Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman introduces the heart of the Buddha’s teaching through an exploration of the compassionate self-interest and social altruism found in the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path. Opening with a re-telling of the story featured in the “Man of Peace” Graphic Novel about the Dalai Lama’s first encounter with his teacher Khuna Lama who transmitted the oral instructions of the  “Equal Exchange of Self for Other” teachings by Shantideva, Professor Thurman uses these classical texts to reveal the wisdom and compassion of Buddhism’s perspective. Podcast includes a discussion of the Dalai Lama “wise selfish” teachings, a humorous comparison of the nature of blind faith and religion to the Buddha’s discovery and his teachings of engaged realism known as Buddhism and a brief discussion of “What is Buddhism” for those of all backgrounds and experience. Second half of this week’s episode is an introduction to the medicine culture of Tibet and how the Buddhist understanding of healing and self transformation is embodied in the work of Tibet House US and the Dewa Spa at Menla Retreat. Podcast concludes with a reading of Wallace Steven’s poem “Tea” by Gary Gach. Altruism and Compassion : Buddhism 101 – Ep. 206 Photo Created with love by Ryan McGuire via www.gratisography.com. “Altruism and Compassion : Buddhism 101 – Ep. 206 of the Bob Thurman Podcast” is apart of the Buddhism 101 series using classic teachings from the archives of Robert A.F. Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition.    

Opening with a discussion on the Buddhist definition of the mind, Professor Thurman details the philosophical history of and essential role of exploring it's nature through the experience of bliss within the Buddha's teachings and in it's meditations and yoga practices. Detailing how Buddhism's central tenets of causality, emptiness and compassion relate to modern Quantum and Particle Physics Robert A.F. Thurman provides those engaging in physical yoga practices and meditation a roadmap for discovering the blissful nature of reality. Podcast includes a introduction to the Buddhist Inner Sciences, the "network of Dakinis" as taught in Buddhism's esoteric art and Vajrayana practices, and concludes with a reading of Wallace Steven's poem "Snowman" by Gary Gach. Yoga, Bliss & Mind : Buddhist Inner Sciences - Ep. 205 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded at the Annual All Levels Yoga and Buddhism Retreat "Buddha & the Yogis" with Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor and Robert A.F. Thurman July 16 - 23, 2017 at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York and  is apart of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices. 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”. Yoga, Bliss & Mind : Buddhist Inner Sciences Photo by Ryan McGuire via www.mcguiremade.com.

Using the “Esoteric Community” (Guhyasamāja), by Tsongkhapa  Professor Thurman discusses the fractal nature of Buddhist writings and how with proper study and meditation upon their salutatory or opening verses one can understand the full meaning of the Buddha’s esoteric and esoteric teachings. Podcast opens with an exploration of the history of Buddhist monastic and university traditions, a teaching on the Seven Ornaments and the six parameters of interpretation used within Tantric and Vajrayana philosophy. Episode includes definitions of Professor Thurman’s “Tantric Abidharma”, Mind Objective, Speech Isolation, Clear Light and the Central Channel system used in Buddhist Medicine and Inner Sciences. Podcast concludes with a reading of Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s writings on World War Two and the Bombing of Nagasaki by Gary Gach. This podcast is apart of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices. Exploring Buddhist Opening Verses – Ep. 204 was recorded at the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Sources Class Introduction of the Force for Good Series Class “Buddhist Science Vajrayana Part Three” on November 30th 2016 at Tibet House US in New York City. ‘A Force For Good’ is a Tibet House US course to further the Dalai Lama’s contemporary world initiatives, from His Holiness’ American Institute of Buddhist Studies and Mind & Life Institute science dialogues (Universe in a Single Atom) and His creation of Abhidharma 2.0 through the “Science for Monks” programs, his “secular ethics” (Ethics for the New Millennium and Beyond Religion), His nonviolent approach to conflict resolution, including His Nobel Peace Laureate activities to seek dialogue and a win-win reconciliation with China in the face of the ongoing ethnicidal policies in Tibet (Freedom in Exile and Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of Tibet’s Dalai Lama) & along with his emphasis on positive activism (A New Reality: Charter of Universal Responsibility). This on-going series was inspired by Daniel Goleman’s ‘A Force For Good: The Dalai Lama’s Vision for Our World‘.  

In this extended archive recording of “The Legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa” Talk by Robert A.F. Thurman from Tse Chen Ling Center in San Francisco celebrates the 600th anniversary of the enlightenment of Tsongkhapa. Opening  with personal reflections upon “The Year of Tsongkhapa”, Robert A.F. Thurman uses the miss-titled “Tibetan Book of The Dead” core teaching of infinite interconnected, past and future lives to frame his exploration of the life, work and teachings of Je Tsongkhapa and gives an in-depth teaching on his historical importance and impact upon Buddhism, Tibet and philosophy. Podcast includes a reading of the first Panchen Lama Khedrup Gelek Pelzang’s account of Tsongkhapa’s attainment of the magic body and manifestation of Manjushri during his enlightenment, a discussion of the use of spiritual consorts, Karmamudra, the history of the different schools, sects and “orders” within Pre-Invasion Tibet and a recommendation of the forthcoming biography of Tsongkhapa by Thupten Jinpa by Wisdom Publications. About Lama Tsongkhapa and “International Year of Tsongkhapa” ​Je Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357-1419) was one of the greatest scholar-practitioners in the history of Tibetan Buddhism and the founder of the Gelug tradition. While still a young man, Tsongkhapa distinguished himself through intense study, a sharp intellect and meditative accomplishment. In the last three decades of his life, Tsongkhapa dedicated himself to practice, teaching, writing and establishing monasteries. Respected by all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Lama Tsongkhapa’s deeds contributed tremendously to the revitalization of Buddhism in Tibet. On December 30th, 2018, the 104th Ganden Tripa Lobsang Tenzin, the supreme head of the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism proclaimed that 2019 will be “International Year of Tsongkhapa.” “I call upon all Gelukpas and well-wishers to render their support to spreading awareness of the eloquent teachings and writings of the great Master Tsongkhapa throughout the world. I encourage Geluk monasteries, centers, organizers, individuals and admirers of Master Tsongkhapa worldwide to initiate special activities throughout the year of 2019 to commemorate (the) 600th anniversary of the great master and to inspire beings to follow in his footsteps.” Ganden Tri Rinpoche This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York and Wisdom Publications. Suggested Reading:  “The Life and Teachings of Tsongkhapa” Edited by Robert A.F. Thurman published by Wisdom Publication, 2018. The Year of Tsongkhapa : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archive Episode was recorded during the “The Legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa” Talk at Tse Chen Ling in San Francisco in 2019. Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert AF 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 song ‘Dancing Ling’ + ‘Trance Tibet’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lou

In this two part podcast Professor Thurman discusses the value of studying Tibetan Buddhist Vajrayana by anyone interested in improving their mind, relationships and the world around them with or without initiation or empowerment. Opening with a succinct explanation of the different lineages, orders and sects of Tibetan Buddhism from a historical perspective, Robert A.F. Thurman leads a discussion of the common misconceptions of Vajrayana Buddhism since coming to the West giving rise to the appearance of sectarianism and abuses by non-traditional Guru figures. Podcast includes: an overview of the Buddhist Inner Sciences, a short discussion of the distinctions between Mother, Father and Non-Dual Tantra and an introduction to the central channel practices including the Magic Body and Chakra symbolism. Second half of the podcast includes an in-depth exploration of the the symbolism and use of the Bells, Dorjes and Vajra Ritual Implements in art and meditation practices. Podcast concludes with a reading of Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s “Millennial Cities” by Gary Gach. 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. This podcast is apart of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices. Buddhist Sciences : Mother & Father Tantras – Ep. 203 was recorded at the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Sources Class Introduction of the Force for Good Series Class “Buddhist Science Vajrayana Part Three” on November 30th 2016 at Tibet House US in New York City. This on-going series was inspired by Daniel Goleman’s ‘A Force For Good: The Dalai Lama’s Vision for Our World‘.

Professor Thurman opens this podcast with an exploration of the history of medicine within Buddhism and details how it’s highest expression within Tibet’s “Sowa Rigpa” provides the modern world with valuable perspectives and practices to compliment Western medical science. Includes an overview of Buddhist Medicine, stories from Robert A.F. Thurman’s time working as a Tibetan medicine translator with Dr. Yeshi Dhonden in the 1960’s and about the genesis of and vision behind Tibet House US and it’s Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa. Second half begins with an introduction to the Buddhist path and to Buddhism intended for non-Buddhists and a recommendation of Daniel Goleman’s “Force For Good” book and the on-going online course available as a part of the Tibet House US membership videos by the same name. Podcast concludes with a reading of Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s “Ecolog” by Gary Gach. My Early Years : Menla as a Force For Good Photo of Robert A.F. Thurman by Emily Davidow, Used with Permission. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York and Wisdom Publications. My Early Years : Menla as a Force For Good – Ep. 202 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded during a Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa Staff gathering with Robert A.F. Thurman, May 2016. 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”. To learn more about the writings and work Of Gary Gach please visit: www.garygach.com .

Continuing his celebration of the 600th anniversary of the enlightenment of Tsongkhapa, Professor Thurman gives an in-depth teaching on his “Secret Biography” and the impact of his creation of the Monlam Chenmo (Great Prayer Festival) in Tibet. About Lama Tsongkhapa and “International Year of Tsongkhapa” ​Je Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357-1419) was one of the greatest scholar-practitioners in the history of Tibetan Buddhism and the founder of the Gelug tradition. While still a young man, Tsongkhapa distinguished himself through intense study, a sharp intellect and meditative accomplishment. In the last three decades of his life, Tsongkhapa dedicated himself to practice, teaching, writing and establishing monasteries. Respected by all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Lama Tsongkhapa’s deeds contributed tremendously to the revitalization of Buddhism in Tibet. On December 30th, 2018, the 104th Ganden Tripa Lobsang Tenzin, the supreme head of the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism proclaimed that 2019 will be “International Year of Tsongkhapa. “I call upon all Gelukpas and well-wishers to render their support to spreading awareness of the eloquent teachings and writings of the great Master Tsongkhapa throughout the world. I encourage Geluk monasteries, centers, organizers, individuals and admirers of Master Tsongkhapa worldwide to initiate special activities throughout the year of 2019 to commemorate (the) 600th anniversary of the great master and to inspire beings to follow in his footsteps.” -Ganden Tri Rinpoche Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Albert Saijo by Gary Gach. Suggested Reading:  “The Life and Teachings of Tsongkhapa” Edited by Robert A.F. Thurman published by Wisdom Publication, 2018. Celebrating Tsongkhapa : Sects, Orders and Consorts – Ep. 200 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded during the “The Legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa” Talk at Tse Chen Ling in San Francisco in 2019.  

In this special podcast celebrating the 600th anniversary of the enlightenment of Tsongkhapa, Professor Thurman gives an in-depth teaching on his historical importance and impact upon Buddhism, Tibet and philosophy. Opening this week’s episode with personal reflections upon “The Year of Tsongkhapa”, Robert A.F. Thurman uses the miss-titled “Tibetan Book of The Dead” core teaching of infinite interconnected, past and future lives to frame his exploration of the life, work and teachings of Je Tsongkhapa. This two part podcast includes a reading of the first Panchen Lama Khedrup Gelek Pelzang’s account of Tsongkhapa’s attainment of the magic body and manifestation of Manjushri during his enlightenment. Podcast includes a discussion of the use of spiritual consorts, Karmamudra, the history of the different schools, sects and “orders” within Pre-Invasion Tibet and a recommendation of the forthcoming biography of Tsongkhapa by Thupten Jinpa by Wisdom Publications. About Lama Tsongkhapa and “International Year of Tsongkhapa” ​Je Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357-1419) was one of the greatest scholar-practitioners in the history of Tibetan Buddhism and the founder of the Gelug tradition. While still a young man, Tsongkhapa distinguished himself through intense study, a sharp intellect and meditative accomplishment. In the last three decades of his life, Tsongkhapa dedicated himself to practice, teaching, writing and establishing monasteries. Respected by all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Lama Tsongkhapa’s deeds contributed tremendously to the revitalization of Buddhism in Tibet. On December 30th, 2018, the 104th Ganden Tripa Lobsang Tenzin, the supreme head of the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism proclaimed that 2019 will be “International Year of Tsongkhapa.” “I call upon all Gelukpas and well-wishers to render their support to spreading awareness of the eloquent teachings and writings of the great Master Tsongkhapa throughout the world. I encourage Geluk monasteries, centers, organizers, individuals and admirers of Master Tsongkhapa worldwide to initiate special activities throughout the year of 2019 to commemorate (the) 600th anniversary of the great master and to inspire beings to follow in his footsteps.” Ganden Tri Rinpoche Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Lawrence Ferlinghetti by Gary Gach. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York and Wisdom Publications. Suggested Reading:  “The Life and Teachings of Tsongkhapa” Edited by Robert A.F. Thurman published by Wisdom Publication, 2018. Celebrating Tsongkhapa : Sects, Orders and Consorts – Ep. 200 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded during the “The Legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa” Talk at Tse Chen Ling in San Francisco in 2019. 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

In this extended recording from Menla’s “Tibetan Secrets of Longevity” Retreat in 2016, Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida Chenagtsang discuss the history of Buddhist Medicine’s origins in the teachings of the Buddha and elaborate how it found it’s synthesis with other medical traditions in Sowa Rigpa or the Tibetan Science of Health. Introducing the Buddha as a physician of the body, mind and of wider society Robert Thurman gives a detailed history of the healing nature of the teachings and of the medicine tradition of Sowa Rigpa which they gave rise to. Includes an exploration of the Yuthok Nyingthig, the unique cycle of Vajrayana Buddhist practice connected with Tibetan Medicine, short biographies of Yuthok the Elder and Younger, generosity as a vehicle for spiritual development, Buddhist mantras as form of psychotherapy and a guided meditation on selflessness. Tibetan Secrets of Longevity : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives Photo of Robert A.F. Thurman and Nena Thurman at Menla by Dr. Nida Chenagtsang Tibetan Secrets of Longevity : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives was recorded at the Third Session of the “Tibetan Secrets of Longevity Retreat with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang & Robert A.F. Thurman”  held at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. To learn more about this year’s program with Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida at Menla please visit: www.menla.us The song ‘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. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

Professor Thurman and Dr. Nida Chenagtsang in this two part podcast discuss the history of Buddhist Medicine’s origins in the teachings of the Buddha and elaborate how it found it’s synthesis with other medical traditions in Sowa Rigpa or the Tibetan Science of Health as founded by Yuthok the Elder and carried on in Tibet, the Himalayas, and the Mongolias by Yuthok the Younger. Opening this week’s episode with a recommendation of “The Mirror of Light” by Dr. Nida Chenagtsang and introducing the Buddha as a physician of the body, mind and of wider society Robert Thurman gives a detailed history of the healing nature of the teachings and of the medicine tradition of Sowa Rigpa which they gave rise to. Explaining the Buddha’s insight into the blissful nature of reality and it’s connection to selflessness Robert A.F. Thurman shows how the transcendent nature of enlightenment transforms the individual into a pulsar of encouraging energy to all those who encounter them. Second half of this week’s episode includes an exploration of the Yuthok Nyingthig, the unique cycle of Vajrayana Buddhist practice connected with Tibetan Medicine, short biographies of Yuthok the Elder and Younger, generosity as a vehicle for spiritual development, Buddhist mantras as form of psychotherapy and a guided meditation on selflessness. Podcast concludes with a reading of Allen Ginsberg’s poem The Sunflower Sutra by Gary Gach. Tibetan Medicine : Yuthok the Elder & Sowa Rigpa – Episode 199 the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by David Brooke Martin on Unsplash. Tibetan Medicine : Yuthok the Elder & Sowa Rigpa – Episode 199 the Bob Thurman Podcast is an excerpt from the “Tibetan Secrets of Longevity Third Session with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang & Robert A.F. Thurman” Video. Recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017 the Annual Kalachakra Study + Practice Intensive Retreat. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. To learn more about this year’s program with Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida at Menla please visit: www.menla.us Gary Gregory Gach