Tibet House US continued: “The Thurman family requests privacy at this time.
“Please check thus.org for updates.”
Alex Grey, co-founder of Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, thanked Robert, as he paid tribute to the late author.
He commented: “Deepest condolences to the Thurman family and Tibet House dharma community. Thank you Tenzin Bob! Love you so much precious teacher, living in our hearts.”
Ben Decker, a meditation teacher and programme director at Rythmia, wrote: “A giant has left the stage. Robert Thurman helped build a bridge between the wisdom of Tibet and the modern world without sacrificing depth, rigor, humor, or humanity. [sic]”
Thurman was named as one of the 25 most influential Americans by Time magazine in 1997.
He was also previously named by the New York Times as the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism.
In a section about the Dalai Lama – the highest spiritual leader and head of Tibetan Buddhism – on his website, Thurman wrote: “His Holiness the Dalai Lama befriended me in 1964 and ordained me as a Buddhist monk, then later forgave me for returning to lay life.
Robert Thurman (left) was a prominent Buddhist scholar and was named one of Time magazine’s 25 most influential Americans in 1997. Photo / Getty Images
“He has, throughout our lifelong friendship, taught me endlessly, from initially being a senior fellow student, to a philosophical mentor and a majestic Vajra Guru, embodying practical wisdom, compassionate kindness, and heroic good humor, under the extreme adversities suffered by his oppressed people and his refugee good self. [sic]”
He also posted on his website: “Thanks to the Tibetan people, especially their living savior, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his various emanations, I have found basic sanity in my lifelong quest. [sic]”
Pulp Fiction star Uma Thurman was yet to comment publicly on her father’s death at the time of writing.