Robert Thurman

Robert Thurman, born on August third, nineteen forty-one, is a distinguished American Buddhist author and academic renowned for his extensive contributions to the field of Tibetan Buddhism. His scholarly journey culminated in his role as the Je Tsongkhapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University, where he served until his retirement in June two thousand nineteen. Notably, he was the first to hold an endowed chair in Buddhist Studies in the Western world.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Thurman is a prolific writer, editor, and translator, having translated significant texts such as the Vimalakirti Sutra from the Tibetan Kanjur into English. His dedication to the preservation and dissemination of Buddhist teachings is further exemplified by his co-founding of the Tibet House US in New York, where he serves as president.

Beyond his professional achievements, Robert Thurman is also known for his personal connections, being the father of acclaimed actress Uma Thurman and the grandfather of rising star Maya Hawke. His family ties add a unique dimension to his life, intertwining the realms of academia and the arts.