Six Lessons

Abstract

From the Chinese author’s Convent of the Seven Blessings. Peking 1904. Translated and edited by Peter Zirngibel (Dresden). The rendering of this piece presented special problems because toward the end old Chinese formulations are preferably used. The Jesuits have translated the Latin mass into old Chinese to express the ritual character of the text. But how should old Chinese be reproduced in a translation? The use of medieval language should, I believe, be avoided, as it is unknown today. I hope to have given an approximate impression of the original by the use of a more solemn language (P.Z.) (Note by the Author).