call to responsibility. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, the need for clear, accurate, and living translations of the Dharma has never been greater. Each of us, in our own way, can take part, whether by translating, supporting, or simply rejoicing in this work.

這段話不僅是一種鼓勵，更是一種責任的召喚。在這個日益緊密連結的世界中，清晰、準確且能夠活用的佛法翻譯，比以往任何時候都更加重要。我們每一個人，都可以以自己的方式參與其中——無論是親自翻譯、護持支持，或只是隨喜讚歎，都是在成就這項事業。

I sincerely encourage everyone to join in the effort in Buddhist translation. No matter what, you will certainly learn something, and perhaps, more importantly, you will come to understand yourself more deeply, and discover new ways to connect with the Dharma.

我誠摯地鼓勵大家參加佛經翻譯的工作。無論如何，你一定會有所收穫；更重要的是，你會更深入地認識自己，並找到與佛法更深的連結。

Thank you all for your attention.

謝謝大家。