Celebrating the Brilliance of Robert Thurman’s Buddhism • The Power of Compassion with Sharon Salzberg & Annie Bien
In this hybrid series of interactive learning and discussion, we'll explore Prof. Robert Thurman's thought, practice his meditations, and share our memories of his teachings. Participants can attend in-person or over zoom. Sharon joins poet, translator, and writer Annie Bien on Tuesday, October 27th, 2026 to talk about The Power of Compassion as part of the series.
Robert Thurman's brilliance and boundless heart illuminated the wisdom of the Buddha for so many of us. His devotion to the message of his good friend the Fourteenth Dalai Lama changed so many of our lives. And Tenzin Bob's unique interpretation and wonderful expression of the best parts of being human and his teachings about the struggles we encounter are a fabulous transmission that we were lucky to receive. Those teachings ranged from the basic structure of Buddhist thought and practice -- his "four friendly fun facts" -- to the most sophisticated explorations of Buddhist philosophy and esoteric practice.
In this series of interactive learning and discussion, we'll explore Prof. Thurman's thought, practice his meditations, and share our memories of his teachings. It's an opportunity for everyone present to remember Bob, to continue learning from him, and imbibe his stellar energy to save this world. We'll start at the beginning, delight in each other's company, and take it to the next level. And the next....
The series is co-hosted by Columbia Prof. David "Komodo" Kittay, creator of the "Technology Religion Future" courses at Columbia University, and Chair of the Tibet House Board's Executive Committee, and Joe Loizzo, MD, PhD, Harvard-trained psychiatrist, Columbia-trained Buddhist scholar, and founder of Nalanda Institute. David and Joe will be joined by Professor Thurman's family, friends, and colleagues.
Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. A co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, she has been teaching meditation for more than 50 years and is the author of numerous books, including Real Happiness and Lovingkindness. Her work has helped bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation into mainstream American culture, and she continues to teach and speak internationally.
Annie Bien is a poet, translator, and writer whose work bridges literature and spirituality. She has translated Tibetan Buddhist texts, published poetry collections, won flash fiction awards, and brings a lyrical voice to the stories of Tibetan saints. Together with Robert A.F. Thurman, they co-authored and published The Magical Adventures of the Sixth Dalai Lama: His Life and Loves. Currently, she teaches meditation and Qigong classes at Tibet House US.
OTHER EVENTS IN THE SERIES
Tuesday, October 13: Bob’s Buddhism / Series Introduction | with Ganden Thurman, Beata Tikos, David Kittay, and Joe Loizzo
Tuesday, November 3: Tantric Bob | with David Kittay and John Campbell
Tuesday, November 10: Madhyamaka Bob | with Joe Loizzo and Tom Yarnall
Monday, November 16: Creative Bob | with Laurie Anderson and Scott Snibbe
Tuesday, December 1: Buddhist Psychology Bob | with Joe Loizzo and Pilar Jennings