Few dare to go against the established way of life and the established principles of society. Many simply adapt and live an unremarkable life. However, there are those who are ready to go against everyone for the sake of their ideas, and Robert Thurman is one of them.
Biography
The full name of the American scientist, public figure and remarkable writer is Robert Alexander Farrar Thurman. He was born in New York on August 4, 1941. His best friend and teacher is the Dalai Lama. He has five children. Everyone knows the popular actress Uma Thurman. So this beautiful actress is his daughter. Robert Thurman travels around the globe, gives lectures. He is charismatic and has the enthusiasm that attracts the public. In 1997, in Time magazine, he was listed on America’s 25 most influential people. Robert Thurman is the author of scientific and journalistic works, also a wonderful translator. Thurman is popular both as a scientist and as a person fighting for Tibetan culture.
Young Robert Thurman was not admired by the lifestyle of America. He had a connection with the movement of Fidel Castro. And in 1961, as a result of turbulent events, he lost his eye. On this series of failures did not end. He was kicked out of the Exter Academy. After which he entered Harvard, but after studying for a year, he left the university and decided to go to India.
Life in india
Robert Thurman was attracted to this country by its ancient history and unique, not like American culture. The locals received him very hospitable, which gave him the opportunity to meet with Hindu stilts, Sufis, Buddhist monks. It was here that he became acquainted with Tibetan culture. This meeting gave him the feeling he had been looking for all the time. He realized that he had found his place and home.
Buddhism
Robert arrives at his father’s funeral, meets with Geshe Wangyal, who lived in the United States of America and was the first monk of Tibetan Buddhist culture. In 1964, he introduced Robert to the Dalai Lama. And soon Thurman became the first monk in America, and even took vows from the most famous teacher. He wanted to learn a lot from this society of enlightenment seekers. Communication with the monks enriched his inner world. He drew knowledge in huge batches, so Robert Thurman needed information. His biography is closely connected with Buddhism.
Career
Returning to America, he took off the vows of a monk, according to whom he lived for five years. He did not want this. But living a monk in America was impossible. They began to look at him like a madman. Relatives and friends, passersby cautiously looked in his direction. He was very upset that he was forced to do this, because in Buddhism, if he once took a vow, there would be no turning back. His teacher, the Dalai Lama, was very upset and took offense at Robert, but then forgave him.
Thurman continued his studies in Buddhism. Even his children believe in past and future lives, and his wife practices Buddhism. He studied the languages ​​of the canon, worked with Buddhist texts. Since the university was similar to monasticism for him, he began to study again. He recovered at Harvard, and in 1969 received a master's degree, and in 1972 he completed his doctorate in Sanskrit ideology. In 1973-1988 he was engaged in teaching, religious studies at Achmerst College, then transferred to Columbia University.
Now Robert Thurman is a professor-head of the department of Indo-Tibetan teaching named after Jae Tsongkhapa at the University of Colombia.
Creation
The creativity of Robert Thurman is based on the culture of Buddhism and a view of life and the world in which a person lives. His experience of five years of life as a monk, travels in India and Tibet, long years of studying Buddhism helped him write wonderful books and become a great writer. Thurman speaks of wisdom as a source of happiness. Buddhism helps him to realize how our brain works, to understand the emotions that we feel, to use the ideas that come to us.
The author through his books talks about the principles of understanding and kindness. He promotes a good attitude towards people, teaches to achieve happiness through kindness and mutual assistance. And he also notes that the more a person cares about achieving their own well-being, the more disappointed they are in life. This is the reality that Robert describes in his books. No matter what happens, a person lives or dies, but the truth does not change. When a person treats her with understanding, then he does not experience suffering. When reality is not accepted, then a person lives in a fictional world, in a constant struggle. And a feeling of dissatisfaction makes humanity unhappy. Envy and the constant pursuit of worldly goods also remove people from knowledge and wisdom. Discussions of these issues are filled with books by Robert Thurman.
For example, in the book "Endless Life. The Seven Virtues of a Good Life," he addresses the theme of being. Questions of life and happiness are revealed, how to find it is described. In this matter, it is very important to have not only knowledge, but also faith.
He also wrote a detailed book about his teacher, entitled "Why do we need the Dalai Lama?" Writer Robert Thurman puts the meaning of Buddhist teachings on the shelves. Explains to the reader why the Dalai Lama is gaining love and respect around the world. He also reveals the theme of the restoration of Tibet as part of the People's Republic of China. He constantly calls humanity for peace.
The author describes five steps that would help the Tibetan Plateau become the largest natural reserve in the world. This book is not only about Buddhism and its teacher, it is also about simple and unusual ways of resolving conflict situations around the world. His methods of mediation are based on humanity and freedom. The book describes how ignorance and stupidity lead to destruction.
Translations
Robert Thurman's works also include translations. For example, the Tibetan Book of the Dead is an ancient text that the writer tried to introduce to the general public. He tells in great detail about the Buddhist vision of the worlds that a person opens after death. The book includes comments adapted to the Western reader. And in general, Robert made a very An interesting and informative translation.