Renowned Scholar Robert Thurman Passes Away at 84

Dharamshala, June 17: Internationally acclaimed Tibetan Buddhist scholar Professor Robert Thurman has passed away at the age of 84. This news was confirmed by ‘Tibet House US’ on Wednesday. Professor Thurman was honored with the prestigious ‘Padma Shri,’ one of India’s highest civilian awards, and was a long-time friend of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.

In a post by ‘Tibet House US,’ it was stated, “We are deeply saddened to inform you that Robert A.F. Thurman passed away on Tuesday morning, June 16, in Woodstock, New York. He was a prominent Buddhist scholar in America, co-founder of ‘Tibet House US,’ author, and translator, whose teachings have transformed countless lives.”

The post further mentioned, “The Thurman family requests privacy at this time.”

On June 21, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Professor Thurman in New York. During their meeting, they exchanged views on how Buddhist values can guide solutions to global challenges.

According to a statement from the Indian government, they also discussed India’s efforts to preserve its Buddhist relations and heritage.

The Consulate General of India in New York expressed its sorrow on social media, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Robert Thurman, one of the world’s leading scholars of Buddhism and a true friend of India.”

The Consulate General added, “Professor Thurman’s lifelong dedication to Indo-Tibetan Buddhist studies has helped disseminate the eternal wisdom of Buddha to generations worldwide and enhanced respect for India’s rich spiritual heritage. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Nina Thurman and the grieving family.”

According to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), headquartered in the hilly region of Himachal Pradesh, Professor Thurman authored, edited, and translated numerous books on Tibetan Buddhism.

He also served as the president of ‘Tibet House US’ and the ‘American Institute of Buddhist Studies.’ He translated the ‘Vimalakirti Sutra’ from the Tibetan ‘Kagyur’ into English. Professor Thurman was well-known for his translations and interpretations of Tibetan Buddhist religious and philosophical texts. He was named one of the 25 most influential Americans in 1997, and in 2006, New York Magazine included him among the “influential people” in the field of religion.

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