The Dr. Hyman Show Why We Suffer And How Not To with Robert Thurman
Jun 8, 2020
Robert Thurman, a leading expert on Tibetan Buddhism and professor at Columbia University, engages in a profound discussion about the roots of suffering and the healing potential of Buddhist teachings. He explores the parallels between Buddhism and functional medicine, emphasizing a holistic approach to health. Thurman shares transformative personal narratives and advocates for compassion and empathy in addressing societal issues. The conversation also touches on the importance of education in fostering resilience and nurturing interconnectedness amidst global challenges.
01:21:26
Thurman's Journey
- Robert Thurman lost an eye in an accident, prompting a spiritual quest.
- This led him to India, where he met the Dalai Lama and became the first Western monk ordained by him.
Buddhism's Breakthrough
- Buddhism offers a healing system based on the insight that we can be healed and happy.
- This contrasts with cultures that instill hopelessness, relying on religion or authority for solace.
Buddhism as Education
- Buddhism emphasizes understanding reality through experience, not blind belief.
- It's an educational process like medical school, requiring study and understanding, not just faith.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Intersecting Paths: Buddhism and Medicine
01:35 • 6min
Journey of Healing through Buddhism
07:56 • 27min
Awakening Through Compassion and Connection
34:57 • 24min
Exploring Spirituality Through Recommended Readings
59:04 • 3min
Introspection and Sustainability
01:01:40 • 10min
Awakening Perspectives: A Journey of Healing and Enlightenment
01:11:18 • 5min
Exploring Happiness and Personal Well-Being
01:15:54 • 3min
Siddhartha
Herman Hesse
Herman Hesse's "Siddhartha" is a philosophical novel that follows the spiritual journey of a young man named Siddhartha Gautama. The story explores themes of self-discovery, enlightenment, and the search for meaning beyond material possessions. Siddhartha's experiences with various aspects of life, including sensuality, asceticism, and worldly pursuits, lead him to a deeper understanding of himself and the universe. The novel's evocative prose and profound insights into the human condition have resonated with readers for generations. Hesse's exploration of spiritual awakening and the interconnectedness of all things makes "Siddhartha" a timeless classic.
Medical Nemesis
The Expropriation of Health
Ivan Illich
The Way of the White Clouds
Lama Anagarika Govinda
The Way of the White Clouds is a remarkable narrative of a pilgrimage that could not be made today. It combines elements of spiritual journals, adventure narratives, and philosophical commentaries, offering a poetic and sensitive interpretation of Tibetan traditions. The book chronicles Govinda's personal spiritual journey, including his meeting with his guru and his deepening understanding of the Vajrayana tradition of Buddhism.
Food Fix
Mark Hyman
In 'Food Fix', Dr. Mark Hyman delves into the systemic issues within the global food system, highlighting how corrupted food and agriculture policies driven by money and lobbying contribute to chronic diseases, climate change, poverty, violence, and educational achievement gaps. The book pairs the latest nutritional and environmental science with a critical examination of the food industry and its policies. It offers practical solutions for individuals, businesses, and policymakers to create a healthier world, society, and planet by focusing on regenerative organic agriculture, public health initiatives, and policy reforms.
A Bright Future
How Some Countries Have Solved Climate Change and the Rest Can Follow
Joshua Goldstein
Staffan Qvist
In 'A Bright Future', Joshua S. Goldstein and Staffan A. Qvist argue that nuclear power, combined with renewables, offers a rapid and effective path to decarbonization. They highlight examples from Sweden, France, and other regions that have successfully transitioned away from fossil fuels using nuclear energy. The book advocates for a blend of nuclear and renewable energy sources to combat climate change.
No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference
Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg's "No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference" is a collection of her powerful speeches and writings on climate change. The book showcases Thunberg's passionate advocacy for climate action and her sharp critiques of political inaction. Thunberg's direct and uncompromising style has resonated with young people around the world, inspiring them to take action on climate change. The book's urgency and clarity make it a compelling read for anyone concerned about the future of the planet. Thunberg's work serves as a call to action, urging readers to demand change from their leaders and to take personal responsibility for protecting the environment.
Altered Traits
Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body
Richard J. Davidson
Daniel Goleman
In 'Altered Traits,' Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson delve into the scientific research behind meditation, highlighting its ability to alter personality traits and benefit both mind and body. The book distinguishes between 'altered states' of consciousness during meditation and 'altered traits,' which are lasting psychological changes. It discusses various levels of meditation practice, from beginner to 'Olympic-level' meditators, and presents findings from over 6,000 scientific studies, focusing on those that meet high methodological standards. The authors explain how meditation can reduce stress, improve emotional health, enhance focus, and even change brain pathways, leading to more equanimity and compassion[1][4][5].
Peace Is Every Step
Thich Nhat Hanh
In 'Peace Is Every Step,' Thich Nhat Hanh teaches that peace and happiness can be achieved in the present moment through mindfulness. The book highlights the importance of being awake and alive in the current moment, using mindfulness of breathing and awareness of daily acts to transform and heal difficult psychological states. It connects personal inner peace with peace on Earth, offering practical advice on creating an atmosphere of peace and harmony that can extend from the individual to the community and the world[2][4].
Buddhas Have More Fun
Buddhas Have More Fun
Robert Thurman
Infinite Life
Robert Thurman
In *Infinite Life*, Robert Thurman explores how Buddhist teachings can transform our understanding of life and death, highlighting the infinite impact of our actions. He introduces seven virtues for living well and invites readers to take responsibility for their actions while embracing the infinite possibilities of life. The book offers a path to personal fulfillment and contributing positively to the world.
Man of peace
Michael Youssef
Published in 1992, 'Man of Peace: A Novel of the Anti-Christ' by Michael Youssef is a fictional work that delves into themes of spiritual conflict and deception. The book is part of Youssef's broader literary output, which often focuses on Christian themes and evangelism.
Inner Revolution
Robert Thurman
Robert AF Thurman
Before I became a doctor, I actually studied Buddhism. I wanted to understand the root of human suffering, and through that understand the way to creating happiness. I realized that by becoming a doctor, I could help people alleviate suffering in multiple ways. Better yet, through Functional Medicine, I could get to the root cause of why the body is struggling and correct it from the ground up. My interest in Buddhism was sparked when my sister took me, at just 15 years old, to a lecture by Professor Robert Thurman, the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism. My life has never been the same, and I was thrilled to sit down and tell him that on this episode of The Doctor’s Farmacy.
Robert Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University; President of the Tibet House U.S., a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization; and 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 artistic and scientific treatises from the Tibetan Tengyur. Time chose Professor Thurman as one of its 25 most influential Americans in 1997, describing him as a “larger than life scholar-activist destined to convey the Dharma, the precious teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, from Asia to America.”
*For context this interview was recorded in April 2020
Here are more of the details from our interview:
- Robert’s description of “Buddhism in a nutshell” (11:04)
- The first Noble Truth (or fact) of Buddhism: Recognizing that we suffer (15:30)
- The second Noble Truth (or fact) of Buddhism: Misunderstanding that our reality causes suffering (20:13)
- The third Noble Truth (or fact) of Buddhism: Freedom from suffering (22:44)
- The fourth Noble Truth (or fact) of Buddhism: The 8-fold path of education, or training (26:24)
- Using Buddhism as a lens for dealing with COVID-19 and all the resulting suffering (31:02)
- Changing our relationship to fear through empathy (37:37)
- Robert’s experience as a young man, traveling to India, and meeting the Dalai Lama (42:16)
- Robert’s psychedelic experience and how psychedelics be used to treat and educate (45:21)
- Book recommendations to go inward, and learn more about Buddhist thought and the environmental movement (59:02)
Learn more about Robert Thurman at https://bobthurman.com/
Follow Robert on Facebook @Robert.A.F.Thurman and on Twitter @bobthurman
Listen to Robert’s podcast at https://bobthurman.com/bob-thurman-podcast/