Shitei Funii

English translation: no distinction between master and disciple

11:11 Jul 16, 2007
Japanese to English translations [Non-PRO]
Religion
Japanese term or phrase: Shitei Funii
The erronious translation of this principle along with the true meaning of Sensei being translated in the West in general and USA in particular as Mentor Disciple or Mentor. Mentor is a secular word which is inadequate to convey the spirit and intent. Master, which is better is ignored because of connotations of domination and slavery
Ken Hawkins
English translation:no distinction between master and disciple
Explanation:
The shitei (師弟) part means mentor/master/teacher/spiritual guide and pupil/disciple/follower. Funi (only one 'i') (不二) means 'not two'. Personally I think Master is an excellent word for someone who has mastered something, but in these days of political correctness I guess you'll have to go for something anodyne and inoffensive.
Selected response from:

Steven Smith
United Kingdom
Local time: 13:40
Grading comment
You are absolutely correct and it really helps my case within the circle I am debating this question. Thank you
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +2no distinction between master and disciple
Steven Smith


Discussion entries: 2





  

Answers


2 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +2
no distinction between master and disciple


Explanation:
The shitei (師弟) part means mentor/master/teacher/spiritual guide and pupil/disciple/follower. Funi (only one 'i') (不二) means 'not two'. Personally I think Master is an excellent word for someone who has mastered something, but in these days of political correctness I guess you'll have to go for something anodyne and inoffensive.

Steven Smith
United Kingdom
Local time: 13:40
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 8
Grading comment
You are absolutely correct and it really helps my case within the circle I am debating this question. Thank you
Notes to answerer
Asker: However, in this age of political correctness, I feel that the spirit and intent is lost if we go for something anodyne and inoffensive. Political correctness is not necessarilly correct and expediency is not expedient means


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  humbird
15 hrs

agree  Rossa Ó Muireartaigh: Steven's rendition is spot on semantically. However, perhaps something more catchy like 'Oneness with Master', 'Master-Student as One' would reflect the phonetic packaging of the original.
21 hrs
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