after days of deliberation, the time has come for us to kickstart the
long awaited project. I would like to again mention the nature and
objective of the project to allay any anxiety and tension, and to
shape the right expectations of this project.
First of all, this project is not meant to sideline any other English
translation of the Anguttara Nikaya. I do not say this to please the
scholars. In fact, we will be making frequent references to the other
translations. We have many resourceful members who may even provide
references from non-English sources. We also have many experienced
and insightful members who would guide us with savvy and rationality.
It is not our intent to produce a competing translation either. On
the contrary, we will be using the available translations as the
basis of our project. I believe we can only scale greater heights by
standing on the shoulders of the giants.
This project recognises the importance of the Nikayas as the
doctrinal basis of Theravada Buddhism, and serves to bring to life
the actual Pali texts by presenting them alongside a language in
popular use, i.e. English. The process, we call, translation. By
undertaking this project, we provide a common space for Pali students
worldwide to come together, and share their knowledge and
perspectives of both the Pali language and the Buddha's teaching, a
privilege available only to monastics and scholars in the past.
We shall start with only the Book of Ones, but switch to a dual track
to have the Book of Twos in parallel later, and then proceed
sequentially to the Book of Elevens. I estimate it will take us
between five to eight years to complete the entire nikaya. The
projected timeline is to keep us focused, not to rush us through the
project. There will be more considerations on quality than quantity.
As usual, participating members are encouraged to make constructive
suggestions in the areas of project management, and help others
foster better reading skills or gain better understanding.
This project is unique in many ways. The renewed interest of the
Buddhadhamma worldwide, and the use of infocommunication technology
as a vehicle to perpetuate that interest is the primary inspiration
of the project. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion. We would
be flexible enough to accommodate different levels of commitment,
without losing track of time. Having a right balance is essential if
we were to finish the project at all.
With this, I look forward to your participation and contribution to
the project.