Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!

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.

Tracing the cultural and mythological history of solstice celebrations across the globe, Robert Thurman in his annual holiday message shares his positive vision for thriving even in the darkest of seasons, times and situations. Examining the common practice of cultures centering winter and end of year holidays around the moment the north pole is farthest from the sun, Thurman opens this episode with a teaching on the astronomical, etymological and spiritual history of winter solstices for those of all backgrounds, faiths and traditions.. Podcast includes: an introduction to “The Edge of History” by William Irwin Thompson founder of Lindisfarne Association; a short exploration of Albert Schweitzer’s perspective on human and animal souls; discussion of the connections between the wise men visiting Jesus in the New Testament and the nomadic cultures of Asia; and a personal reflection on the lure of holiday marketing, consumerism, messiahs and messianic movements This week’s episode concludes 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.

Opening this week’s episode with an introduction to the epic poem “Gita Govinda”, Robert Thurman uses the work of Jayadeva to guide listeners through the spiritual and linguistic history of India, Buddhist philosophy and the inner and outer yogic sciences. Describing India as “the original melting pot”, Professor Thurman shares his personal reflections on the wise and compassionate perspectives and tools to be found in Buddhism on the global Corona pandemic, the climate crisis, political polarization, voter disenfranchisement and online social distancing that can empower those of any background, faith, or religious affiliation. This episode includes: a short re-telling of the “Song of the Cowherd”, or the love story of Krishna and Radha, an in-depth exploration of the Four Noble Truths, the Eight Fold Path, and other essential concepts taught by the historical Buddha, easy to understand introductions of non-duality, karma and the subtle body systems of the inner mind sciences, and a teaching on the tenfold karmic evolutionary path found throughout Indian and Asian traditions. This week’s episode concludes with an extended “Counting Your Blessings” guided meditation. “Celebrating Love and Poetry During the Coronapocalypse” is a part of “Turning the Wheel of Time An Online Retreat” with Jai Dev Singh and Robert A.F. Thurman, now available online through the Life-force Academy. To learn more about this Seven Part Series, please visit: www.jaidevsingh.com.

A special post election message of hope from Robert A.F. Thurman recorded November 2020 in Phoenicia, New York at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa. Image via Obama White House Archives, All Rights Reserved. www.obamawhitehouse.archives.gov

Sharon Salzberg and Robert Thurman continue their online dialogue using questions from friends and students discussing how the tools of mindfulness skill training, Buddhist philosophy and the teachings of the Dalai Lama have influenced them over the years. Questioning Buddhism: Sharon Salzberg and Bob Thurman – Ep. 246 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded during the live online event “Saturday Night Live Q & A Dialogue“, October 24th, 2020. To learn more about the work and teachings of Sharon Salzberg, please visit her website: www.sharonsalzberg.com. This podcast is a part of the Tibet House US Conversations series of dialogues between Bob Thurman and the leading hearts, minds and 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. Questioning Buddhism: Sharon Salzberg and Bob Thurman – Ep. 246 of the Bob Thurman Podcast image via www.wellcomecollection.org.

Opening with an extended message of gratitude to modern scientists, Professor Thurman in this episode explores the power of kindness and the centrality of compassionate wisdom in transformation through reading key passages from the miss titled “Tibetan Book of the Dead”. Robert A.F. Thurman gives a close line reading and recitation of his classic translation of the “Tibetan Book of the Dead” for listeners of all faiths, backgrounds or experience. Using stories from the Nalanda tradition’s Tilopa and from his time studying with Geshe Wangyal, Tara Tulku, and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Bob Thurman discusses the value of positive intention, life-affirming action and supportive behavior during the death process and in our daily lives. This episode includes an in depth teaching on Buddhist Bodhisattvas and angelic beings and responds to questions about the ethics of the art of dying. Recorded during the on-going Tibet House US | Menla Online “Bardo” teachings. To learn more about Robert A.F. Thurman’s new audio book version of “Liberation Through Understanding in the Between: Tibetan Book of the Dead” by Penguin Audio, please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

In this episode Professor Thurman introduces the Four Noble Truths and the Buddhist Inner Sciences through reading key passages from the miss titled “Tibetan Book of the Dead”. Opening with a recommendation of “Preparing to Die: Practical Advice and Spiritual Wisdom from the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition” by Andrew Holecek and a lively Carlos Castaneda story, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a close line reading and recitation of his classic translation of the “Tibetan Book of the Dead” for listeners of all faiths, backgrounds or experience. Using the stories of from the Nalanda Tradition’s Tilopa and from his time studying with Geshe Wangyal, Tara Tulku, and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Bob Thurman discusses value of positive intention, life affirming action and supportive behavior during the death process and in our daily lives. Podcast includes: an explanation of the restorative sleep yoga and clear light meditations, introductions to the Buddhist perspectives on emptiness, non-duality, and nihilism, an exploration of the interconnected nature of the mind, the subtle body, bliss and emptiness and an extended teaching on the place of congratulatory rejoicing in spiritual transformation and self improvement practices. Recorded during the on-going Tibet House US | Menla Online “Bardo” teachings this episode includes: a discussion on the differences between Pundits and Siddhas across Indian and Tibetan history, an introduction to the transformative power of generosity and Buddha-verses during Professor Thurman’s classic Jim Belushi “Food Fight Universe” and clear light meditations. To learn more about Robert A.F. Thurman’s new audio book version of “Liberation Through Understanding in the Between: Tibetan Book of the Dead” by Penguin Audio, please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

In this episode, recorded on the “Super Moon” of August 2020, Professor Thurman introduces the historic Vajra Yoga teacher training being held in person and online with The Yoga Space’s Michele Loew and the Tibet House US Menla community. Teaching to Yoga students in person and live on Zoom, Bob Thurman gives a teaching on the interconnected nature of Buddhism, Yoga, the Inner Sciences, Psychotherapy and particle physics. Introducing the philosophies of yoga, dualist and nondualist, Shiva and Kalachakra Yogas through personal stories and line translations, this episode includes: an overview of Basic Buddhism, through the Tipitaka or “Pali Canon”, the three baskets or bodies of scriptue the Vinaya, Sutta, and the  “Three Higher Educations” or Trisiksa of Ethics, Meditation and development of wisdom. “Each of you is perfect the way you are… and you can use a little improvement.”- Shunryu Suzuki The Vajra Yoga Teacher training is an intensive studies program & includes study and contemplation of traditional texts and practices from Indian and Tibetan traditions, including but not limited to The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali and selected Pāli Suttas, such as the Samaññaphala, the Mahāsatipatthana, and the Aggañña Suttas, The Yoga Vasishta and the Vimalakirti and Flower Ornament Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita and the Lalitavistara Sutra, Shankarāchārya’s Yogatārāvalī and Shantideva’s Bodhisattvas Career, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Mañjushrī-nāma-saṁgītī, the Tibetan Book of the Dead, and various works by Jey Tsong Khapa and the Dalai Lama on deity yoga and on the inner science of the Esoteric Community and the Kalachakra. To learn more about this on-going offering, please visit: www.menla.org. Vajra Yoga: Foundations in Mind and Body – Ep. 242 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image via www.himalayanart.org.

Reconnecting for the first time since the Covi-19 pandemic began Sharon Salzberg and Robert Thurman discuss the her book “Real Change” and how the tools of mindfulness skill training, Buddhist philosophy and the teachings of the Dalai Lama have influenced them over the years. Opening with stories from the “Peacemaking: The Power of Nonviolence” Conference held in San Francisco, California, in 1997 Sharon details how her time with grassroots activists, front-line health care providers, students and labor organizers practicing meditation have inspired, informed and invigorated her. Podcast includes discussions of: Bell Hook’s perspective on social action and the value of creativity and art in creating change, How mindfulness practice can lead one to the tools and the and the Buddhist Inner Sciences of mind transformation, and how individuals living the reality of the teachings of compassion and equanimity can be found all around us. Tibet House US Menla Conversations: Sharon Salzberg – Ep. 243 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded during the live online event “Real Change: Covid, Climate Reality, and the New Normal“, September, 7th, 2020. To learn more about the work and teachings of Sharon Salzberg, please visit her website: www.sharonsalzberg.com. 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. Tibet House US Menla Conversations: Sharon Salzberg – Ep. 243 Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash