Bodhicaryavatara

Recently, I have a chance to look at 3 different translations of the Santideva's Bodhicaryavatara. They are translated by:

1. Kate Crosby & Andrew Skilton (Oxford World's Classics)
2. Stephen Batchelor (Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, hereafter, LTWA)
3. Padmakara Translation Group (Shambhala)

The Shambhala translation is terse. They have footnotes rather than endnotes. This is a great convenience to a novice reader. The LTWA translation is also terse and since I have a copy in hand to compare with the Oxford translation, I am puzzled by some of the translation. E.g.,

Chapter 1, verse 4:
(LTWA translation)
Leisure and endowment are very hard to find;
And, since they accomplish what is meaningful for man,
...

(Oxford translation)
This opportune moment is extremely hard to meet.
Once met, it yields the welfare of mankind.
...

These two translations have a pretty different meaning. Judging from the context, I suspect the Oxford translation is more accurate. Also, the Oxford translation, as stated in the prefaces, is for the beginners. So, it has an introduction before each chapters. Also in the translator's preface, the difficulties, the approaches, and the selection of the original scriptures are clearly explained. They, IMHO, translate really precisely. I don't know whether it is over-translated. E.g.,

Chapter 1, verse 1:
In adoration I make obeisance to the Sugatas and their sons, and to their bodies of Dharama, and to all those worthy of the praise.
...

In the other two translations, they don't have the "their sons, and to their bodies of Dharama" context. I also don't like the way to put the notes at the end rather than the bottom of each page. Other than these, the Oxford's translation should be the best one, IMHO.

情淚種情花

The history of Adele Hugo, the daughter of the great French poet, Victor Hugo, depicts a madly in love story.

The translated name in Hong Kong, 情淚種情花, is even a better title. It means the tears of love nutures the flower of love. It reminds me a poem of 龔自珍:

「己亥雜詩」第五

浩蕩離愁白日斜，
吟鞭東指即天涯，
落紅不是無情物，
化作春泥更護花。

So, I guess we should treasure 情人的眼淚 (the lover's tears).