Dharamshala — His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Sikyong Penpa Tsering offered their condolences on the passing away of Robert A. F. on Wednesday. His Holiness wrote,"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."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Sikyong Penpa Tsering sent letters of condolence to Mrs. Nena Thurman, wife of the late Robert Thurman, to express their deep sorrow at the passing of Robert A. F. Thurman, the first American Buddhist monk in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, a prominent American Buddhist scholar, author, translator, human rights advocate, and recipient of the Adma Shri Award and the Human Rights Award.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote, "I learned with deep sadness of the passing of your husband and my dear friend, Professor Robert Thurman. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. My prayers are with you and all members of your family.
"As you know, Bob and I shared many years of warm friendship since we first met in India in the late 1960s. As a Buddhist scholar, his knowledge was truly remarkable, including his command of the Tibetan language. He devoted his entire professional life to sharing that knowledge, not only with his students, but with the wider world through his writings and teachings.
"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, expressed so visibly through institutions such as Tibet House.
"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," His Holiness concluded his letter with prayers.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering wrote, "It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of Professor Robert A. F. Thurman. On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people, I extend my deepest condolences to you, your family, and all those whose lives were touched by his wisdom, compassion, and friendship.
"Professor Thurman was one of the earliest and most influential voices in promoting Tibetan Buddhism in the West. A devoted disciple and close friend of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama for more than six decades, he dedicated his life to sharing the wisdom and values of Tibetan Buddhism with the world.
"As Professor Emeritus of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and co-founder of Tibet House US and Menla Retreat in New York, Professor Thurman played a pioneering role in establishing Tibetan Buddhist studies in Western academia. His outstanding contributions were recognized by the Government of India with the Padma Shri in 2020, India's fourth-highest civilian honor.
"Professor Thurman was also a steadfast advocate for the Tibetan people. Through his writings, lectures, public engagements, and testimony before the United States Congress, he helped foster greater international understanding of and support for Tibet.
"The Tibetan people will remember Professor Thurman with deep gratitude for his lifelong friendship, dedication and service. While his passing is a great loss, his extraordinary legacy will continue to inspire future generations and remain a lasting source of strength and encouragement for the Tibetan people.
"At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. We join you in mourning the loss of an exceptional human being while celebrating a life devoted to learning, compassion, and service," Sikyong concluded.
