We learned yesterday, August 3rd, 2020, that our author and friend Steven Goodman passed away after a long illness.

I first met Steven in the 1990s when Kyabje Thinley Norbu Rinpoche introduced us and said to me, "Steven is not an ordinary scholar, he is very special" and went on to extoll his genuine connection with the tradition and practice.

Our paths often crossed in subsequent decades, as a lot of my friends studied with him at the California Institute of Integral Studies where he mesmerized a generation of eager Buddhist scholars and practitioners. He was always, warm, joyful, generous, and a delight to be with.

Steven's passing comes on the heels of the publication of his first sole-authored work, The Buddhist Psychology of Awakening: An In-Depth Guide to Abhidharma, which was released two weeks ago. In case you missed it, here is the email announcing the book and talking about Steven and his unique ability to distill a complex topic into a completely accessible presentation.

Steven did see the book, and even signed a few copies for friends.

Perhaps the best way to understand the tone and feel of the book—and Steven's general approach—is by hearing from Steven himself:

Steven also worked for Shambhala Booksellers, the fountainhead for Shambhala Publications, in the early 1970s. Here is a picture of him from that time, with a beard, closest to the camera.

Steven was behind the scenes of many other books, and is acknowledged in books from the likes of Tulku Thondup Rinpoche, Harvey Aronson, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, Barbara Gates, and many others. He also contributed to or edited several other works including Tibetan Literary Arts, Tibetan Buddhism: Reason and Revelation, and Mindfulness and Meaningful Work.

Steven was also a key part of Khyentse Foundation and the 84000 Project, overseeing the translation of the Kangyur and Tengyur from Tibetan.

Here at Shambhala Publications, our palms are together to Steven.

—Nikko Odiseos
President, Shambhala Publications