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Media Contact:
Steve Christensen
Manager, Communications
Loyola University Chicago
312-915-6164
Robert A.F. Thurman to Lecture on the Dalai Lama in Conjunction with Exhibit
CHICAGO, October 19, 2006 — The Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) announced today that preeminent Tibetan Buddhist scholar Robert A.F. Thurman, PhD, will deliver a lecture, "To Find the Peace: Learning from the Dalai Lama," on October 27, 2006, at 5:30 p.m. in Kasbeer Hall, 25 East Pearson, Loyola University Chicago. The Jey Tsong Khapa professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist studies at Columbia University, Thurman offers a unique take on the relevance of Buddhism to American culture and politics, weaving together ancient Buddhist wisdom and popular Western ideals.
The New York Times has described Thurman as "the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism." His talk comes as part of a companion series of public education programs relating to The Missing Peace: Artists Consider the Dalai Lama, a new multi-media exhibit hosted by LUMA, along with official sponsor, Exelon, Proud Parent of ComEd. The exhibit brings together more than 88 artists representing 30 countries and includes paintings, drawings, photography, installations, and videos addressing themes related to the teachings of the Dalai Lama.
Dr. Thurman also serves as president of the Tibet House U.S., a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization, and also as president of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and dedicated to the publication of translations of important texts from the Tibetan Tanjur.
In addition, Thurman translates important Tibetan and Sanskrit philosophical writings and lectures and writes on Buddhism, particularly Tibetan Buddhism; on Asian history, particularly the history of the monastic institution in the Asian civilization; and on critical philosophy, with a focus on the dialogue between the material and inner sciences of the world's religious traditions.
Dr. Thurman's lecture is sponsored by LUMA, Loyola's College of Arts and Sciences, Asian-American Studies, and EVOKE (Encouraging Vocation through Knowledge and Experience), and is free and open to the public. For reserved seating, please call 312-915-7630 or e-mail luma@luc.edu.
The Missing Peace: Artists Consider the Dalai Lama is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
About LUMA
Opened in 2005, the Loyola University Museum of Art is dedicated to exploring, promoting, and understanding art and artistic expression that illuminates the enduring spiritual questions of all cultures and societies. As a museum with an interest in education and educational programming, LUMA reflects the University’s Jesuit mission and is dedicated to helping people of all creeds explore the roots of their faith and spiritual quests. Located at Loyola University Chicago’s Water Tower Campus, the museum occupies the first three floors of the University’s historic Lewis Towers on Chicago’s famous Michigan Avenue. For more information, visit the museum’s website at LUC.edu/luma.
Art illuminating the spirit!
-LUMA-
