This course is a continuation of LAN530 and is similarly oriented towards reading Tibetan Buddhist texts and literature, largely from the Kagyü and Nyingma traditions. The class is structured as a translation committee. Each student is given an opportunity to read a passage aloud and offer their translation to the group. Then we collectively analyze the translation and discuss difficult points of phrasing and grammar in the context of the specific passage. Through this process the entire group benefits from the insights and mistakes of each participant (including, at times, the instructor).
Time is also allotted to studying Tibetan grammar using a variety of sources, both traditional and modern. Opening and closing chants are done in Tibetan. Students are encouraged to practice the traditional discipline of jor-lo (སྦྱོར་ཀློག) — “reading the connections” as a way to learn how to spell in Tibetan, a very useful skill when working with native Tibetan scholars and speakers. Please plan to budget 3 to 4 hours of preparation time for each class.
Prerequisites:
- LAN 530, LAN531, a similar Tibetan course at an accredited program, or consent of the instructor. Prospective students will be asked to complete an evaluation form.
- If you have not taken LAN530 or LAN531 and are interested in this course, please contact the registrar at eweiss@nitarthainstitute.org
