Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!

Nāgārjuna’s Teaching of Evolutionary Skill & Biology – Ep. 4

Feb 20, 2015

Professor Thurman, a renowned expert in Buddhist philosophy and personal development, delves into the teachings of Nāgārjuna. He explores how skillful actions shape personal evolution, intertwining biology and ethics with mindfulness. The discussion highlights the crucial role of ethical living and thoughts in refining one's karma, and the unique Buddhist perspective on selfhood versus Western morality. Thurman critiques the application of universal human rights and invites listeners to reflect on the true nature of ethics and interconnectedness.

23:30

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Thurman

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Quick takeaways

Buddhist biology emphasizes that ethical actions significantly influence individual evolution and interconnectedness through a karma-based understanding of choices.

The reinterpretation of ethical guidelines as skillful paths fosters unity and awareness, stressing the importance of mindfulness in shaping personal and collective experiences.

Deep dives

Buddhist Biology and Karma

Buddhist biology connects the understanding of life with ethical behavior, emphasizing how actions impact both self and others. Karma is explained not just as fate but as a biological theory that considers the consequences of choices made by individuals. This perspective allows for a rational analysis of actions, paralleling Darwinian principles of evolution while incorporating spiritual elements. The teachings suggest that ethical decisions can shape one's existence and evolution, reinforcing the interconnectedness of all beings.

Intro

3min

The Evolution of Skillful Action and Ethical Living

9min

The Power of Thoughts: Skillfulness and Ethics in Buddhism

5min

Ethics and Self in Eastern and Western Perspectives

4min

In a reading of Nāgārjuna’s Jewel Rosary (Ratnāvalī), Professor Thurman discusses the skillful paths of evolutionary action performed by body, speech, and mind, presenting that these paths of evolutionary actions shape an individual’s personal evolution or devolution in an evolutionary matrix similar to that of Darwin but, adding to it voluntary individual evolution through infinite multiple lives.

This is an extract from Professor Thurman’s Spring 2013 lecture series at Tibet House US – titled : A Banquet of Sutras and Shastras.

Nāgārjuna’s Teaching of Evolutionary Skill & Biology – Ep. 4 Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

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