The world of Tzu Chi February 2021(Vol.131)

2021 • 02 30 After deciding on the contents came the most challenging part, that was, to translate the aphorisms into Malay and Tamil. The Chinese aphorisms are gems of wisdom preached by the Master, where the profound Buddhist teachings are clearly expressed using simple and easy-to- understand everyday words. Hence, to convey the essence of the aphorisms in a different language, the translators must understand the Master’s thoughts. The teachers from Tzu Chi Teachers’ Association, who had been dedicating themselves to Tzu Chi’s mission of education and were well-versed in Malay and Tzu Chi’s philosophy, were the preferred candidates for the translation mission. On October 4, 2014, the Malay aphorism translation team, composed of four educators, had their first meeting to confirm translation principles, terminology standardization and division of work, taking their first step for the long journey. Retired principal Lim Choy Kim, retired senior assistant Wong Chak Keong and teacher Tan Mei Ching each translated the assigned aphorisms before having further discussions among the translation team members to refine the translation. The final stage was editing and proofreading by university lecturer Chong Sok Fong. Throughout the process, the four-person team was always on their toes, faithfully accomplishing the mission. After the first draft was completed, the translation team invited a few readers who understood the Chinese aphorisms to read the Malay The Jing Si aphorisms translated into different languages proved useful in many Tzu Chi’s activities, bringing the ethnic gaps closer. [Photograph by Chooi Kien Keong] pecial Feature