“If we don’t take an interest in translations,

there cannot be a continuation of the Teaching”

Dear friends and supporters of the Ka-Ter Translation Project of the Shang Shung Institute Austria,

In January 1981, during a retreat in Semriach, Austria, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu transmitted for the first time the Dzogchen Longde teachings. At that retreat — which I had the honor of organizing — Rinpoche already emphasized the importance of translating authentic books of wisdom from Tibetan into English.

First of all, regarding the Teaching, we must understand that there are hundreds of authentic Dzogchen texts in Tibet, and not a single one has yet been translated. When I explain the practice of Longde, I can give you a brief summary, but that is not enough. The original text is called the Longde Tantra of Dzogchen. Without access to it, you cannot study or develop a deeper understanding. This is not because it is a secret text, but simply because of the obstacle of language. These texts need to be translated, and that is not an easy task.

Translating biographies is simple, but these root texts require much more—knowledge not only of language but also of the profound topics they contain. If we do not take an interest in this, if we do not take responsibility, there can be no continuation of the Teaching. Many people are studying Tibetan today. Among them, some will have the qualifications to translate texts, and others may learn Tibetan because it is directly connected to the Teaching.

– Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, 1981

These words planted a seed in me that has guided my work ever since. Twenty-one years later, in 2002, Rinpoche entrusted me with the KA-TER TRANSLATION PROJECT, establishing it as a fundraising initiative to support translators so they could dedicate themselves fully to their work.

Now, twenty-three years later, we continue with this responsibility, as Rinpoche asked us: to translate and publish books for the benefit of present and future generations.

In recent years, we have not only published new books but also organized book presentations and public talks on the importance of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s work.

Recent Publications

(Available from the online shop of Shang Shung Publications)

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
Illuminating the Gateway to the Teaching
From Sutra and Tantra to Dzogchen
This book provides an in-depth overview of the Buddhist teachings in their entirety. It clearly explains the essential aspects of the Sūtrayāna and Vajrayāna and how practitioners can integrate them on the path to Buddhahood.

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
The Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen
This volume presents Rinpoche’s teachings on a text by the master Karma Chagmed Raga Asya (Araga), entitled Avalokiteshvara’s Direct Instructions on the Concise Essence of the Practice of the Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen. Araga was a master in both the Karma Kagyü and Palyul Nyingma lineages.

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
Longsal Kalachakra Atiyoga – Essential Instructions
This precious compilation of Atiyoga teachings will interest all students of the Dzogchen Community. It includes detailed accounts of the Longsal dreams in which Rinpoche received the Kalachakra Atiyoga terma, information on the origin of the Kalachakra teachings in our dimension, and profound instructions on integration and clarity, derived from Yeshe Sangthal’s teachings and direct introduction.

If you would like to ensure that qualified translations continue to be available in the future, and if you wish to share in this responsibility for preserving the Teaching, we kindly ask for your support.

Donations can be made to:

Account holder:  Shang Shung Institute Austria
IBAN:  AT19 3815 1000 0003 0387, BIC: RZSTAT2G151
Bank address: Hauptstr. 39, 8262 Ilz, Austria

You can also donate via PAYPAL or REVOLUT, using the phone number: +43 664 88662660 or via IBAN: LT48 3250 0488 1616 3042, BIC: REVOLT21.

Thank you very much for your understanding and your support!

With warm regards,

Oliver Leick and Jamyang Oliphant

August 2025