Dancing with the Dead: Bill Porter (Red Pine) and Mattias Daly
Feb 24, 2023
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Renowned translator of Chinese poetry and religious texts, Bill Porter, discusses his translation methodology, Zen Buddhism, and his upcoming anthology 'Dancing with the Dead'. The podcast explores challenges in translating Chinese poetry, life in Zen monasteries, government restrictions on religion in China, emotional impact of Chinese poetry, and encounters with influential figures like John Blofeld.
Translation methodology in Chinese poetry emphasizes preserving essence while adapting for new audiences.
Environment plays a pivotal role in shaping Red Pine's practice and creative output.
Adapting traditional Buddhist practices to modern contexts fosters inclusive spiritual growth and exploration.
Deep dives
Translation & Philosophy Focus
The conversation delves into Red Pine's translation methodology and the philosophy behind it. Red Pine, known for translating Buddhist and Taoist texts, shares insights into his translation process. Emphasizing the importance of understanding the depth of poetry translations, he discusses his fascination with translating Chinese poetry, particularly citing his experience with the poetry of Han Shan. Through his anecdotes, he highlights the shamanic nature of translation and the intricate dance between preserving the essence of the original text while adapting it for a different language.
Setting & Practice Influence
The podcast touches on how Red Pine's surroundings influenced his practice and translation work. From living in a Buddhist monastery to a rural setting on Yangming Mountain, his environment played a crucial role in shaping his daily routine and dedication to translation. By narrating his journey from monastery life to translating poetry, Red Pine illustrates the transformative impact of his selected settings on his mindset and creative output.
Modern Application & Community Building
Red Pine talks about the evolving landscape of Buddhism in Western societies, emphasizing the importance of adapting traditional practices to suit modern contexts. He mentions initiatives like establishing a community meditation hall in Port Townsend as a way to make meditation accessible to all without religious constraints. By highlighting the challenges of religious restrictions in China and the changing dynamics of communal practices, Red Pine underscores the significance of nurturing inclusive spaces for spiritual growth and exploration.
The Importance of Knowing the Life of Poets in Appreciating Their Work
Understanding the biographies of ancient Chinese poets is crucial in truly connecting with their poetry. Biography underpins their poetry, as their life experiences shape their artistic expressions. Knowing details like their struggles, relationships, and historical context enriches the understanding of their work. By delving into the life of a poet, one can grasp the emotions, motivations, and contexts that infuse their verses, leading to a deeper and more meaningful appreciation of their art.
A Personal Encounter with John Blofeld and Insights on Poetry
The speaker recalls a memorable meeting with John Blofeld, a significant figure in their life. Blofeld's enthusiasm for poetry and meaningful discussions left a lasting impression. The speaker admires Blofeld's dedication to the art of poetry and cherishes the moments spent reading poems together. This encounter highlights the value of connecting with individuals who share a passion for profound and thought-provoking subjects like poetry, fostering enriching and memorable experiences.
Mattias Daly Talks to Bill Porter aka Red Pine, renown translator of Chinese poetry and religious texts. He delves into the philosophy of his translation methodology and the history and practice of Zen Buddhism. Mattias and Bill discuss Bill’s personal story, practice, translation methodologies and travels as well as his forthcoming work, “Dancing with the Dead”, an anthology of Chinese poetry translations including Buddhist poets Cold Mountain (Hanshan) and Stonehouse (Shiwu), as well as Tang-dynasty luminaries Wei Yingwu and Liu Zongyuan.
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