Robert Thurman, Padma Shri Buddhist scholar and Dalai Lama's friend, dies at 84
Synopsis
Robert Thurman — Columbia professor, Padma Shri recipient, co-founder of Tibet House US, and one of the Dalai Lama’s closest Western friends — died aged 84 in Woodstock, New York. His five-decade career translating Tibetan Buddhist texts and shaping Western understanding of the tradition leaves a gap that will be difficult to fill.
Key Takeaways
Thurman passed away on 16 June 2025 in Woodstock, New York , aged 84 .
He was the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and co-founder of Tibet House US .
Thurman was a recipient of India’s Padma Shri and a longtime friend of the Dalai Lama .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met him in New York on 21 June 2023 to discuss Buddhist values and India’s heritage preservation.
He was named one of the 25 most influential Americans of 1997 by Time magazine and is the father of actress Uma Thurman .
Professor Robert A.F. Thurman, one of the world's foremost scholars of Tibetan Buddhist studies, a Padma Shri awardee, and a decades-long friend of the Dalai Lama, passed away on Tuesday, 16 June 2025, in Woodstock, New York, at the age of 84. Tibet House US, which Thurman co-founded, confirmed the news on Wednesday, requesting privacy for the bereaved family.
Who Was Robert Thurman
Prof Thurman held the distinguished Jey Tsong Khapa Chair of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, a position that cemented his standing as the leading American academic voice on Tibetan Buddhism. He also served as president of both Tibet House US and the American Institute of Buddhist Studies.
Over a prolific career, he wrote, edited, and translated numerous books on Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and religion. Among his most celebrated contributions is his English translation of the Vimalakirti Sutra from the Tibetan Kagyur — a text central to Mahayana Buddhist thought. Time magazine named him one of the 25 most influential Americans of 1997, and New York Magazine listed him among its ‘Influentials’ in religion in 2006.
His Connection to India
The Consulate General of India in New York paid tribute in a post on X, describing Thurman as ‘one of the world’s foremost scholars of Buddhism and a great friend of India.’ The consulate credited his lifelong work in Indo-Tibetan Buddhist studies with bringing ‘the timeless wisdom of Lord Buddha to generations across the world’ and deepening global appreciation of India’s spiritual heritage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met Prof Thurman in New York on 21 June 2023. According to a government statement, the two exchanged views on how Buddhist values could serve as a guiding framework for addressing global challenges. They also discussed India’s Buddhist heritage and the Centre’s ongoing preservation efforts.
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), headquartered in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, acknowledged Thurman’s extensive contributions, noting that he had authored, edited, and translated several foundational texts on Tibetan Buddhism over his career.
Family and Legacy
Prof Thurman was the father of acclaimed Hollywood actress Uma Thurman. Tibet House US announced his passing with a statement expressing deep sorrow: ‘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 family has requested privacy.
Condolences were extended to his wife, Mrs. Nena Thurman, and the family. His passing marks the end of a singular academic and spiritual career that bridged Eastern philosophy and Western scholarship for over five decades.
What Comes Next
Tibet House US, the cultural institution Thurman helped build into a globally recognised centre for Tibetan art and thought, is expected to carry forward his legacy. The academic community at Columbia University and Buddhist institutions worldwide are likely to pay formal tribute in the coming days.
Point of View
Or whether his departure leaves a succession vacuum in a field with few peers of his stature.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Robert Thurman?
Robert A.F. Thurman was an American scholar of Tibetan Buddhist studies, the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor at Columbia University, and co-founder of Tibet House US. He was also a Padma Shri awardee and one of the Dalai Lama’s closest Western friends.
When and where did Robert Thurman die?
Prof Thurman died on Tuesday morning, 16 June 2025, in Woodstock, New York, at the age of 84. Tibet House US confirmed the news on Wednesday.
What was Robert Thurman’s connection to India?
Thurman was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, in recognition of his contributions to Indo-Tibetan Buddhist studies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met him in New York on 21 June 2023 to discuss Buddhist values and India’s heritage preservation efforts.
Is Robert Thurman related to actress Uma Thurman?
Yes, Prof Robert Thurman was the father of Hollywood actress Uma Thurman.
What were Robert Thurman’s major contributions to Buddhist scholarship?
Thurman translated the Vimalakirti Sutra from the Tibetan Kagyur into English and authored or edited numerous books on Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. Time magazine named him one of the 25 most influential Americans of 1997 for his role in bringing Tibetan Buddhist thought to Western audiences.
