[Buddha-l] Best translations of DIAMOND SUTRA?

[Richard Nance]

Hi Michael --

You might want to compare Conze's translation with two more recent
translations by Gregory Schopen and Paul Harrison.

The former is available in two places:
1. In Gómez, L. and J. Silk, eds. 1989. _Studies in the Literature of
the Great Vehicle: Three Mahāyāna Buddhist Texts_. Ann Arbor:
Collegiate Center for the Study of Buddhist Literature.
2. In Donald Lopez's update of Conze's _Buddhist Scriptures_ volume
(Penguin Classics). The translation is on pp. 450-463; note that this
edition lacks Schopen's extensive notes on the text.

The Harrison translation sets a new standard. It's currently harder to
find, but hopefully not for long (it's supposed to be published as an
independent volume soon). In any event, it's definitely worth tracking
down. The relevant bibliographic info:

Braarvig, J., ed. 2006. _Buddhist Manuscripts Volume III_. Oslo:
Hermes Publishing.

The translation is on pp. 133-159.

Best wishes,

R. Nance
Indiana University