Remembering Robert A.F. Thurman: On Impermanence and Genuine Insight

Yin Ling recently shared the sad news of the passing of Robert A.F. Thurman (August 3, 1941 - June 16, 2026), the prominent American Buddhist scholar, author, translator, and co-founder of Tibet House US.

Reflecting on how he had just posted on Instagram ten days prior with immense vitality while preparing for an upcoming retreat, Yin Ling observed, "Death is always around the corner."

John Tan agreed with her reflection, stating, "Yes impermanence. Amtf. That is y must practice," a sentiment Yin Ling wholeheartedly echoed.

After a brief morning exchange, Soh sent a link to the group from a Reddit tribute thread ("Remembering Robert A.F. Thurman (1941-2026)") that highlighted Thurman's sharp and critical stance on modern meditation culture.

The Reddit post quoted Thurman's vital critique:

"In American Buddhism, he says, 'the main thing has been to just meditate and it will all be solved. That is a bunch of b.s., as far as I'm concerned. Meditation is essential, but only after learning something. My contribution has been to maintain that, which is less visible than people building these dharma empires facilitated by lobotomizing people's thinking process, if you want to put it in a negative, critical manner. You do it for years and then you think, "Gee whiz, the buzz I got from shutting down my thinking process was not enlightenment."'"

Following the quote, John Tan added his own observation on how this phenomenon stifles awakening:

"Very well said and precisely so. In fact, that is a major hindrance to genuine insight. Unfortunately a great teacher is gone now."

Yin Ling replied, "He’s really really good and sincere," to which John simply agreed, "Yes."