Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman gives an introductory teaching on the history and context of Buddhist Sutras and the Buddhist Medical Tradition as expressed in the mandala of the Medicine Buddha. Using the second chapter of the "The Noble Mahāyāna Sūtra : The Teaching of Vimalakīrti" Robert Thurman introduces the idea of a Buddhafield or Buddha-verse exploring the Buddha's revolutionary teaching that anyone can transform their mind, body and environment through wisdom and compassion. Podcast includes: an introduction to non-dualism and it's relationship to karma and reincarnation, an elaboration of the Buddhist Inner Sciences using the seven stages of dissolution and a light hearted discussion on the value of imagination using the popular science fiction films "The Matrix", "Men in Black" and the classic BBC television series "Dr. Who." Opening the second half of this week's episode with a recitation of the Medicine Buddha mantra Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the history of Buddhist Medicine and how it relates to the on-going mission of Tibet House US at Menla, the Dalai Lama's retreat center in the Catskill Mountains. Hiking with the Medicine Buddha - Ep. 232 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image of the Medicine Buddha Mandala via www. himalayaart.com. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. Hiking with the Medicine Buddha - Ep. 232 the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted from the 2012 "Hiking in the Catskills" gathering at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa. Listen to more archive recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us. The songs “Trance Tibet” & ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.

Using popular culture and recent world history as a jumping off point, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a talk on the nature of civilization and the rise, spread and evolution of Buddhist culture and industrial militarism. Opening with an introduction to Samuel P. Huntington's "The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order" Professor Thurman traces the origins of Neo-conservatism, religious fundamentalism and industrialized military economies to the fundamental misunderstanding of the of reality and the interdependent nature of humanity and civilizations. Podcast includes: a recommendation of "The Unconquerable World: Power, Nonviolence, and The Will of the People" by Jonathan Schell, a Buddhist perspective on the history of the Cold War between Russia and the United States, a discussion of the dangers of militarized police forces, preemptive war and a humorous exploration of the concept of mutually assured destruction and of industrialized war economies. Second half of this week's episode includes a discussion of the value of life long education and how recent neuroplasticity studies confirm and compliment the teachings of the Buddha's inner and outer sciences. Episode concludes with a reading of the poetry of Redwing Keyssar by Gary Gach. Clash of Civilizations : Buddhism & Modern Culture - Ep. 231 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image by Tenzing Rigdol. Clash of Civilizations : Buddhism & Modern Culture - Ep. 231 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted from a talk to professional students, recorded in Russia in 2012.

Professor Thurman in this episode is joined by long time friend and colleague Nina Rao for an extended conversation on the role of environmental responsibility in spirituality and the need to preserve the endangered populations of wild tigers in India. Opening with a short history of wilderness preservation and national parks in the princely states of India, Robert Thurman and Nina Rao examine the primacy of nature throughout history and share personal stories about their work raising awareness about the reality of the climate crisis and the catastrophic ecological impact of self-centered thinking, materialism, consumerism and oligarchies. Podcast includes in-depth explorations of the symbolism of key Buddhist, Hindu and Christian deities connected to mother nature. Episode includes discussions of: the power of positive thinking and imaginative visioning in problem solving, the role of modern Indigenous communities in wildlife preservation, the need for science driven conservation in activism and grassroots efforts, and a call to action for creative solutions and sustainable "bright money" funding for on-going efforts to save our changing environment. To learn more about and to join the on-going efforts to save Wild Tigers, please visit: www.savingwildtigers.org. Tibet House US Conversations : Nina Rao - Episode 230 of the Bob Thurman Podcast photo via www.ninaraochant.com. Tibet House US Conversations : Nina Rao - Episode 230 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded at the Annual New Year's Tibet House US gathering held at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York To learn more about the work and music of Nina Rao, please visit www.ninaraochant.com. This podcast is apart of the Tibet House US Conversations series of dialogues between Bob Thurman & the leading hearts, minds & personalities bringing the ancient wisdom of Buddhism and Tibet into the modern mindful and compassionate revolution. The Tibet House US (THUS) Conversations are produced through the generous support of it’s membership community and are a part of the digital member archive made available as a part of becoming a monthly supporter.

In this episode Professor Thurman gives a teaching on how the Buddha's Four Noble Truths and Eight Fold Path find a modern expression in the Gross National Happiness philosophy in the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan's constitution. Opening with a beginners' introduction to the nature of the Buddha’s discovery, Bob Thurman analyzes modern Bhutanese culture through the lens of the Eight Fold Path suggesting possible next steps needed to fully embody the blissful, interdependent reality as understood by Buddhism and Buddhist philosophy. Gross National Happiness : The Four Noble Truths - Ep. 229 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image by Christopher Michael, Used with Permission. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. Gross National Happiness : The Four Noble Truths - Ep. 229 the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted from “Refining Happiness (Economic Vs Happiness) : A false dichotomy” a talk given for Jangchub Shing in 2014.

Using the work of Buddhologist Gadjin M. Nagao as a roadmap, Professor Thurman leads an introduction to the Buddha's teachings and gives an inspiring talk on the future "fifth peak" of the history of Buddhism. Reintroducing the idea of Buddhism as an Evolutionary Sport Robert Thurman in this week's episode describes the six realms of existence, the nature of becoming a Buddha, and the basic thought experiments to introduce any intelligent being to the interconnected, multi-life perspective of reincarnation and rebirth. Opening with a short overview of the teachings of Buddhism, Robert A.F. Thurman describes the four major flows it's history, development and adaptation as it spread globally, intertwining teachings on: The Three Jewels, The Four Noble Truths, The Heart Sutra, The Nalanda Tradition, and the non-dual inner sciences of Nargajuna and the Mahasiddhas, yogis and house-holder saints. Podcast includes : a detailed exploration of the practice of becoming a mendicant in the Buddhist tradition and the messianic nurturing nature of radical self-concern as taught by Shantideva and by the Bodhisattvas in literature, art and through out the teachings of the historical Buddha. Second half of episode includes a frank discussion of the role of women and the context of their initial exclusion from becoming mendicants in the Buddha's time and concludes with a reading of the work of William Carlos Williams by Gary Gach. Buddhism's Fifth Peak : Buddhist History 101 - Ep. 228 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted from “Buddhism's Fifth Peak” a talk given at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”. Buddhism's Fifth Peak : Buddhist History 101 - Ep. 228 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image via Wellcome Collection.

In this questions and answers session Professor Thurman and Sharon Salzberg discuss the interconnected nature of emptiness, compassion, and loving-kindness and the use of mandalas in meditation. Opening with an in-depth exploration of the etymology of the Sanskrit term sunyata, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the relationality of emptiness and it's connections to the agricultural language and culture of the Buddha's time. Podcast includes discussions of : the symbolism and use of sand mandalas, the history of the Kalachakra "Wheel of Time" Tantra, the Buddhist perspective on bliss, space, time and the role of evolutionary inner yogas in reducing suffering for self and others. Episode concludes with a reading of the work of Muriel Rukeyser by Gary Gach. Emptiness & Mandalas : Questioning Buddhism - Ep. 227 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Manuel Bauer via www.dalailama.com Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. Emptiness & Mandalas : Questioning Buddhism - Ep. 227 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded at the annual New Year's Retreat at Menla in Phoenicia, New York in 2015. This podcast is apart of the on going series “Questioning Buddhism” in which Robert A.F. Thurman answers questions from those looking to learn more about the Buddha, his teachings and the history of those people, countries and cultures influenced by his ideas. To submit your questions to be answered in future podcasts please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

In this extended holiday episode Professor Thurman gives an introduction to the history and mission of the Dalai Lama's cultural arts center Tibet House US in New York City and its retreat center Menla in Phoenicia, New York. Opening with a personal invitation to the Annual Carnegie Hall Benefit Concert Robert A.F. Thurman gives a detailed history of the event organized by Philip Glass and explains it's connections to Tibetan New Year and the precious culture of Tibet. Podcast includes a discussion of the benefits of becoming a Tibet House US Member, a short introduction to Tibetan Culture for beginners and an in-depth exploration of the landmark graphic novel "Man of Peace : The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet" by Robert A.F. Thurman. Preserving Culture with Tibet House US Podcast Bonus of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo via www.dalailama.com. Tibet House US is dedicated to preserving Tibet’s unique culture at a time when it is confronted with extinction on its own soil. By presenting Tibetan civilization and its profound wisdom, beauty, and special art of freedom to the people of the world, we hope to inspire others to join the effort to protect and save it. Tibet House US is part of a worldwide network of Tibetan institutions committed to ensuring that the light of the Tibetan spirit never disappears from the face of this earth. Tibet House US was founded at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who at the inauguration in 1987 stated his wish for a long-term cultural institution to ensure the survival of Tibetan civilization and culture, whatever the political destiny of the six million people of Tibet itself. “I feel that Tibetan culture with its unique heritage - born of the efforts of many human beings of good spirit, of its contacts with Mongolian, Chinese, Indian, Nepalese and Persian culture, and of its natural environment – has developed a kind of energy which is very helpful for cultivating peace of mind and a joyful life. I feel that there is a potential for Tibet to help humanity, and particularly our Eastern neighbor, where millions of young Chinese have lost their spiritual values. In this way, I feel very strongly that Tibetan culture will have a role to play in the future of humanity.” – His Holiness the Dalai Lama This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us. The songs “Trance Tibet” & ‘Dancing Ling’ by

In this episode Professor Thurman is joined by Sarah Drew for a discussion on the need for conscious evolution of individuals in order to address the global climate crisis. Podcast includes: an introduction to the history of the sacred feminine, a examination of the role of oracles and herbal medicine across cultures and a short re-telling of the story of the Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree . Episode concludes with a reading from "The Gaia Codex" by Sarah Drew. Tibet House US Conversations : Sarah Drew - Ep. 226 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo via www.sarahdrew.net. Author of "Gaia Codex" Sarah Drew is lifelong explorer of culture and consciousness, whose work expresses a deep curiosity, a polymathic approach to exploring multiple disciplines with a focus on humanity’s evolution: the cultivation of compassion and our multi-generational nurturance of Mother Earth. Inspired by regenerative narratives that give both a deeper understanding of our past and powerful blueprints for the future, Sarah currently serves on two advisory boards: SHE TV, a new media platform for women and Mission BE an initiative that brings contemplative practices into urban schools. To learn more, please visit www.sarahdrew.net. This podcast is apart of the Tibet House US Conversations series of dialogs between Robert A.F. Thurman & the leading hearts, minds & characters bringing the ancient wisdom of Buddhism and Tibet into the modern mindful revolution.

Examining the spread of Buddhism in the West through the organizations and communities found in the United States Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the Buddhist methods any individual can use in their pursuit of happiness no matter their background. Opening with an exploration of the Buddhist perspective on the role and personal joy of teaching Professor Thurman gives a historical overview of the development of Buddhism and it's place within modern democracy movements. This episode includes : discussions of the traditional tools of Buddhist meditation, the role of selflessness in spirituality and the centrality of individual development, freedom and liberty in the pursuit of happiness. Episode concludes with a reading of the work of Billy Collins by Gary Gach. Buddhism in the West : The Pursuit of Happiness – Ep. 225 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Luke Stackpoole via Unsplash Buddhism in the West : The Pursuit of Happiness – Ep. 225 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted from "Buddhism, Religion or Evolutionary Sport" a talk given at the California Institute of Integral Studies.

Using the historical spread of the Buddha’s teachings as a road map Robert A.F. Thurman introduces Buddhist life and practice as an evolutionary sport which effectively transforms the hearts, minds and societies of the individuals who encounter it and make their precious human lives supremely meaningful for self and others. Opening with an exploration of the modern definition of religion, Professor Thurman gives a teaching on the nature of the Buddha’s revolutionary movement and the actions of its mendicant seekers and inner-scientific explorers across history. This episode includes : a discussion of the place and value of hagiographies, short histories of Buddhism in India, Tibet and Central Asia, an introduction to the Siddha Adept "Psychonauts" of the Nalanda tradition and an extended (adult) re-telling of the story of Naropa, his consort and the royal deer herd of the king of Varanasi. Episode concludes with a reading of the work of Juan Felipe Herrera by Gary Gach. Buddhism As Evolutionary Sport - Ep. 224 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image via Wellcome Collection. Buddhism As Evolutionary Sport - Ep. 224 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted from the talk "Buddhism, Religion or Evolutionary Sport" given at the California Institute of Integral Studies.