The first time I met Dr. Robert Thurman he noted, You don’t have to renounce your current faith to learn from Buddhism. He then calmed the whole gathered group by laughingly declaring that if we fell asleep while mediating, no problem! Coming from one of the world’s leading experts on Tibetan Buddhism, this was great comfort indeed.

Years later, near the end of a journey to participate in the intensive Kalachakra ceremony with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I mentioned that I was at the edge of a big professional decision. He gently shored up confidence in my own integrity, remarking, Well, I know you won’t sell out.

After a pause, he added, But be careful, don’t “piety out” either. Whatever it is, be in it.  Don’t hold yourself separate.

What perfect, generous counsel.

What a wise, extraordinary teacher.

Highest intellectual rigor plus highest human compassion.

How lucky to have him in our midst.

Professor Thurman – Tenzin Bob – passed away on June 16.

Om gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha.

*****

There is no greater gift than to be blessed by our own loved ones. Father’s Day is complicated for many, and yet we have all been fathered in some way – by family and friends and teachers and coaches and books and music and rivers and mountains. I am one of the very lucky ones who has a dad who taught her how to change a flat tire and how to offer a proper handshake and how to navigate life with resilience and honor. If you have ever cared for anyone or anywhere or anything with this kind of devotion, thank you. Your love improves our world.