A LOVING TRIBUTE TO TENZIN ROBERT A.F. THURMAN (1941–2026: A Great Friend of Tibet, A Towering Scholar, A Kind and Brilliant Teacher

In memory of Tenzin Thurman – A Skillful Teacher.” — Ronald Borcherdt ✨✨

🙏 🙏 🙏 With deep gratitude and profound sadness, we honor the life of Professor Robert Alexander Farrar Thurman, who passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, at his home in Woodstock, New York. He was 84.

Towering Scholar, Friend, Skillful Teacher

To the global community, he a foremost scholar of Tibetan Buddhism. To his students, he was a bridge to a world of profound wisdom. To His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he was a dear friend. To all of us, he was a living example of a life dedicated completely to the service of others, the preservation of a sacred culture, and the pursuit of real happiness.

A Life of Unparalleled Dedication

Born in New York City in 1941, Bob Thurman’s journey into the heart of Tibetan Buddhism was one of extraordinary courage and devotion. In 1964, he made history as the first Westerner to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist monk directly by His Holiness the Dalai Lama—a relationship that would deepen into a personal student-teacher bond spanning nearly three decades and a warm friendship for a lifetime.

His academic path was equally luminous. Holding a Ph.D. from Harvard, he became the holder of the Jey Tsong Khapa Chair in Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University—the very first endowed chair in Buddhist Studies in the West. Through his countless books, translations, and articles, he opened the door for millions to understand the richness of Tibetan philosophy and practice. His translation of The Tibetan Book of the Dead (1993) brought this essential text to a broad audience, and his works like Inner Revolution, The Central Philosophy of Tibet, and Why the Dalai Lama Matters remain cornerstones of engaged Buddhist scholarship.

A Teacher and a Friend to the FPMT

Professor Thurman was a beloved Registered Teacher with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), where he was cherished as a Senior Teacher in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition.

This relationship was not merely personal but visionary. It was Lama Yeshe who first planted the seed for an immense project: the translation of the entire Tibetan Tengyur. Years later, Professor Thurman would heroically bring this vision to life through the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, leading the monumental effort to publish the “Treasury of the Buddhist Sciences” series, making these vast texts accessible to the world.

Champion of a People and a Culture

Beyond the academy, Professor Thurman was a tireless advocate for the Tibetan people. As co-founder and president of Tibet House New York, he created a vital institution that preserved and celebrated Tibetan culture while advocating for its survival. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in expressing his condolences, spoke of Bob’s profound understanding: “He understood profoundly that the survival of Tibetan Buddhist culture is inseparably linked to the future of Tibet itself. I greatly valued his efforts on behalf of the Tibetan people and their culture.”

His service was recognized globally, including with the Padma Shri award from the Government of India, and in 1997, Time magazine named him one of the 25 Most Influential Americans.

🙏 🙏 🙏 A Legacy That Shines Like a Lamp

Bob Thurman lived a life of immense purpose. His scholarship was always a tool for inner transformation and outer compassion. He believed deeply in “Inner Revolution”—the idea that true change in the world begins with the radical, compassionate transformation of our own minds.

🙏 🙏 🙏 As we say goodbye, we find comfort in the words of His Holiness the Dalai Lama: “Bob lived a meaningful life and has left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future students of Tibetan Buddhism and culture for generations to come. I am sure that the merit he accumulated through a lifetime of service to humanity will bear fruit in lives to come.”

🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️Our Dedication and Prayers

Famously, he worked on a translation of the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying (Bardo Thodol or Tibetan book of the Intermediate State or Tibetan Book of the Dead). In  a lecture (video link below!), he  said:

✨✨✨“Nobody stays dead. Death is nothing but a quick transition.” ✨✨✨

We look forward to Professor Robert Thurman’s next brilliant life. May he continue to benefit all beings.

🙏 🙏 🙏 We pray for Robert A.F. Thurman’s quick rebirth for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Thank you, Bob, for your light, your laughter, your tireless work, and your profound wisdom. You will be deeply missed, but your teachings, your books, and the countless lives you have touched will remain as your enduring gift to the world.

With loving remembrance,The Buddha Weekly Community and all whose lives you illuminated. 🙏 🙏 🙏🙏 🙏 🙏🙏 🙏 🙏🙏 🙏 🙏🙏 🙏 🙏

“In memory of Tenzin Thurman – A Skillful Teacher. Please post something to commemorate his life and teachings.” Thank you, Ron

YOUTUBE:

In Loving Memory of Professor Robert A.F. Thurman (1941–2026)

With profound gratitude, we announce the passing of a great teacher, scholar, and friend, Robert A.F. Thurman, who left us peacefully on June 16, 2026, at his home in Woodstock, NY.

A pioneer in the West, Bob was the first Westerner ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He held the prestigious Jey Tsong Khapa Chair at Columbia University and dedicated his life to making Tibetan Buddhist wisdom accessible to all. He was a tireless advocate for Tibet, co-founding Tibet House New York and writing countless books that have inspired millions.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama described him as a “dear friend” and a “great friend of Tibet,” noting his remarkable knowledge and lifelong dedication. He was also a beloved teacher within the FPMT community, working closely with Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe on ambitious projects to translate the Buddhist canon.

Bob’s legacy of scholarship, compassion, and advocacy will continue to illuminate the path for generations. We pray for his swift and auspicious rebirth to continue his work for the benefit of all sentient beings.

May his great merit bring a swift awakening. We will miss you, Bob.

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