Continuing his conversation with Dharma pioneer and author Tsultrim Allione, Robert Thurman leads an in-depth discussion of esoteric Buddhism and the central role of the feminine and of women in carrying the Buddha’s teachings into the 21st Century. Opening with an exploration of Yab Yum & Yum Yab iconography, this podcast includes personal reflections on translating and practicing Dzogchen and Vajrayana. Episode concludes with a recommendation of the work and writings of Elaine Pagels and of “The Tara Tantra” Translated by Susan A. Landesman. This podcast is a continuation of “A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Tsultrim Allione & Bob Thurman” – Episode 258 of the Bob Thurman Podcast. To enjoy the full converation, please visit: www.bobthurman.com

Robert Thurman welcomes Dharma pioneer, Author and founder of The Tara Mandala Retreat center Tsultrim Allione for an intimate and thought provoking conversation about their experiences studying, learning and teaching Buddhism. Opening with an introduction to Tsultrim Allione’s “Wisdom Rising: Journey into the Mandala of the Empowered Feminine” Professor Thurman leds an exploration of her ground breaking work and of the female reincarnate Machig Labdrön tradition it arises from. This extended conversation includes stories from their time with H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, H.H. the 16th Karmapa, Trungpa Rinpoche, Sapchu Rinpoche, Lama Thupten Yeshe, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Geshe Wangyal & Anam Thubten Rinpoche and from their many years of personal practice. Podcast includes discussions of: Reincarnation, Re-Birth and the Rinpoche or Tulku system, the effect of the Chinese invasion of Tibet upon the availability and longevity of Tibetan Buddhist wisdom teachings, and of the central role of women within Tanta and in societies across the ages. Episode concludes with a recommendation of the work and writings of Elaine Pagels and of “The Tara Tantra” Translated by Susan A. Landesman. Audio Updated: April 29th, 2021

Using the writings of Fintan O’Toole, Michelle Alexander and Heather Cox Richardson, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the roots of the political, economic and environmental crises being faced by Americans and those in the developed modern world. Opening with a discussion of Fintan O’Toole’s “To Hell with Unity” New York Review essay on the political dead lock being faced by President Biden, Professor Thurman explores the history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the economic underpinnings of the American Civil War, the legacy of the failed Reconstruction efforts afterwards in Jim Crow laws, mass incarceration and systemic racism. Podcast Includes: An overview of Buddhist history and introduction to Buddhism’s inner sciences, a discussion of the need for Loyal Opposition in modern Democracies, an exploration of Constitutional originalism and textualism used by Conservative and Right-Wing politicians, and a recommendation of Michelle Alexander’s “The New Jim Crow” and on-going work of Heather Cox Richardson. This episode includes a call to action for all individuals to develop their own innate wisdom and fierce compassion to stand up to division, inequality, erroneous statements, false claims and “fake news” when ever they are encountered. 

Led by author and mentor Dr. Nida, Robert A.F. Thurman journeys though the Medicine Buddha’s garden, exploring the tools, techniques and transformative technologies of Sowa Rigpa (Traditional Tibetan Science of Healing) as found in Mandalas, Buddhist Thangka iconography, and in the The Blue Beryl paintings. Recorded during the annual Tibet House US | Menla New Year’s gathering, this episode is an extended teaching on Tanaduk-the Medicine Buddha’s Pure Land and the symbolism of Buddhist healing sciences intended for those of any background or tradition. Opening with a short introduction to “The Four Tantras” the root text used by Traditional Tibetan Medical colleges, this episode includes: introductions to Mandala practice and creation, to Buddhist Sutras and Tantras and in-depth discussions of the specific imagery found within The Blue Beryl. Used as a memorization tools, The Blue Beryl: Atlas of Tibetan Medicine paintings were commissioned by the 5th Dalai Lama‘s Spiritual son Ghamtso Gyatso (1645-1705), and illustrate the physical symptoms, disease, treatment, medicinal herbs & plants used by Tibetan doctors. To learn more about the work of Dr. Nida and Tanaduk, The Medicine Buddha’s Pure Land, please visit www.purelandfarms.com. To enjoy the full video teaching, streamed January 3rd, 2020 as part of the Tibet House US | Menla Online virtual retreat “Envisioning 2021”, please visit: www.thusmenla.org.        

Andrew Holecek, author and expert on lucid dreaming and the Tibetan yogas of sleep and dream, joins Robert A.F. Thurman for another module in their on-going online “Death and the Art of Dying” retreat series, continuing their dialogue exploring the subtle states of consciousness before, during, and after life. Opening with a discussion of Andrew’s perspective on lucid dreaming, this episode explores the bardo states, terminology of meditative states and the practical lessons passed down through the “Liberation Through Understanding in the Between: Tibetan Book of the Dead” teachings and by wisdom traditions across the ages. Focusing on the transformational inner and outer yoga teachings and blissful states of everyday life, Thurman and Holecek share personal stories from their time studying, teaching and writing about Buddhism, providing practical advice for people of all backgrounds, faiths and religions. The episode concludes with an interfaith “everyone loves enlightenment” teaching by Bob, plus recommendations for adapting the visualization practices, descriptions when reading the mis-titled “Tibetan Book of the Dead”. Everyone Loves Enlightenment: Lucid Living, Dying and Dreaming is excerpted from the “Journey into the Bardos of Life and Beyond” with Robert A.F. Thurman and Andrew Holecek. This introductory talk was originally broadcasted May 2020 from Phoenicia, New York. To learn more about the on-going “Death and the Art of Dying” Tibet House US Menla Online series, please visit: www.thusmenla.org.

Joined by Duncan Trussell, comedian and creative genius behind “The Midnight Gospel” animated series, Robert A.F. Thurman leads a deep dive into popular culture, science fiction, spirituality, and the wisdom of the Nalanda tradition as preserved and transmitted down through the ages by Tibet’s people, culture and inner sciences. Opening with reflections on the Covid-19 pandemic, Professor Thurman and Duncan in this extended conversation, share stories, teachings and insights from their time on and off the stage and from their encounters with exceptional beings such as His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Ram Das, their wives and families. Episode includes: A discussion of the role of mentors and aspirational figures on the spiritual path, a short overview of the history of Tibet, Buddhism and mindfulness practice in the West, an introduction to non-duality, Buddhist inner mind sciences and a frank conversation on the historical use of mind and body altering substances found across world traditions. Podcast includes a short “Consolation Prize” guided meditation led by Robert Thurman.

Joined by dear friend and author Andrew Holecek during the introduction to their on-going online “Death and the Art of Dying” retreat series, Robert A.F. Thurman leads a dialogue exploring the materialist and spiritual perspectives on subtle states of consciousness before, during and after life. Opening with a discussion of Charles Eisenstein’s essay “The Coronation” and the impact of the Covid-19 global pandemic, this episode is an all levels introduction to clear light and dream yoga, bardo states and the practical lessons passed down through the “Liberation Through Understanding in the Between: Tibetan Book of the Dead” teachings and by wisdom traditions across the ages. Focusing on the transformational teachings of Buddhist inner sciences, Professor Thurman and Dr. Holecek share personal stories from their time studying Buddhism with His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Dr Nida Chenagtsang,Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, and Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, providing practical advice for anyone of any background, faith or religion. Episode concludes with a guided Menla clear light sleep meditation. Mindfulness, Responsibility and The Middle Way: Tibetan Book of the Dead with Andrew is excerpted from the “Journey into the Bardos of Life and Beyond” with Robert A.F. Thurman and Andrew Holecek introductory talk, originally broadcasted May 2020 from Phoenicia, New York. To learn more about the on-going “Death and the Art of Dying” Tibet House US Menla Online series, please visit: www.thusmenla.org.

In this episode Professor Thurman is joined by actor and musician Jessica Pimentel for an intimate conversation on Buddhism, creativity and how they both discovered the Dharma growing up in and around New York City. Jessica Pimentel is a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism in the Gelugpa tradition and studied under the former abbot of Sera Mey Monastery, H.E. Sermey Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tharchin. She is also a graduate of the High School for the Performing Arts in New York City and the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, where she was a member of the professional acting company. She has traveled around the United States and Japan as both a classical violinist and lead singer of metal band Alekhine’s Gun. She was in the American Stage production of the Pulitzer prize winning play Anna in the Tropics and in the Shakespeare Theater’s production of a A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings adapted by Nilo Cruz. 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 Menla Online (THUS MO) 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 a conversation spanning the top of Mount Everest to the front-lines of parenting during a global Pandemic, Professor Thurman is joined by Kiri Westby for a dialog on human rights, activism and the history of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhist culture. Opening with a discussion of Kiri Westby’s “Fortune Favors The Brave: An Extraordinary Memoir” and work with communities in Nepal, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Colombia, and in the United States, Robert Thurman uses her page turning book as guide, exploring the history of modern grassroots movements, feminism and the rise of second generation Buddhists in the West. Recounting her part in the historic “One World, One Dream, Free Tibet” 2008 Beijing Olympics Protest action and her time spent in Chinese custody, Kiri Westby shares her perspective on the role of the individual and value of direct action, continuing education and community engagement in creating sustainable positive change. Podcast includes: discussions of birth, re-birth and reincarnation and the history of Non-Violent political movements. 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 Menla Online (THUS MO) 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.

Exploring the preciousness of America and its positive impact upon the digitally interconnected world, Robert A.F. Thurman discusses and provides a road-map for re-evaluating the complex historical relationship with indigenous and enslaved African peoples’ cultures and societies it was built upon. Opening with a heart-to-heart message to his listeners about the impact of global pandemic safety precautions, Thurman gives a teaching on the inclusive nature of the Buddha’s non-violent movement and calls on all voting-aged citizens of the world to become engaged in the New Year. Podcast includes: a discussion of the innovative nature of American arts, culture, and politics; a yogic perspective on the influence of Jazz, Rock and Roll and popular dance; an introduction to “The Edicts of Ashoka”; an extended exploration of the nature of corruption; the rise of fascism in Western democracies and the dangers of continued corporate political influence upon the Earth’s ecosystems. Episode includes a call to action for the creation of a network of political lobbying groups for and by the rainbow of marginalized groups and peoples of America and for the immediate payment of reparations for Native and Black Americans. This week’s episode includes with a special invitation to “Envisioning 2021: Celebrate the New Year with Dharma, Yoga, Music, Meditation, & Astrology” hosted by Tibet House US Menla Online happening Dec 29th, 2020 – Jan 3rd, 2021. Crazy Horse National Monument image via www.unsplash.com.