Robert A.F. Thurman

Robert Thurman is Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University as well as co-founder and President of Tibet House US and it’s Menla Retreat & Spa. A world-wide lecturer on Tibetan Buddhism, activist for the plight of the Tibetan people, translator of Buddhist texts, and writer of popular Buddhist books. He recently has been awarded the Padma Shri Award, India’s fourth highest civilian honor for achievement in enriching Indian education and literature. His most recent book is the 300 page graphic novel, Man of Peace: the Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet.

Suggested Books & Audio by Robert A.F. Thurman:

Man of Peace: Illustrated Life Story of Tibet’s Dalai Lama (Book), Infinite Life: Awakening to Bliss Within (Book), Anger: The Seven Deadly Sins (Book), Inner Revolution (Book), Circling the Sacred Mountain : A Spiritual Adventure Through the Himalayas (Book),  Essential Tibetan Buddhism (Book), The Tibetan Book of the Dead: The Great Book of Natural Liberation Through Understanding in the Between (Book)  The Jewel Tree of Tibet: The Enlightenment Engine of Tibetan Buddhism (Book),  The Central Philosophy of Tibet (Book),  The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti: A Mahayana Scripture (Book), Life & Teachings of Tsong Khapa (Book), Why the Dalai Lama Matters: His Act of Truth as the Solution for China, Tibet, and the World (Book) & Liberation Upon Hearing in the Between: Living with the Tibetan Book of the Dead (Audio).

To Learn More About Robert A.F. Thurman please visit: WebsiteTwitterFacebookInstagram

Upcoming Programs by Robert A.F. Thurman

Vajra Yoga Mahasiddha Reunion

Also With Dr. Robert Svoboda, Krishna Das, Nina Rao and Michele Loew

May 30 - June 5, 2025

Don't miss your chance to join in the second reunion of this usually far-flung all-star team of teachers and practitioners of Indic yogic sciences and spiritualities! This fun and edifying weeklong study and practice immersion is an aspiring annual tradition—the looming kaliyuga notwithstanding—bringing together Dr. Robert Svoboda, Krishna Das, Nina Rao, Michele Loew, and Prof. […]

Clearlight, Nonduality, and Dark Retreat

Also With Andrew Holecek

June 30 - July 6, 2025

Clearlight or transparency (Sanskrit – prabhāsvarā) is the way enlightened beings describe the indescribable ultimate reality of freedom, which can only be experienced nondually. In the subtle body-mind teachings of various yogas and tantras, and even in the famous Book of Natural Liberation, aka “Book of the Dead,” its doorway is an experience of darkness. We […]

Introduction to Vajra Yoga: Summer Immersion

Also With Michele Loew

August 7 - 10, 2025

Join us for a weekend of yoga and inspiring meditations and dharma talks with Bob and Michele as we dive into the practices of Vajrayoga. Vajrayoga is Tibet House US’s school of yoga and Indian inner science, teaching the physical and meditative practices common to both Hatha and Buddhist traditions and designed to open your body […]

Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart: The Best of Buddhism & Psychotherapy

Also With Mark Epstein, M.D.

August 22 - 24, 2025

For many years, much of Western psychology has promised fulfillment through the building up and strengthening of the ego. We are taught that the ideal is a strong, individuated and confident self, constructed and reinforced over a lifetime. But Buddhist psychology has always counseled a different approach. While the ego has its place, happiness is […]

Vajra Yoga 300hr School

November 14 - 20, 2025

Our 300 Hour Vajra Yoga School course will be held November 14th, 2025 to April 5, 2026. This is a unique Yoga Alliance Certification program sponsored by Menla and Tibet House US that incorporates the classical yogic inner sciences from India and Tibet to give people the tools to have a better life and share […]