Ep. 290 – Remembering Bob Thurman with Mark Epstein
About this episode
Sharon Salzberg and Mark Epstein reflect on the life and legacy of Robert AF Thurman after his passing.
Sharon comes together with Mark Epstein to remember the life of dear friend and colleague, Robert AF Thurman, for episode 290 of the Metta Hour. Robert AF Thurman (August 3, 1941 – June 16, 2026) was an American Buddhist author and academic 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 was the Je Tsongkhapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University before retiring in 2019. He was the co-founder and president of Tibet House US in New York, New York, and Menla Retreat in Phoenicia, New York. In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, there is a 49-day period of mourning after an individual dies, which is considered a transitional “bardo” time. This is a time to honor the individual and support them as they transition into their incarnation through ceremonies, offerings, and prayers. In that spirit, Sharon and Mark Epstein come together to share stories and reflections about Bob after his unexpected death. Mark Epstein, M.D. , a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City, is the author of a number…
People in this episode
Host: Sharon Salzberg
Guest: Mark Epstein
Topics covered
- Buddhism
- Memorial
- Psychotherapy
- Friendship
- Life Reflection
Keywords
- Buddhism
- Robert AF Thurman
- Mark Epstein
- Sharon Salzberg
- memorial
- psychotherapy
- Tibet
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Columbia University, Tibet House US
Books & works: Thoughts without a Thinker, Going to Pieces without Falling Apart, The Zen of Therapy
Places: New York, New York, Phoenicia, New York
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