DR. KLAUS KONRAD KLOSTERMAIER

Condolences & Memories (5 entries)

• Dr. Klaus Klostermaier served as Advisor on my M.A. and PhD committees in Hinduism, so my strongest recollections of him are of an outstanding, and indeed, award winning, advisor and mentor. His scholarship, particularly in the area of South Asian religions was world class and his knowledge of primary texts, in their original languages was broad and deep. As students, we were in awe of his grasp of Buddhist and Hindu scripture as well as his knowledge of Western philosophical traditions and languages. Only later did I learn that Dr. Klostermaier held two doctorates: one in Western philosophy and one in Hindu culture. As a student, I learned the importance of reading sources in their original language and it was thanks to Dr. Klostermaier’s role as the first director of Asian Studies that Sanskrit and Hindi were offered at the University of Manitoba on a regular basis. That meant that graduate students did not have to go elsewhere for language proficiency training. Besides working with primary sources, Dr. Klostermaier instilled the need for rigorous scholarship and “thinking outside the box.” His own work was fresh and innovative, dealing with topics such as environmentalism, science and religion and inter-religious dialogue long before they were in vogue. This provided students with a model for thinking about serious issues and engaging with the modern world. He allowed each student to discover his/her own area and always took time with people, guiding with an encouraging word or giving clear advice on how to develop ideas. Behind the scenes, he supported students with endless reference letters for scholarships, grants, research trips and special projects, helping each person according to his/her needs. Those of us who were fortunate enough to have studied with him recognized that Dr. Klostermaier had a rare and remarkable combination of intelligence, high scholarly standards, kindness and good humour. Once, I heard him described as a “fountain of good will.” Dr. Klostermaier will be missed by all who knew him, but his family will feel his loss most keenly. I offer heartfelt condolences to Doris and family and wish you comfort and peace at this sad time. - Posted by: Brenda Cantelo (Student and friend) on: Mar 07, 2024

• I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Klostermaier’s passing. I completed a Master’s degree under his guidance, a truly wonderful experience. He provided encouragement and critique in just the right amounts. He encouraged me to present from my thesis at the Learneds (as they were called back then), a terrifying prospect at the time, but he made sure I was well prepared and the presentation was a success! I feel so fortunate and grateful to have studied with Dr. Klostermaier. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and students. - Posted by: Karen Green (Student) on: Mar 04, 2024

• I was so sad to learn of Professor Klostermaier’s passing. What a genuinely wonderful human being he was. He was a rigorous scholar, a sharp thinker, with an authentic interest in the discovery of Truth. I was lucky to have him as my advisor for both my Master’s and Doctoral degrees (each concerning the relationship between religion and science — a deep interest of his and a passion of mine). Kudos to him for taking me on! Professor Klostermaier set the highest academic standards, and though they could be challenging to meet, I came out the other side a much better student, of both religion and the world. The insights I gained through his direction I still carry, and I’ve thought of him often through the years. An amazing teacher, he was also a genuinely nice person. We got on very well, even though I wasn’t exactly a typical student of religion. I respected him a great deal — and I liked him a lot! Good natured, patient, with flashes of humor that were a delight to see. And a work ethic that shamed everyone around him. To this day when I want to put off an unpleasant task, I think — what would Klostermaier do? — and I get to work. A lifelong influence in so many ways! I’m happy to have known him. My sincere sympathies to his family. - Posted by: Lisa Smith (Student & Friend ) on: Mar 02, 2024

• Evelyn, Paul and family, I'm very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with all of you. - Posted by: Lise Klein (EA working with Paul and Evelyn's children at Ecole Provencher) on: Mar 02, 2024

• Spent many hours in Dr. Klostermaier’s presence. In both seminars and office discussions he was always fully engaged and a fountain of knowledge and wisdom. Had the enormous gift of not only being invited into his home, but of having him ask me to assist him at a television production. On that occasion he picked me up and dropped me off in his old green Volvo. What a sense of awe and joy I always felt in his presence. To have him give good comments and encouragement for my simple attempts at research and scholarship would send me to a state of bliss. I sincerely believe we had a special connection, not only through our shared passion for India, but for the pursuit of Self- Realization. A rare human being and a truly great soul. - Posted by: Gary Lovett (Student and friend.) on: Mar 02, 2024