Translators

Roderick S. Bucknell
(Formerly Ariyananda Bhikkhu)

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Rod Bucknell first became seriously interested in Buddhism in the mid-1960’s, when, during a visit to Thailand, he was introduced to the techniques of insight meditation. After spending a year in various Thai meditation centers and monasteries, he took ordination as a bhikkhu (monk) under the guidance of Ajahn Pannananda of Wat Cholapratan Rangsarit. He soon became interested also in the teachings of Ajahn Buddhadasa, and, recognizing their potential value to westerners, began translating some of the Ajahn’s more important works into English. During the four years he spent in the Sangha (1967-1971), he translated altogether six works of varying length, usually in close consultation with the Ajahn in order to ensure accuracy in the rendering of key concepts. Despite his return to lay life, he maintains a close interest — both scholarly and practical — in Ajahn Buddhadasa’s teachings, and has published several related articles in religious studies journals. He is currently retired after having worked for eighteen years as a lecturer in the Department of Studies in Religion at the University of Queensland, Australia.

Source:

  • Santikaro (ed). (2007). Keys to Natural Truth. Bangkok: Sukhapabjai Publishing House. p.226.

Bucknell’s translations of Ajahn Buddhadasa’s teachings include:

  • Buddha-Dhamma for Students (Bangkok, 1968)

  • Two Kinds of Language: Everyday Language & Dhamma Language (Bangkok, 1969)

  • Handbook for Mankind (1969)

  • Another Kind of Birth (Bangkok, c1970)

  • Why Were We Born? (Bangkok, 1971)

  • Looking Within, in Keys to Natural Truth (1988)