Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!

In this two part podcast recorded for Losar (Tibetan New Year) Professor Thurman discusses the practices of mindfulness and lucid waking as taught by Buddha and passed down through the Buddhist cultures of Tibet, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Japan. Opening this episode with a joyous introduction to the Tibetan New Year tradition of Losar, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the value of developing and practicing wisdom along side mindfulness practices using stories from the Buddha’s life. Using the stories of Buddha’s interactions with the six teachers and their unrealistic world views during his teaching career and the performance of miracles before them Professor Thurman gives a practical perspective of the The Great Prayer Festival (Losar) established by Tsongkhapa in 1409. Podcast includes discussions of: the Dalai Lama’s work in the United States through Tibet House US, the historical interconnections between the Mahayana & Hinayana Buddhist meditation, a Buddhist perspective on making positive resolutions every day of the year,a call to action to all sensitive beings for increased dialog between groups facing conflict, oppression and radical extremism and a Tibetan Buddhist astrological explanation of the year of the Earth Boar for Tibet, His Holiness and all citizens of planet earth. Second half of this week’s episode continues Robert A.F. Thurman teaching on personal development of wisdom and compassion through meditation, mantra, yoga and an introduction to his idea of lucid waking. Podcast concludes with a reading of the poem “When Death Comes” by Mary Oliver by Gary Gach. “Lucid Waking & Mindfulness Practices” Episode 198 the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by David Brooke Martin on Unsplash. “Lucid Waking & Mindfulness Practices” Episode 198 the Bob Thurman Podcast is an excerpt from the “Final Questions + Answers Session of the Kalachakra Study + Practice with 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. “Lucid Waking & Mindfulness Practices” 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 “

Using the study and practice of the Kalachakra from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition as a road map, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the need to combine wisdom with meditation to develop in any spiritual path. Opening with a re-telling of the story of Pai Chang & Huang Po in which the Chan master and student discuss how to make a Buddha through inner & outer (mental & physical) efforts Professor Thurman uses this classic tale to discuss the dangers of Scientism, materialism and absolutism modern seekers face in daily culture. Second part of this week’s episode is a guided “Three Principles of the Path” meditation and instructions on the dedication of positive merit generated through contemplative practices. Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Mary Oliver by Gary Gach. “How to Make a Buddha – Episode 197 of the Bob Thurman Podcast”  is an excerpt from the “Final Questions + Answers Session of the Kalachakra Study + Practice with 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. To read more about this year’s Kalachakra Program with Robert AF Thurman at Menla please visit: www.bobthurman.com. “How to Make a Buddha” 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”.

In this extended archive recording from the 2017 Tibet House US Benefit Trip to Bodh Gaya, India, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the value of imaginative compassion as expressed in the cosmology, art and people found throughout the Buddhist sutras and tantras. This archive recording includes: discussions of “Flower Ornament Sutra“, Kalachakra Tantra, the non-dual nature of the Shakyamuni’s time under the bodhi tree and introductions to Vairochana, Avalokiteshvara and the Eighth King of Shamabala. “By tracing the Buddha’s steps, partaking in daily meditations in the very places where Buddha’s own life’s journey unfolded, and enjoying daily talks with Professor Thurman. This journey, custom crafted for Tibet House US with Dr. Thurman and GeoEx, explores the birth of Buddhism by tracing a path through the sacred sites of the Buddha’s life. At each sacred site, the group will be offered teachings and stories about the life of the Buddha. Traveling with leading Buddhist scholars Dr. Robert Thurman and Geographic Expeditions’ own inveterate leader Brent Olson, the trip offers a rare opportunity to explore a treasure trove of cultural, historical, and spiritual riches—and indeed to see places, through their importance in the life of the Buddha, that would shape the history of the region and the world.” From Trip Description via www.geoex.com. To learn about upcoming Tibet House US trips with Robert A.F. Thurman + GeoEx please visit: www.bobthurman.com. Pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives Photo via GeoEx. This podcast was recorded during the Tibet House US + GeoEx Trip lead by Robert A.F Thurman to the 34th Kalachakra Empowerment with the Dalai Lama in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India in January, 2017.   “Pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives” is apart of the “Buddhist Pilgrimage Series” using field recordings of Robert AF Thurman and friends from his global docent tours benefiting the work of Tibet House US. To 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 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.  

Teaching from the bodhi tree the Buddha attained enlightenment beneath, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the value of imaginative compassion as expressed in the cosmology, art and people found throughout the Buddhist sutras and tantras. Opening this week’s episode with a reading of the “Flower Ornament Sutra” Professor Thurman introduces us to “swimming” in the fantastic sutra with its descriptions of multiple planes of existence and dimensions of reality as a gateway to unpacking the practical and esoteric lessons of Buddhism. Contextualizing the non-dual nature of the Shakyamuni’s time under the bodhi tree just after full enlightenment as holographic in nature, Thurman gives a history of the pilgrimage site and introduces the infinite buddhas visited during this experience including: Vairochana Buddha, Avalokiteshvara and their connections to the Dalai Lama of Tibet and the Eighth King of Shamabala. Podcast includes discussions of: the Kalachakra Tantra, it’s mandala and the practices, the Twelve Deeds of a Buddha and a Buddhist perspective on mystical experiences. Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Mary Oliver by Gary Gach. . Pilgrimage : Swimming & Sitting Under The Bodhi Tree – Ep. 196 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Filip Wolak All Rights Reserved. This podcast was recorded during the Tibet House US + GeoEx Trip lead by Robert AF Thurman to the 34th Kalachakra Empowerment with the Dalai Lama in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India in January, 2017. “Pilgrimage : Swimming & Sitting Under The Bodhi Tree – Ep. 196 of the Bob Thurman Podcast” is apart of the “Buddhist Pilgrimage Series” using field recordings of Robert AF Thurman and friends from his global docent tours benefiting the work of Tibet House US. To 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.   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”. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album

In this archive recording from the Buddha and The Yogis program held annually at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the importance of the divine feminine and the role of women in Indian, Tibetan and Western history. Opening with an exploration of the experience of enlightenment Professor Thurman gives an introduction to Buddhist meditation, to the practice of meditating on Tara and female inspirational figures. Podcast includes a short history of Buddhism, it’s relationship to yoga, a re-telling and re-contextualization of the Buddhist Jātaka tales and an in-depth exploration of the Twenty One Taras meditation practice. Includes guided meditations and teachings on selflessness, the dedication of positive merit and Tara. Buddha & The Yogis : Divine Feminine – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives photo with Mary Taylor, Sandi Higgins and Richard Taylor from Buddha and the Yogis Annual Retreat via www.instagram.com. 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 was originally excerpted as “Tara, Yoga & Female Buddhas” Episode 195 of the Bob Thurman Podcast. Recorded at the annual Buddha and The Yogis intensive program with Robert A.F. Thurman and Friends held at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York, Summer 2016. 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 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.

In this two part podcast Professor Thurman discusses the role of women in Indian and Tibetan history and of the feminine principle within their inner and outer yoga traditions. Opening with an exploration of the experience of enlightenment as depicted in the classic science fiction film “Star Trek The Motion Picture” Robert A.F. Thurman gives a brief introduction to the study and practice of Buddhist Vajrayana deity yoga meditation on Tara and female inspirational figures of any tradition. Podcast includes a recommendation of the yoga teachings of Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor, a short history of Buddhism, it’s relationship to yoga, a non-dual perspective on the role of women in society and in Buddhist monastic communities and an exploration of the Twenty One Taras used by Tibetan adepts, pilgrims and everyday people for generations. Second half of this week’s episode includes a guided meditation and a teaching on the dedication of positive merit generated during the spiritual practice and contemplation of Tara’s immeasurable, multi-colored forms. Recorded at the annual Buddha and The Yogis intensive program with Robert A.F. Thurman and Friends held at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York, Summer 2016. In this week’s Bob Thurman podcast poetry segment Gary Gach reads the poetry of Emily Dickinson. Tara, Yoga & Female Buddhas – Ep. 195 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Tara statue photo via www.luminousbuddha.com. 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. 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. 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”. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2

An extended archive podcast from Professor Thurman’s annual holiday message and his monthly teaching for the ongoing Kālachakra Study & Practice Group. Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the value of end of year celebrations, compassion and the Kālachakra yoga in helping individuals of any tradition or religious background to escape the terminal lifestyle of self centered materialism. Highlighting the common spiritual threads found in Christmas, Hanukkah, Losar & Pagan Solstice celebrations Robert Thurman discusses his upcoming program at Kripalu based upon his book “Infinite Life: Awakening to Bliss Within”, his long time New Year’s tradition of teaching with Sharon Salzberg, and the place of mindfulness, emptiness and compassion in transforming one’s life. Recording includes an extended call to action and re-telling of Professor Thurman’s vision of creating a space for the development and support of an Kālachakra Yoga practice community in New York City. Buddha Bliss and Kālachakra Yoga – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Priscilla Kimie, All Rights Reserved. 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. 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 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 learn more about upcoming programs at Kripalu please visit: www.kripalu.org.

Opening this week’s holiday podcast with a guided meditation from his book “Infinite Life: Awakening to Bliss Within” Professor Thurman discusses the value of end of year celebrations, compassion and the yoga sciences in helping individuals of any tradition or religious background to escape the terminal lifestyle of self centered materialism. Highlighting the common spiritual threads found in Christmas, Hanukkah, Losar & Pagan Solstice celebrations Robert Thurman discusses the symbolic and psychological value of such community gatherings detailing the history of solar and lunar celebrations in Judaism and of Tibet’s Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival. Podcast includes a discussion of the Annual Tibet House US New Year’s Dharma and Yoga retreat with held at Menla with Sharon Salzberg, of upcoming programs at Kripalu and of Hatha Yoga‘s history, origins of it’s connections to Buddhist Vajrayana and to Unexcelled Yoga Tantras. In the second part of this week’s episode Robert A.F. Thurman discusses his dream of creating a space at Tibet House US  with his colleague Dr. John Campbell for the development and daily practice of Buddhist Vajrayana yoga community. In this week’s Bob Thurman podcast poetry segment Gary Gach reads the poetry of Emily Dickinson. Infinite Lifestyle : Yoga & End of Year Celebrations – Ep. 194 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Paul Cooper, All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. 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 “

In this extended archive recording from the Annual New Year’s Tibet House US Dharma and Yoga Retreat held at Menla Retreat Professor Thurman, Sharon Salzberg, Carolyn Christie, Brooke Myers and Paul Bloom lead a discussion with retreat participants on how the daily practice of Buddhist Dharma and all Yoga traditions can transform one’s life. Opening with a group recitation of the “Heart Sutra” Robert A.F. Thurman and Sharon Salzberg share rare personal stories about their decades of studying Buddhism and meditation and a round robin of New Year’s stories of gratitude by each of the retreat teachers. Robert A.F. Thurman gives a short history of Menla Retreat and the Pantherkill Valley in New York’s Catskill mountains before presenting the Buddhist Eight Fold Path in modern language for a general audience. Presentation includes a discussion of each of it’s eight parts and a guided meditation. Includes a discussion of the centrality of causation to understanding the Eight Fold Path, a re-telling of the myth of the Buddhist Kingdom of Shambhala, a recommendation of the oral biography of Neem Karoli Baba “Love Everyone” and about the teachings of Shantideva passed down through the life and work of Lama Khunu Rinpoche and his Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. Recording concludes with a traditional guided meditation and recitation dedication practice led by Robert Thurman offering the merit of the day’s teachings to those who have helped to support Tibetan culture by visiting Menla in Upstate, New York and to the selfless work of Sharon Salzberg, Nena Thurman and the Tibet House US Membership community over the years. This teaching includes a call to action to all sensitive beings to join the on-going efforts to present and preserve Tibetan culture by becoming apart of the Menla Tibet House US Membership community. Dharma and Yoga : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives Photo by Raimond Klavins. Dharma and Yoga : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives was excerpted from the Tibet House US Member Archive’s Annual New Year’s “Real Love Meditation & Yoga Retreat” with Robert A.F. Thurman & Sharon Salzberg recorded Dec 2015 at Menla in Phoenicia, New York. To learn about this annual event, please visit: www.menla.us. 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. 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 song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by

Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Sharon Salzberg from the Annual New Year’s Tibet House US Dharma and Yoga Retreat held at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York for a special teaching on the Buddha’s Eight Fold Path. Opening with a dedication to Sharon Salzberg for her selfless history of teaching, on helping to establish the Tibet House US center Menla and how she was transmitted the “Equal Exchange of Self for Other” teachings by Lama Khunu on her first visit to India, Professor Thurman leads a discussion and guided meditation on the Buddhist Eight Fold Path for people of all traditions, backgrounds or levels of interest. Podcast includes a discussion of emptiness, motivation, reincarnation, the centrality of causation to understanding the Eight Fold Path, a re-telling of the myth of the Buddhist Kingdom of Shambhala, highlighting it’s multi-faith, inter-sectional diversity, a recommendation of the Bill Murphy movie “What About Bob?” and an exploration of how shifting the traditional translation away from an moral framing of right/wrong to realistic/unrealistic (i.e Right Livelihood vs Realistic Livelihood) can help reveal the spiritual path as the Buddha taught to mendicants, merchants and all sensitive beings of his time. Second half of this week’s episode is a complete introduction to the Eight Fold Path by Robert Thurman with a break down of each of it’s branches, including the mental and physical aspects in modern language. In this week’s Bob Thurman podcast poetry segment Gary Gach reads the poetry of Emily Dickinson. Menla and the Buddha’s Eight Fold Path – Ep. 193 was excerpted from the Tibet House US Member Archive’s Annual New Year’s “Real Love Meditation & Yoga Retreat” with Robert A.F. Thurman & Sharon Salzberg recorded Dec 2015 at Menla in Phoenicia, New York. To learn about this annual event, please visit: www.menla.us. 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. 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 “