Jinamitra

Jinamitra (8th-9th century CE) was an Indian Buddhist scholar and translator who played an important role in the translation of Buddhist texts from Sanskrit into Tibetan.

Background

Jinamitra was born in India and received extensive training in Buddhist philosophy and languages. He traveled to Tibet as part of the great translation movement during the reign of King Trisong Detsen and subsequent rulers. He worked alongside Tibetan translators to produce accurate Sanskrit-Tibetan translations.

Spiritual Contribution

Jinamitra co-translated several important Buddhist texts, including works from the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. He collaborated with the Tibetan translator Yeshe De on numerous translation projects. His work helped to establish the terminology and style of classical Tibetan Buddhist translation.

Legacy and Impact

Jinamitra’s translations remain standard references in the Tibetan Buddhist canon (Kangyur and Tengyur). His contributions to translation methodology influenced subsequent generations of Buddhist translators working between Sanskrit and Tibetan.

Verification Notes

• 8th-9th century CE Indian Buddhist translator
• Active in Tibet during the early translation period
• Co-translated texts with Yeshe De and other Tibetan translators