Translator Monkey > Recent Status Updates

I've got to finish this, haven't I?

Including juvenile words for bodily functions in Chapter 4 is unnecessary and unwelcome for a serious religious text. I understand there are dark sections (in this case, samsara) that some might feel demand a lightening of tone, but there are other ways of doing it than including references to "ka-ka," "poo-poo," and "pi-pi". I've never read anything comparable in Shantideva's original text.

There is no better way in the world to get my attention than to start a book off like this one.

Can't get over how outstanding the writing is on this set of books. Absolutely Nobel worthy.

This has to be at least the tenth time I've read this amazing set of books.

The Translator's Preface disingenuously and disappointingly suggests that cancer and AIDS are examples of the results of previous negative karma, and makes the further suggestion that adherence to practicing the Eight Mahayana Precepts will contribute to the end to "all epidemic diseases, cancer, AIDS, and all other sicknesses." Fairly shameful representation of Mahayana, if you ask me.

This is - so far - a hell of a ride.

This is a hell of a read.

I'm officially at the point of this book that a friend of mine - whose taste in books I truly admire and respect - decided enough was enough. I'm teetering, because there are elements that drive me clean up the wall, and other elements that make me want to keep reading, just to resolve some questions. But damn, seeing that this is apparently the first book in a series, I'm questioning my decisions.

This is taking a while, but man, is it sublime writing.