Sharon appears with Mark Epstein on Episode 290 of Metta Hour to remember the life of his dear friend and colleague Robert AF Thurman.
Robert AF Thurman (August 3, 1941 – June 16, 2026) was an American Buddhist writer and scholar who wrote, edited, and translated books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics, and culture. He was the first Westerner to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist monk by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and served as the Je Tsongkhapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University until his retirement in 2019. He was co-founder and chairman of Tibet House US in New York, NY and Menra Retreat in Phoenicia, NY.
In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, there is a 49-day mourning period after a person dies, which is considered a transitional period of “bardo.” This is a time to honor individuals and support them in their transition into their incarnation through rituals, offerings, and prayers. In that spirit, Sharon and Mark Epstein come together to share stories and reflections about Bob after his unexpected death.
Dr. Mark Epstein, a psychiatrist practicing in New York City, is the author of many books on the intersection of Buddhism and psychotherapy, including Thinking Without a Thinker and Falling Apart Without Falling Apart. His latest book, The Zen of Therapy, was published by Penguin Press in 2022. He has been studying Vipassana meditation since 1974.
This episode also includes excerpts from an archival recording of Sharon interviewing Bob in 2021. Originally broadcast on Metta Hour in honor of Bob’s book “Wisdom is Bliss,” this recording includes some classic tingly Bob banter with Sharon and some great teachings. The recording ends with Bob leading a guided meditation.
“When I founded the Insight Meditation Society in 1976, I discovered that my neighbor 40 minutes away in Amherst, Massachusetts, was Professor Bob Thurman. I had the pleasure of knowing him as a friend, teaching with him over the years, and collaborating on the book Love Your Enemies. Although he was widely known as a dedicated scholar, what has always impressed me most is his belief in our potential, our true potential for freedom, the blessings of our lineage, and the tremendous gifts to the world of people like His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Before his sudden, unexpected news, I noticed how much content he was posting on Substack. It looked to me like his drive to help as many people as possible and remind us all of hope in these very difficult times. The impact he had on so many people and the light he spread is so evident now. ” – Sharon
Please join us as we celebrate and honor a dear friend and mentor who filled our lives with joy, wisdom, and laughter.
additional resources
Learn more about Robert AF Thurman’s life and work here. Read some of the tributes to Bob here and in Tricycle Magazine. View weekly prayers on the Tibet House US website here. Learn more about the book Love Your Enemies, co-authored by Bob and Sharon.The first edition was released in 2013, and the 10th anniversary edition will be released in hardcover and ebook formats in 2023.
Related Metta Hour episodes
Episode 107 was recorded live by Robert Thurman and Mark Epstein at Tibet House in 2018 and released on Metta Hour in 2019.
Metta Hour Episode 164 Robert Thurman Interview (partially included in today’s episode) released in 2021.
