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Article published In: Target
Vol. 29:1 (2017) ► pp.64–86

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Recreating the image of Chan master Huineng

The role of personal pronouns

 | Macquarie University |
 | Macquarie University |
Published online: 1 June 2017
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https://doi.org/10.1075/target.29.1.03yu
The article is on the recreation of the image of Chan master Huineng in four English translations of the Platform Sutra through the choice of personal pronouns. Adopting SysConc as analytical tool, the study looks at the use of personal pronouns and the image of Huineng recreated in each translation. In Wong, Mou-Lam. 1930a. Sutra Spoken by the Sixth Patriarch, Wei Lang, on the High Seat of the Gem of Law (Message from the East). Shanghai: Yu Ching Press.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar, the use of we in combination with you presents Huineng as both friendly and authoritative; in Heng, Yin. 1977b. The Sixth Patriarch’s Dharma Jewel Platform Sutra. San Francisco: Buddhist Text Translation Society.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar, Huineng tends to avoid personal pronouns and seems to be detached; in . 1998b. The Sutra of Hui-neng, Grand Master of Zen: with Hui-neng’s Commentary on the Diomand Sutra. Boston: Shambhala Publications.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar, Huineng is more involved in the interaction and uses many I’s as well as you; in Cheng, Kuan. 2011. The Dharmic Treasure Altar-Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch. Taipei: Vairocana Publishing Co.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar, Huineng speaks in an elegant way and uses generic one as personal reference. It is argued that both the choices of personal pronouns and the images of Huineng recreated can be better understood in terms of the context of translation.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Personal pronouns: A systemic functional perspective
    • 2.1System of nominal person
    • 2.2Interpersonal distance and image of Huineng
  • 3.Methodology
    • 3.1Data
    • 3.2Analytical tools and procedures
  • 4.Analysis and findings
    • 4.1Personal pronouns in the four translations
    • 4.2Images of Huineng in four translations
      • 4.2.1An intimate spiritual mentor with authority
      • 4.2.2A detached Chan master
      • 4.2.3A friendly teacher
      • 4.2.4An elegant truth transmitter
    • 4.3Contextual considerations
      • 4.3.1Wong Mou-lam (1932): The first translator and his Western readers
      • 4.3.2Heng Yin (1977): The first Western Buddhist translator and early American Buddhists
      • 4.3.3Thomas Cleary (1998): A professional translator and the general public
      • 4.3.4 Cheng Kuan (2011): An abbot and his disciples
  • 5.Conclusion
  • Note
  • References
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