Re: Eng translation of Kacc 1:1

Hi Eisel,

A few additional comments.

> > I do not think it would in any wise be an improvement to use
> > "Excellence" (noun) for "Seyya"; my prefernce for translating with
> > various phrases resembing "one's own betterment" in this context has
> > its grounds (although you may disagree with them). I think that some
> > sense of the reflexive (or: passive) needs to be preserved in the
> > translation.

The difference seems to be that you are basing "betterment" on the
comparative "seyya" (better) and I with my "excellence" on the superlative
(best). A better alternative to "excellence" in my translation might be "the
best" (i.e. the summum bonum).

I repeat your translation of the first line:

"For their own betterment, [many would] follow the ethic of the
all-conquering [Buddha],"

Why have you left out "the wise" (budhaa), the agent? I'm sure "seyya.m" is
the object or patient of "labhanti" (obtain, acquire, gain, etc.). It's
possible to interpret the verb as an attanopada (middle or reflexive voice:
obtain for themselves). The Skt. Dhaatupaatha has it listed as an
atmanepada.

All the Best,
Jim

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