Turtle

"Imagine that the whole earth was covered with water, and a man was to throw a yoke with a hole in it into the water. Blown by the wind, that yoke would drift north, south, east and west. Now, suppose that once in hundred years a blind turtle would rise to the surface. What do you think? Would that turtle put his head through the hole in the yoke as he rose to the surface once in a hundred years?"

"It is unlikely Lord."

"Well, it is just as unlikely that one will be born as a human being; it is just unlikely that a Tathagata, a Noble One, a fully enlightened Buddha should arise in the world; and it is just as unlikely that the Dhamma and discipline of the Tathagata should be taught. But now you have been born as a human being, a Tathagata has arisen and the Dhamma has been taught. Therefore, strive to realize the Four Noble Truths."

Sunday, January 09, 2011

智慧书第四段

I find that my english translation of the chinese version is quite "unprofessional" compared to the original English text, and even loses some of its context.

I wonder if I'm a bad translator. On the other hand, are these what we have to accept of other translations in print? Of novels or sacred texts or news or etc..

004 知识与勇气比重

知识与勇气是成就伟业的必要元素。他们能使人不休，因为它们本身就是不朽的存在。掌握知识的多少是与你的成就成正比的。真正的智者，可以摧枯拉朽，一往无前。无知的人，和瞎子没什么区别。智慧与力量，好比眼睛和双手。而徒有知识却缺乏勇气，最终也是徒劳无货。

My own translation:
004 Knowledge and courage are equally important
Knowledge and courage are the main elements for success. These two qualities can make a person immortal, as their existence themselves are immortal. How much one is able to attain wisdom, is related to the degree of success of oneself. A truly wise person can eliminate withering and delay death, once moving forward there’s no boundary which exists. A fool on the other hand, is of no difference to a blind person. Knowledge and courage, is like one’s eyes and hands. One with only knowledge but lacking in courage, in the end will be pure toil with bearing no fruit.

ttg
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