Jeffrey Hopkins American Tibetologist Date of Birth: 30.09.1940 Country: USA

1. Jeffrey Hopkins: American Tibetologist
2. Contributions to Tibetan Studies
3. Role in the Dalai Lama's Inner Circle
4. Landmark Translation
5. Legacy and Passing

Jeffrey Hopkins: American Tibetologist

American Tibetologist Jeffrey Hopkins was a Professor Emeritus of Tibetan Buddhism at the University of Virginia, where he taught for over three decades starting in 1973.

Contributions to Tibetan Studies

Hopkins authored over twenty-five books on Tibetan Buddhism, including the highly acclaimed "Meditation on Emptiness" (1983). This work provided a groundbreaking explanation of Prajnaparamita-Madhyamaka ideas within the Gelug tradition.

Role in the Dalai Lama's Inner Circle

From 1979 to 1989, Hopkins served as the primary translator for the 14th Dalai Lama. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in the development of the International Tibet Independence Movement.

Landmark Translation

In 2006, Hopkins published his English translation of a major work by the Jonang lama Dolpopa on the nature of Buddhahood and Emptiness, entitled "Mountain Doctrine."

Legacy and Passing

Jeffrey Hopkins passed away on July 1, 2024. His contributions to Tibetan studies, particularly his pioneering work on Prajnaparamita-Madhyamaka, have left an enduring legacy in the field.