Our Mission
A Sacred Work of Translation and Preservation
01
Translate
"If you want an understanding of Dzogchen, you need the original books. That is essential."
— Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
02
Preserve
Safeguarding the integrity of Dzogchen teachings — translating with accuracy, continuity, and deep respect for the living tradition.
03
Share
Making the wisdom of Tibet accessible to present and future generations — in English and beyond.
Support Our Mission
The Paramita of Generosity —
Be Part of This Sacred Work
"I really hope that all of you who are interested in this area will support this project, directly or indirectly, and collaborate with its various aspects. You are very welcome to collaborate on this project!"
— Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
Since 2002, the Ka-Ter Translation Project has been made possible exclusively through donations — mainly from members of the Dzogchen Community worldwide. Every contribution, large or small, is an act of generosity that enables this sacred work to continue.
A very great Tashi Delegs to all our sponsors and donors.
Make a DonationAbout Ka-Ter
Founded in 2002 by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
The Ka-Ter Translation Project is the main project of the Shang Shung Institute Austria. It was established to create a stable organizational and financial foundation for high-quality professional translations, preserving the integrity of Dzogchen teachings and making them accessible to present and future generations.
From its inception, Ka-Ter has relied on close collaboration between translators and editors, supported by the generosity of the Dzogchen Community worldwide.
If you want an understanding of Dzogchen, you need the original books. That is essential... The Ka-Ter Translation Project is an important step in that direction.
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, 2002
All this has been made possible through the constant, untiring, conscientious, and dedicated fund-raising of Oliver Leick and the Shang Shung Institute Austria.
Elio Guarisco, Lead Translator
Ka-Ter in Numbers
55+
Books Published
Since 2002
20+
Years of Work
2002 — 2026
4
Lead Translators
Clemente · Guarisco · Valby · Sanders
260k
Pages Digitalized
Tibetan texts from Tibet
Our Journey
Twenty Years of Sacred Work
2000
Shang Shung Institute Austria Founded
On January 1st, 2000 — the first day of the new millennium — the Shang Shung Institute Austria was founded, beginning the institutional journey that would lead to Ka-Ter.
2002
Ka-Ter Translation Project Born
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu named the project personally: "This new project will be called Ka-Ter Translation Project. Now all of you do your best to make it fruitful." Adriano Clemente, Elio Guarisco, and Jim Valby became the founding translators.
2003
First Training for Translators
The first Training for Translators from Tibetan was held at Merigar West under Elio Guarisco. Fourteen translators from around the world worked intensively for six weeks.
2010
Professor Fabian Sanders Joins
The fourth crucial member of the scholarly team assumed primary responsibility for Tibetan language courses — a yearly event that continues to this day.
2018
Passing of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
The founder of Ka-Ter passed away, leaving behind a living legacy of sacred translations and the mission to continue his work for future generations.
2020
55+ Books · Loss of Elio Guarisco
A milestone of over 55 books published. Tragically, lead translator Elio Guarisco passed away — a profound loss for the entire Dzogchen Community.
2026
The Work Continues
Ka-Ter continues its sacred mission — translating, preserving, and sharing the wisdom of Tibet for present and future generations.
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Ka-Ter
Translation Project
Translating the wisdom of Tibet since 2002. A project of the Shang Shung Institute Austria.
✉ info@ka-ter.orgQuick Links
"...make the age-old wisdom of Tibet available for future generations in precise and correct translation."
— Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
Contact
ZVR: 382742194
Tel: +43 664 88662660
office@ssi-austria.at