Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!

David H. Rosmarin PhD is the author of Thriving with Anxiety: 9 Tools to Make Your Anxiety Work for You (Harper Collins). He is an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, a program director at McLean Hospital, and founder of Center for Anxiety, which provides services to over 1,000 patients/year in multiple states. Dr. Rosmarin is an international expert on spirituality and mental health, whose work has been featured in Scientific American, the Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. He can be reached via his website www.dhrosmarin.com

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the 14th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States as a way for dealing with the political chaos now being created in the House of Representatives and uses it as a launching point to address the wars in Ukraine & Israel. 

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses the first turning of the wheel of Dharma on Cho-khor Duchen, the day of the Tibetan calendar celebrating the historical Buddha’s first teachings after gaining enlightenment. This episode includes a discussion of his latest book, “Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life” and the Four Noble Truths.

His Eminence the 11th Lelung Rinpoche, a key leader in Vajrayoga, shares a personal invitation for an intensive retreat. He highlights the historical significance of Vajrayoga and its influential figures, including Vajrapani. The conversation dives into essential teachings and practices of the Yamantaka, emphasizing the integration of female deities. Listeners gain insight into the upcoming hybrid event at Menla Retreat, where they can deepen their understanding of these profound Buddhist teachings.

Opening with a recommendation of the upcoming online event with Jai Dev Singh, “Treasure Teachings from the Naga Dragons: Mahayana Tantra and Kundalini Yoga“, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of non-violence in light of the recent conflict in Ukraine.

Bob Thurman discusses updates on his latest book, the Dalai Lama's teachings, India's Prime Minister visit, and the conflict in Ukraine. He emphasizes interconnectedness, global harmony, freedom, democracy, and enlightenment for positive transformation.

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses the recent viral video of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet with a young boy addressing the context and background behind the edited attack campaign. To learn more and to watch the full video, please visit: https://youtu.be/bT0qey5Ts78. Photo of His Holiness the Dalai Lama via www.shutterstock.com.

In this celebratory episode, Robert Thurman discusses the Christian holiday Easter, giving a teaching on Jesus the Rabbi and Christianity’s role in modern-day politics and everyday life in the West. Opening with a short history of early Christianity, this episode includes discussions of: the value of interfaith dialogue, the New Testament, the role of non-violence in conflict resolution, the Russian occupation and invasion of Ukraine, and how those of all backgrounds can find insight and inspiration in the story and lessons of Jesus Christ.

In this episode Robert Thurman is joined by Geshe Dangsong Namgyal, author, teacher, and founder of the Kunsang Gar Wisdom program in Santa Cruz, California.   “Geshe’s primary intention is to bring the ancient teachings of Bön and Buddhism to light, helping students reduce suffering and attain realization. His Kunsang Gar Wisdom program incorporates foundational philosophy and psychology, mental development, and the quintessential Dzogchen view. Developing an understanding of ancient scripts, Geshe is uniquely able to decipher and translate rare spiritual texts. It is his intention to preserve as many texts as possible. Geshe has published numerous books in Tibetan and has now begun making his teachings available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.” -From Geshe Dangsong Namgyal’s website Opening with an introduction to Geshe Dangsong Namgyal’s teaching activities, this episode includes an in-depth dialogue on Bön, Dzogchen, and Rime. To learn more about the work and teachings of Geshe Dangsong Namgyal, please visit: www.dangsongnamgyallama.org.

The podcast kicks off with an inspiring reading from a profound sutra, setting the stage for discussions on nirvana and the concept of a buddhaland. Listeners delve into Vimalakirti's enlightening journey, where he challenges material attachments while feigning illness to convey his wisdom. Insights on emptiness reveal the transient nature of existence and the power of selflessness. A captivating dialogue about wisdom and compassion sheds light on supporting one another through suffering. Overall, it’s a fascinating exploration of perception, reality, and the true essence of enlightenment.