Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned American Buddhist scholar and Padma Shri awardee Robert A. F. Thurman.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Robert A. F. Thurman, an eminent scholar of Buddhism, a distinguished teacher and a lifelong friend of India. Through his works, he popularised Buddhist thoughts globally and also built enduring bridges of understanding between cultures. I fondly recall our meeting in New York City a few years ago, where we had an excellent conversation. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this hour of grief.”
One of the world’s foremost scholars of Tibetan Buddhism, Thurman passed away on June 16 at his residence in Woodstock, New York, at the age of 84. The announcement was made by Tibet House US, the cultural institution he co-founded to preserve and promote Tibetan civilization and Buddhist traditions.
“We are deeply saddened to announce that Robert A.F. Thurman, prominent American Buddhist scholar, co-founder of Tibet House US, author and translator whose teachings shaped countless lives, died Tuesday morning, June 16, in Woodstock, New York,” the organisation said in a statement, adding that the family had requested privacy.
Thurman was widely regarded as one of the most influential interpreters of Tibetan Buddhism in the modern era. A scholar, author, translator and educator, he devoted decades to making Buddhist philosophy accessible to global audiences through his writings, lectures and academic work.
His association with India and the Tibetan Buddhist community spanned several decades. A close friend of Dalai Lama, Thurman played a significant role in promoting the study of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist traditions and fostering greater international awareness of Buddhist teachings and culture.
PM Modi had met Professor Thurman in New York on June 21, 2023. During their interaction, the two exchanged views on how Buddhist values could help address contemporary global challenges. They also discussed India’s deep Buddhist heritage and the country’s efforts to preserve and promote Buddhist sites, traditions and cultural links across the world.
Thurman had maintained a strong connection with India throughout his life and was honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in recognition of his contributions to literature, education and the promotion of Buddhist thought.
The Consulate General of India in New York also paid tribute to the scholar, describing him as one of the world’s foremost authorities on Buddhism and a great friend of India. In its condolence message, the Consulate noted that Thurman’s lifelong dedication to Indo-Tibetan Buddhist studies helped bring the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha to generations around the world while deepening appreciation for India’s rich spiritual heritage.
Born in New York, Thurman became one of the most respected voices in Buddhist scholarship. He served as the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University and was also President of Tibet House US and the American Institute of Buddhist Studies.
Among his many scholarly achievements, Thurman translated the Vimalakirti Sutra from the Tibetan Kagyur into English and authored, edited and translated numerous books on Tibetan Buddhism, philosophy and culture. His work played a critical role in introducing Western audiences to Buddhist concepts and practices.
His influence extended beyond academia. In 1997, he was named among the 25 most influential Americans, while New York Magazine included him among its list of influential figures in religion in 2006. He was also known to many as the father of Hollywood actress Uma Thurman, though his own reputation as a scholar and teacher earned him global recognition in intellectual and spiritual circles.
Thurman remained actively engaged with India’s Buddhist initiatives in recent years and participated in the Global Buddhist Summit 2023, which brought together Buddhist scholars, monastic leaders and practitioners from across the world to discuss the relevance of Buddhist teachings in addressing contemporary challenges.
His passing marks the end of an era in global Buddhist scholarship. Through decades of academic research, translation work, teaching and advocacy, Robert Thurman helped build enduring intellectual and cultural bridges between India, Tibet and the wider world, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire scholars, practitioners and admirers of Buddhist thought for generations to come.
(With agency inputs)
