Buddhist wisdom is clearly expressed in the wealth of writings that comprise its accumulated learning and that demonstrate the keenness of its analytical discernment. Tsadra Foundation is committed to ensuring the best possible transmission of this wealth of knowledge and understanding through quality translations of important Buddhist texts and commentaries.

We are particularly interested in the translation of the core curriculum of the traditional college of studies, as well as texts that will benefit individuals who are actively engaged in the contemplative process.

In keeping with the non-sectarian approach of the Foundation, the texts selected for translation represent a variety of traditions and views.

At the present time we support translation into English and French.

Featured Translation Projects

The Treasury of Precious Instructions

Essential Teachings of the Eight Practice Lineages of Tibet

The Treasury of Precious Instructions by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye, one of Tibet’s greatest Buddhist masters, is a shining jewel of Tibetan literature, presenting essential teachings from the entire spectrum of practice lineages that existed in Tibet. In The Treasury’s eighteen volumes, Kongtrul brings together some of the most important texts on key topics of Buddhist thought and practice as well as authoring significant new sections of his own.

Project Status: Published

• Volume 1: Nyingma 1– Translated by Joe McClellan, Douglas Duckworth, and Richard Barron
• Volume 2: Nyingma 2– Translated by Helena Blankleder and Wulstan Fletcher
• Volume 3: Kadam 1 – Translated by Art Angle
• Volume 4: Kadam 2 – Translated by Art Angle (with publisher)
• Volume 5: Sakya 1 – Translated by Malcolm Smith
• Volume 6: Sakya 2 – Translated by Malcolm Smith
• Volume 7: Marpa Kagyu 1 – Translated by Elizabeth Callahan
• Volume 8: Marpa Kagyu 2 – Translated by Elizabeth Callahan (with publisher)
• Volume 9: Marpa Kagyu 3 – Elizabeth Callahan Working
• Volume 10: Marpa Kagyu 4 – Elizabeth Callahan Working
• Volume 11: Shangpa Kagyu 1 – Translated by Sarah Harding
• Volume 12: Shangpa Kagyu 2– Translated by Sarah Harding
• Volume 13: Zhijé – Translated by Sarah Harding
• Volume 14: Chöd – Translated by Sarah Harding
• Volume 15: Kalacakra and Orgyen Nyendrup – Gavin Kilty Working
• Volume 16: Mahasiddha Practice – Translated by Stephen Gethin of Padmakara Translation Group
• Volume 17: Diverse Cycles of Guidance – Translated by Sarah Harding (with publisher)
• Volume 18: Jonang – Translated by Gyurme Dorje and Sarah Harding

Project Status: Translation in progress

• Volume 1: Nyingma 1 – with Publisher
• Volume 4: Kadampa 2 – with Publisher
• Volume 9&10: Marpa Kagyu 2 – Ongoing work
• Volume 15: Kalacakra – Ongoing work
• Volume 17: Working Title – with Publisher

The Complete Nyingma Tradition

From Sutra to Tantra

In honor of Lama Tharchin Rinpoche and with deep appreciation for his extraordinary kindness and generosity to a generation of Western Buddhist students, Tsadra Foundation is delighted to bring to fruition his long-held dream of making this seminal work available to English speaking students. The first volume comprising Books 1-10, Foundations of the Buddhist Path appeared in June 2015; a second volume comprising Books 15-17, The Essential Tantras of Mahayoga appeared in 2016. Book 13, Philosophical Systems and Lines of Transmission, and Book 14, An Overview of Buddhist Tantra, appeared in 2017.

Project Status:

• Books 1-10 – Translated by Ngawang Zangpo and published by Shambhala
• Books 15-17 – Translated by Gyurme Dorje and published by Shambhala
• Book 13 – Translated by Gyurme Dorje and published by Shambala
• Book 14 – Translated by Ngawang Zangpo and published by Shambhala
• Books 18-19 – Translated by Heidi Nevin and published 2026 by Shambhala
• Books 24-25 – Translated by Joe McClellan and to be published with Shambhala