Ep47: Tales of Translation - Glenn Mullin

In this episode I am once again joined by Tibetologist, author, and Tantric Buddhism teacher Glenn Mullin. In this fascinating, story-filled episode we focus on Glenn’s career as an author and translator.

GuruViking · Ep47: Glenn Mullin - Tales Of Translation

Glenn has authored over 30 books on Tibetan Buddhism, which themselves have been translated into many languages. He has translated an extremely wide range of classical Tibetan literature from some of the greatest minds of that tradition, including many Dalai Lamas, Tsongkhapa, and more.

We discuss Glenn’s personal journey with the Tibetan language, from gaining fluency in the bars and tea houses of 1970s Dharmsala to studying classic texts with Geshes and Tulkus in exile.

We explore the fascinating history of the art of translation in Tibet, and the evolution of the Tibetan writing system.

Glenn also reveals his stylistic influences as an English language writer, and lays out his process when approaching a new work of translation.

Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.

Topics Include:

0:00 – Intro
1:00 – Glenn’s beginnings as translator in Dharamsala
18:03 – Glenn’s work translating the Dalai Lamas
23:59 – Influences as an English-language writer
28:35 – History of Tibetan language and translation
47:12 – Difficulties learning colloquial Tibetan
49:15 – Unusual advice and gaining fluency
54:10 – Tibetan humour
58:49 – Glenn’s process for approaching a new translation
1:16:13 – Working closely with lineage holders
1:21:11 – The intellectual greatness of Ling Rinpoche, Trijang Rinpoche, and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
1:23:52 – The effect of intense meditation on memory power
1:25:15 – How great masters retain multiple lineages
1:35:22 – Glenn’s favourite of his translations
1:41:55 – Glenn’s opinion of translators today