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.

Opening with a discussion of transcendence in Buddhist science and philosophy, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on selflessness, transcendent wisdom, and the key of how to develop freedom from absolutism in order to cultivate altruism and interconnection with all beings and reality. This podcast includes a discussion on how understanding selflessness leads beyond space-like equipoise samadhi to natural focus on universal love and compassion, intensifying the desire to be of benefit to oneself and all others. The episode concludes with a line reading of the first chapter of “The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti Sutra,” with a discussion of the infinite multiverse and Buddha Lands (or Buddhaverses) as taught by the historical Buddha in his Mahayana Sutras, disclosing his Universal Vehicle of Buddhism. “Robert Thurman’s Basic Buddhism is a collective series of five lectures he has given on Buddhism. In these lectures, Thurman patiently takes apart each jewel of Buddhism: the Buddha as the teacher of enlightenment, the Dharma as the teaching, or the enlightenment reality itself, and the Sangha as the historical and current community of learners seeking to become Buddhas.” -Text from Better Listen Basic Buddhism This episode is an excerpt from the Better Listen “Basic Buddhism” audio course. To learn more and to enjoy the full recording, please visit: www.betterlisten.com. Podcast thumbnail photo via www.shutterstock.com.