Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!

Examining cultural norms through the lens of compassion, when grounded in the Centrist mind training perspectives of India + Tibet can transform one’s relationship to conditioning, to themselves and the world in which one finds one self. In this two part podcast Professor Robert AF Thurman discusses Three Manjushris, the place of the Lam Rim Teachings in Buddhism and the use of negation in understanding intrinsic reality. Podcast opens with an introduction to the 14th Dalai Lama’s favorite teaching Tsong Khapa’s Tengyur text, Essence of True Eloquence and a discussion of reincarnation from the Tibetan + Buddhist perspectives. In the second half of the podcast Robert Thurman gives a traditional Dharma teaching on absolute and relative reality, non-dualism and a humorous series of stories about the nature of Universal Messianic Compassion. “Compassion + The Intrinsic Reality of Miss Piggy” was recorded at the “Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Sources: Madhyamaka – Lam Rim” Session of the Force For Good Series at Tibet House US in 2016 in New York City. H. H. the Dalai Lama gave an historic discourse on Nov. 3 & 4 2014 in New York City at the request of Tibet House US on “Essence Of True Eloquence”, and the masterpiece text by Jey Lama Tsong Khapa (1357-1419) that is considered a classic presentation of the profound view of reality that is foundational for opening the floodgates of universal compassion. The text is known as the Essence Of True Eloquence: Distinguishing the Interpretable from the Definitive Meanings of the Buddha’s Sutra Discourses (Tibetan– Drang nges legs bshad snying po), which is lucid and detailed expansion of the Short Essence of True Eloquence, the poem Jey Tsong Khapa wrote on the morning of the dawning of his full enlightenment in 1398. “The root of enlightenment is compassion and different traditions emphasise compassion, but here we are talking about great compassion which is combined with insight into emptiness. Because we experience suffering of different degrees of intensity, we need to recognize its causes and see if we can overcome them. This is the context in which we cultivate great compassion with the intention of liberating all sentient beings and relieving them of their suffering. If you can’t tame your own mind, How can you help others tame theirs? The Buddha has given clear advice, if people won’t heed him, why should they listen to me?” Dalai Lama on Lam Rim from www.dalailama.com.   ‘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 Studiesand 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

Reconciling the contradictions found in the wisdom traditions of Tibet, India and all male dominated cultures begins with an acceptance of the chauvinism inherent in the language, symbolism and forms used to express them across history.  In this two part podcast Robert AF Thurman addresses questions from retreat participants about Fire Puja Ceremonies, Dream Yoga and gender in Tibetan Buddhism. Professor Thurman opens this podcast with an examination of the Heart Sutra + the Symbolism of Agni (Sanskrit: अग्नि) and other planetary deities in found traditional Indian and Vedic Fire Pujas illustrating the corrective teachings and ideas to the chauvinism found in each arguing that Buddhist monasticism was the ultimate antidote to the militarism of India at the Buddha’s time. Podcast includes a discussion of how best to prepare for Buddhist Vajrayana teachings like the Kalachakra, a discussion of Marilyn Waring’s “Counting for Nothing: What Men Value and What Women are Worth“, Dalai Lama’s “Art of Happiness“, Patrul Rinpoche’s “Words of My Perfect Teacher” and a teaching on the value of Tibetan Astrology, Himalayan Medicine and accurate cosmology to seekers of nirvana and ultimate freedom from suffering. Second part of this week’s podcast includes a Dharma teaching on Relativity, Clear Light and how to use the Buddhist Inner Sciences to find realistic bliss despite it’s history of chauvinism and roots in a male dominated lineages. “In embracing modernity and progress, we must not abandon the human values that have been so preciously passed down on to us by our elder generations. These values make up our unique culture. It is these spiritual values that are so ingrained in our culture and in our way of life that make us special and loved by the outside world, and if we are to abandon these values, then it will be a very disheartening situation.” HH Dalai Lama from www.dalailama.com. Podcast concludes with a discussion of the dangers of absolutism, a warning to those practicing meditation without developing wisdom, a teaching of Professor Thurman’s “consolation prize” of retroactive nirvana and a dedication of merit practice by Menla visitors.

The Fantastical Beings and creatures contained within Buddhist Symbolism provide a rich tapestry upon which it’s teachings of Wisdom + Compassion create the foundation of inner + outer transformation. In this two part podcast Professor Thurman leads exploration of the language found in the Kalachakra initiation and practice sadhanas– using his close translation as a gateway to understanding of the Gods, Humans, Titans and fairies (Dakini) found throughout Buddhist teachings, prayers and art work. Podcast begins with a discussion of the twelve offering goddesses, the different types of Vajrayana Initiation and an examination of the difficulties of visualization meditation practice faced by modern Buddhist students. In the second half of the podcast Robert AF Thurman continues his exploration of Buddhist Daka + Dakini, discusses how the Buddha’s teaching on karma eroded the lethality of tribalism of India of his day and gives a teaching on the connections between the Kalachakra, Tantra, Theravada’s “The Four Immeasurables”, the Eight Dissolution States of the “Tibetan Book of the Dead” and the subtle body understanding of elements, channels, drops and winds. Using his trademark wit & perspective on studying Buddhism Bob Thurman in this podcast reiterates the value of the “Lam Rim” Teachings as preliminary practices and foundational centrist understanding of emptiness found in the teachings of Shantideva and the Great pandits of Nalanda and in those of the daka, dakini, gods, demi-gods, hungry ghosts and other mythical, other worldly creatures. This podcast is an excerpt from the “Second Afternoon 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.menla.org 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. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Ch

The Call for Cool Heroism. It’s vanguard of grandmothers, wives, mothers, sisters & daughters  are a modern day embodiment of the Buddha’s revolutionary, non-violent teachings of radical personal and social activism. In this two part podcast Robert A.F. Thurman gives an explanation of his concept of Inner Cool Revolutions, it’s relationship to Buddhist Education, Meditation, and politics, their connections to the modern grassroots #MeToo & #RiseUp movements, and a traditional Dharma teaching on how to use wisdom + fierce (as well as mild) compassion to best amplify our emergency efforts to create a more positive, suitable and equitable future for all. Using light heated references to comedian Michael Ian Black‘s book “A Child’s First Book of Trump” & the Sci-Fi Classic Film “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” Professor Thurman leads the listener through the Buddhist perspective on the place of celestial bodies in understanding the interconnected nature of reality and the symbolic value of the the Sun, Moon + especially Eclipses within it’s mind-transformation + subtle body yogic practices. In the second part of this podcast Professor Thurman describes the differences between the Individual and the Universal Vehicles of Buddhism by addressing concerns raised at the recent Buddhist Action Council regarding the value of solitary meditation, the dangers of social isolation and the need to understand patterns of conflict avoidance in our communities, our families and most importantly in our minds. “Cool heroes are people who are forceful, intelligent, just, and insightful, who can speak up loudly and clearly, but without getting angry or indulging in hatred. We need cool heroes today. We don’t need hot heroes. You’re happier than the violent people. The final completion of the American revolution has to be fun, nonviolent, and determined while cool. As Gandhi said, peace has to be the path to peace. Violence will never be the path to peace. Jesus said “Love thine enemy!” The Buddha said that hatred will not put an end to hatred. Only nonhatred and love will put an end to hatred.” Robert A.F. Thurman via Lion’s Roar Podcast concludes with a recommendation of Riane Eisler’s “The Chalice and the Blade: Our History, Our Future” and a special message about upcoming programs with Robert Thurman and Friends.

The Mandala is central to the visual language of Tibetan Buddhist culture and to the rich meditative traditions as taught by its Dalai Lamas, Yogis, Monks & Nuns.  In this two part podcast Robert AF Thurman gives an in depth teaching on the building of mandalas (both physically + conceptually) explaining some of the traditional methods, materials and reasoning behind their use as meditation maps. Includes an over view of mandala symbolism, their application as mnemonic devices & creation in sand, wood and most importantly in the minds of those practicing visualizations. In the second half of the podcast Professor Thurman explains the history of the Kalachakra Tantra, its relationship to the myth of Shambhala and the use of mandala, mantra & ritual offerings during teachings given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This podcast is apart of the ‘Buddhism 101’ Series using classic teachings from Robert Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition. This podcast is an excerpt from the “Second Morning Session of the Kalachakra Study + Practice with Robert AF Thurman” Video. Recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017 the Annual Kalachakra Study + Practice Intensive Retreat. Mandala Photo by Paul Benjamin via www.flickr.com.

In this two part podcast Robert AF Thurman gives an overview of the Buddha’s enlightenment and Tibetan way of learning his mind transformation teachings as passed down through their Sanskrit translations. Using the films ‘Star Trek The Motion Picture’ + ‘The Matrix’ Professor Thurman demonstrates in the first half of the podcast science fiction’s ability in developing the imagination needed for Buddhist meditative visualization and Tantric practices. Includes a discussion of the History of NRA, KKK, the on going debate between Relativism + Absolutism and an in-depth teaching on how to practice long sadhanas with a busy modern life style Second half of podcast includes a teaching on the Seven Fold Preliminaries (Prostration, Refuge, Offering, Confession, Rejoicing, Requesting the Teachings & Dedication Of Merit), the importance of using traditional meditation practices and for respecting one’s religious and spiritual tradition of origin.   “A pure land is the environment created by a fully enlightened being so that many others as possible have the potential also developing into fully enlightened beings. This enlightened individual is called a buddha. Shakyamuni Buddha was not a simply an historical figure who lived and taught 2,500 years ago- he is an example of the full flowering of human potential, reached by undergoing inner revolutions, coups of the spirit in which the power of negative impulses and emotions is toppled and we are freed to be as happy, good, and compassionate as we can evolve to be. The Buddha developed an inner science for achieving this revolution, one that was preserved in Tibet after invaders nearly wiped it out of India 1,000 years ago.” Robert AF Thurman   Podcast concludes with a discussion of Shakyamuni’s Pure Land and dialog with retreat participants. Tibetan Way of Learning + Shakyamuni’s Pure Land – Photo by Chris Michael, Used with Permission. “Tibetan Way of Learning + Shakyamuni’s Pure Land” an recording from the Tibet House US “Medicine Buddha Retreat with Robert AF Thurman & Friends” held at Menla in Phoenicia, New York 2014. To watch + listen to more recordings of past events with Robert AF Thurman please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. Learn about joining the Tibet House US Membership Community with a monthly tax-deductible donation by visiting: www.tibethouse.us. Full Access starts at $2 a month. 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.

Beginning the podcast with a description of The Blue Beryl paintings Professor Thurman gives an introduction to the series of 77 Buddhist thangkas used as a memorization tool for traditional Tibetan doctors.  Commissioned by the 5th Dalai Lama‘s Spiritual son Sangye Ghamtso (1645-1705), who founded Tibet’s first medical college and codified the country’s medical practices The Blue Beryl or the Atlas of Tibetan Medicine, are 19th century copies of a 17th century volume destroyed in 1959 which illustrate physical symptoms, disease, treatment, medicinal herbs & plants. The problem is our rigidified scientific way of approaching health — we’re not being thorough enough in our science. If we were being scientific, doctors would have to look at how people are afflicted by this poisoned lifestyle. Doctors would really have to go after the food industry, the medical industry, and the pharmaceutical industry and we’d all have to admit to the complete train wreck of what I call industrialized medicine.” Robert AF Thurman via www.huffingtonpost.com Podcast includes a history of traditional medicine of Tibet, Buddhist Doctors in America, Menla Retreat, stories from Robert Thurman’s time studying with Yeshi Dhonden and a discussion of the symbolism of the blue found in Medicine Buddha meditations. Second half of this podcast includes dialog with retreat participants, teachings on emptiness, ignorance, the value of prostrations, the dangers of inner absolutism and the lessons found in Buddha’s royal reason of relativity. “Buddha’s Barefoot Doctors : Tibetan Medicine 101” is an recording from the Tibet House US “Medicine Buddha Retreat with Robert AF Thurman & Friends” held at Menla in Phoenicia, New York 2014. To watch + listen to more recordings of past events with Robert AF Thurman please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. Learn about joining the Tibet House US Membership Community with a monthly tax-deductible donation by visiting: www.tibethouse.us. Full Access starts at $2 a month. 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.

Answering questions about his early days Robert Thurman discusses his intellectual influences, his life long passion for Philosophy, the mendicant traditions his was drawn to and some of the life lessons learned from his three teachers: Geshe Ngawang Wangyal, Tenzin Gyatso the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet & his wife Nena Thurman. Includes a discussion of the ethical responsibility to one’s students, a short history of Buddhism, it’s influences upon Asian languages and the difficulties faced by individuals when they change religions or take monastic robes. In the second half of podcast Professor Thurman discusses the value of positive relationships, the inevitability of Enlightenment as expressed in the Buddha’s Third Noble Truth, the hidden lessons in life’s misfortunes & a re-interruption of depression from Buddhist Yogic Inner Science perspective. Includes a discussion of Thurman’s Theory Retroactive Nirvana, the life stories of Shantideva, Milarepa & Nargajuna, advice to under graduate students and an in-depth explanation of Tibetan Tantric roots in Indian Buddhism. Buddhist Television Network is the world’s first non-sectarian international Buddhist TV channel where diverse communities from different world traditions could turn to for Buddhist contents. Based in Seoul, Korea, BTN is the parent company of BTN WORLD and is the world’s only non-sectarian Korean Buddhist TV channel which focuses on spreading the dharma through the media, warming the hearts and minds of viewers, and stimulating a healthier society. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is it’s honorary patron. This podcast “From Red Robes to Grey Robes” is an excerpt from the 2013 BTN Interview with Hyun Min. To watch the original television broad cast please visit: www.btnworld.org. First Geshe-ma Convocation Photo via www.dalailama.com.

From the ancient Pagan tradition of ritual bonfires to the broadcast of Yule logs on television every culture marks the Winter Solstice in diverse way. In this special two part Holiday podcast Robert A.F. Thurman shares the history of solstice + midwinter celebrations from a Buddhist perspective highlighting the commonalities across traditions. Professor Thurman begins the podcast with a meditation on Christmas, Hanukkah, Losar & Solstice and a discussion of the symbolic value of end of year celebrations in dispelling the cultural subconscious fear of the Sun not returning after winter. With characteristic humorous story telling Professor Thurman explains how communal Holidays help individuals re-establish their connection to the divine & nature in their celebratory, mystic practices. Second half of podcast includes a retelling of a classic joke told by the controversial Sun Myung Moon on the Jack Par Show which illustrates the core message of universal selflessness found in all traditions in & outside of their mystic expressions. Concludes with a prayer for the changing environment, abused animals, shrinking wildlife populations, those facing oppression, enslavement, cultural genocide, ethnic cleansing, sexual assault and peoples living in oligarchies both in the United States & Russia. Podcast Thumbnail Photo by Matt Botsford on Unsplash

From Silicon Valley to Lhasa, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is one of the world’s most beloved figure Professor Thurman explains in this week’s podcast covering the Tibet House US “Man of Peace: Illustrated Life Story of Tibet’s Dalai Lama” Graphic Novel. The first part of the podcast details the origins of the “Man Of Peace” Graphic Novel, how it relates to Robert AF Thurman’s earlier book “Why The Dalai Lama Matters” and a humorous discussion of Google’s motto  “Don’t Be Evil”. Second part of this week’s podcast discusses John Oliver’s recent interview with HH Dalai Lama, global militarism, Truman’s use of Thermonuclear weapons on Japan and the centrality of anger in all conflicts. Recorded at the November 2nd “Robert Thurman: “Man of Peace” Talks at Google” at Googleplex in Mountain View, Santa Clara County, California. Special Thanks to Isa Gucciardi Ph.D. & Foundation of the Sacred Stream for their production & hosting work for the 2017 West Coast “Man Of Peace” Book Tour. The Foundation of the Sacred Stream is a non-profit organization and school for consciousness studies dedicated to bringing the wisdom of ancient spiritual and healing traditions into the awareness of contemporary society. It was created on the basic principle that there is a common source of wisdom that underlies all authentic spiritual, cultural and artistic traditions that informs and enlivens them. The Foundation of the Sacred Stream was founded in 2002 and is located in Berkeley, California. To learn more about Isa Gucciardi Ph.D. & Sacred Stream please visit: www.sacredstream.org. To watch + listen to more recordings of past events with Robert AF Thurman please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. Learn about joining the Tibet House US Membership Community with a monthly tax-deductible donation by visiting: www.tibethouse.us. Full Access starts at $2 a month. 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.