Robert Alexander Farrar (Robert A.F.) Thurman, renowned American scholar of Tibetan Buddhism, author, translator, and educator, passed away on June 16, 2026, in New York, USA, at age 84. He received India's Padma Shri (Literature and Education) in 2020 for his contributions to literature, education, and promotion of Buddhist thought. He earned a PhD from Harvard and served as Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University. He translated the Vimalakirti Sutra into English and authored over 20 books, becoming the first American ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist monk.
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Padma Shri Awardee and Renowned Buddhist Scholar Robert A.F. Thurman Passes Away at 84
Key Points
- Robert Alexander Farrar (Robert A.F.) Thurman, renowned American scholar of Tibetan Buddhism, author, translator, and educator, passed away on June 16, 2026, in New York, USA, at age 84
- He received India's Padma Shri (Literature and Education) in 2020 for his contributions to literature, education, and promotion of Buddhist thought
- He earned a PhD from Harvard and served as Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University
- He translated the Vimalakirti Sutra into English and authored over 20 books, becoming the first American ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist monk
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• Robert A.F. Thurman: American Buddhist scholar; died June 16, 2026, age 84, New York • Padma Shri (Literature and Education) 2020; PhD Harvard; Professor at Columbia University • Translated Vimalakirti Sutra; first American ordained Tibetan Buddhist monk • Close friend of the Dalai Lama; authored 'Inner Revolution' and 20+ books
