Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!

Robert A.F. Thurman is joined in this episode by Non-Sectarian Vajrayana Master Khentrul Jamphel Lodrö Rinpoche for a dialog on everyday spirituality and the value of practicing and preserving the esoteric traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Opening with a recommendation of Khentrul Rinpoche’s “The Realm of Shambhala A Complete Vision for Humanity’s Perfection” Professor Thurman interviews the third incarnation of the Kalachakra adept Ngawang Chözin Gyatso about his personal experiences as a reincarnate Tulku teaching and leading the inspiring non-sectarian movement of Buddhism down under in exile in Australia. Podcast includes: a short overview of Kalachakra translations and practice, an introduction to the myth and symbolism of the Kingdrom of Shambhala, a discussion of Bodhichitta and the difficulty of translating Western materialist concepts of spirituality, religion and creator gods into Tibetan.

In this inspiring talk recorded at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the importance of happiness in every day life, in spiritual traditions and it’s central place in the life, work and vision of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet.

In this second part of their extended conversation Robert Thurman and His Holiness the Second Kalu Rinpoche share personal stories from their years of studying and practicing Buddhist Vajrayana meditation exploring the impact of Tibetan Buddhism in exile and the global influence of the Buddha’s teachings of wisdom & compassion. To enjoy the full video please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

In this first part of their extended conversation Robert Thurman and His Holiness the Second Kalu Rinpoche share personal stories from their years of studying and practicing Buddhist Vajrayana meditation exploring the impact of Tibetan Buddhism in exile and the global influence of the Buddha’s teachings of wisdom & compassion. To enjoy the full video please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

In this enlightening conversation, Tsultrim Allione, a Dharma pioneer and author, shares her insights on the empowering role of femininity in Buddhism. She delves into the rich symbolism of Yab Yum iconography, personal experiences with Dzogchen teachings, and the integration of traditional Tibetan medicine. The discussion highlights the unique challenges women face in spiritual leadership and the essential need for balance between masculine and feminine energies. Allione also recommends the works of Elaine Pagels and 'The Tara Tantra,' enriching the exploration of these profound themes.

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.