In this episode, Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar and author Robert (Bob) Thurman. Bob is one of the foremost scholars in the world on Tibetan Buddhism, and played a major role in bringing Buddhism to America. This conversation covers many topics, including:
- his entry into Buddhism, and befriending the Dalai Lama;
- links between Buddhism and science (and why Buddhism is 1/6 religion);
- problems with scientific materialism;
- enlightenment and emptiness;
- stories of the Buddha leaving home;
- four friendly fun facts (noble truths);
- realistic vs. right approaches on the path;
- jumping into bliss prematurely;
- Buddhist ethics;
- practices to push against essentialism;
- the key role of compassion in enlightenment;
- how he thinks about reincarnation and continuation of consciousness;
- the role of science on the contemplative path;
- and Bob's parting fun fact.