Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!

Opening with a recommendation of “Angels in My Hair” by Lorna Byrne, Robert Thurman sits down with its author for a far-ranging discussion of faith, angels, materialism, climate change and the power of positive thinking and prayer. This podcast includes: a discussion of the commonalities of all faiths and religions, an in-depth exploration of the divine beings and protectors found in Christian and Buddhist traditions, and a heart-opening dialogue on love, the soul, the afterlife, and the non-dual nature of reality. The episode concludes with an extended discussion of guardian angels and a guided meditation led by Lorna. Spiritual teacher, international bestselling author and philanthropist Lorna Byrne has dedicated her life to remind humanity of the spiritual potential within us all. She is the author of seven best-selling books, including “Angels in My Hair”, “A Message of Hope From the Angels”, and “Angels at my Fingertips” and she has been published in more than 50 countries and 30 languages around the world. To learn more about the work of Lorna Byrne, please visit her website: www.lornabyrne.com.

Dive into the depth of karma and causality in Tibetan Buddhism. Discover the philosophical intricacies of existence, perception, and consciousness. Explore selflessness and extreme generosity in the contrasts between Buddhism and Hinduism. Uncover the genuine pursuit of happiness amidst worldly dissatisfaction and the importance of self-compassion. Highlight the interconnection between individual and collective liberation, advocating for personal enlightenment as the key to universal freedom.

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman shares his Thanksgiving message and gives a powerful teaching on how compassion for all beings can transform one’s relationship to the mind, heart, the environment and all situations. Opening with a brief history of the original Thanksgiving festivals in Plymouth, this episode includes a deep dive into the nature of compassion from a Buddhist perspective and a call to action to develop wisdom and kindness in everyday life no matter what one’s background, faith or tradition might be.

Explore the fascinating concept of emptiness and how transcendent wisdom reveals the true nature of reality. Understand the three types of wisdom that lead to liberation and the illusion-like aspect of existence. Discover the philosophical dimensions of selflessness through meditation, encouraging a deeper awareness of the transient nature of personal identity. Dive into the transformative effects of vipassana meditation, advocating for a compassionate approach to selflessness. The discussion concludes with a unique meditation tied to modern scientific insights.

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses the power of positive thinking in troubling times and gives a teaching on the Buddhist perspective of love and enlightenment for those of all backgrounds and traditions. This podcast includes discussions of: the importance of the 2022 mid-term elections in the United States, the value of democratic institutions across the globe, and a short introduction to Thurman’s book, “Wisdom is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts that Can Change Your Life”, now available from Hay House Publications.

Opening with guided meditation on searching for the self, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on self, selflessness and how to understand what clearlight means from the Buddhist perspective. “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 enlightenment 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.

Opening with a guided “Seven Limbs of Practice” meditation Robert Thurman in this episode gives an all levels teaching on the Four Noble Truths and the transformational practice of the exchange of self for others or Lojong. Episode includes an explanation of the yoga of positive evolutionary action and how acting transcendentally and shift our understanding of reality and emotional interrelationship with all beings, friend, foe, and neutral ones. Concludes with an overview of the Bodhisattva vow as taught by Shantideva for those of all backgrounds, faiths and traditions. “Tibetans call their cherished tradition of Buddhism a wish-fulfilling jewel tree for its power to generate bliss and enlightenment within all who absorb its teachings. This path to enlightenment, it is taught, requires more than a sitting meditation practice alone. With “The Jewel Tree of Tibet”, honored scholar and teacher Robert Thurman brings these insights to you as they were meant to be transmitted through the spoken word.” – Text from endorsement of “The Jewel Tree of Tibet” This episode is an excerpt from “The Jewel Tree of Tibet: The Enlightenment Engine of Tibetan Buddhism” 12-Part audio retreat by Robert Thurman, available from www.soundstrue.com. Mind Reform: Becoming the Engine of Happiness for All – Ep. 308 via www.shutterstock.com.

In this episode Robert Thurman re-tells Shakyamuni Buddha’s life story and gives an in-depth teaching on the nature of enlightenment for those of all backgrounds, faiths and traditions. “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 enlightenment 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.

Opening with an introduction to the two kinds of Bodhichitta, Robert Thurman gives an in-depth teaching on wisdom, compassion, love and their connection to the Buddhist understanding of emptiness. This podcast includes a discussion of nirvana and the emanation body (nirmanakaya) which is the form of the Buddha that appears in the world to teach people the path to liberation. The episode concludes with an introduction to the Seven-Fold Precept of Mother Recognition and The Exchange of Self and Other and an extended Jewel Tree guided meditation using both. “Tibetans call their cherished tradition of Buddhism a wish-fulfilling jewel tree for its power to generate bliss and enlightenment within all who absorb its teachings. This path to enlightenment, it is taught, requires more than a sitting meditation practice alone. With “The Jewel Tree of Tibet”, honored scholar and teacher Robert Thurman brings these insights to you as they were meant to be transmitted through the spoken word.” – Text from endorsement of “The Jewel Tree of Tibet” This episode is an excerpt from “The Jewel Tree of Tibet: The Enlightenment Engine of Tibetan Buddhism” 12-Part audio retreat by Robert Thurman, available from www.soundstrue.com. Developing Bodhichitta – The Spirit of Enlightenment: Tibet’s Wish Granting Jewel Tree – Ep. 306 Photo by Prakash Y via www.unsplash.com

Opening with a guided “Jewel Tree” meditation, Robert Thurman gives an introduction to the Buddhist concepts of bodhisattvas, bodhichitta–the spirit of becoming perfectly awakened–and to the role of motivation in Buddhism and in everyday interactions. Using the classical imagery of the covered, leaky and poisoned vessels, Thurman gives a teaching on the qualities needed to be an open-minded, determined and well-intended student of Buddha Dharma and of life. “Tibetans call their cherished tradition of Buddhism a wish-fulfilling jewel tree for its power to generate bliss and enlightenment within all who absorb its teachings. This path to enlightenment, it is taught, requires more than a sitting meditation practice alone. With “The Jewel Tree of Tibet”, honored scholar and teacher Robert Thurman brings these insights to you as they were meant to be transmitted through the spoken word.” – Text from endorsement of “The Jewel Tree of Tibet” This episode is an excerpt from “The Jewel Tree of Tibet: The Enlightenment Engine of Tibetan Buddhism” 12-Part audio retreat by Robert Thurman, available from www.soundstrue.com.