Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!

Opening with a discussion of the disappearance of Buddhism in India, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the history of the Buddhist community and the flowering of the Buddha’s teachings in Tibet.

This podcast includes an extended discussion on the influence of China and Chinese Communism upon Buddhism in Tibet and on Tibetan culture.

“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 the enlightenment reality 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.

Podcast Thumbnail Photo via www.shutterstock.com.

Opening with a discussion of the goddess Tara, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the differences between Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and the role and place of women in the early Buddhist Sangha, the community of followers of the Buddha and his teachings.

This podcast includes an extended discussion of the symbolism of the Wheel of Dharma and the value of developing selflessness on the spiritual path.

“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 the enlightenment reality 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.

Podcast Thumbnail Photo via www.shutterstock.com.

Opening with a discussion of the symbolism of the wheel of Dharma, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the three jewels of Buddhism, focusing on the community of followers of Buddha and his teachings, known as the Sangha.

“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 the enlightenment reality 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.

Podcast Thumbnail Photo via www.shutterstock.com.

Opening with a discussion of selflessness, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the nature of Buddhist Tantra and the central roles of reason, bliss and meditation in constructing a positive self identity in order to develop one’s own Buddha nature, free of suffering and ignorance.

“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 the enlightenment reality 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.

Podcast Thumbnail Photo by Martijn Vonk on www.unsplash.com.

Opening with a definition of Buddha-lands, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on Buddhist Tantra and its interrelationship with Zen, Vajrayana, and all other schools of Buddhism.

“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.

Podcast Thumbnail photo by Samuel Austin on Unsplash.com

Opening with an extended “Jewel Tree of Tibet” guided meditation, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on using Vipassana and transcendent intelligence to understand the role of philosophical thought in Buddhism.

This episode concludes with an in-depth discussion of Vipassana (Insight) & Samatha (Calm Abiding) meditation methods for those of all backgrounds 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.

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.

Opening with a discussion of idolatry and Buddhist ethics, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on karma and the causality of action as understood in Tibetan and Vajrayana Buddhism.

This episode includes a short history of Buddhist ethics and schools across Asia and the establishment and development of Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet.

“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.

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.

In this episode Robert Thurman details the concept of emptiness, giving a teaching on the power of the mind to develop transcendent wisdom in order to understand reality as it is using critical thinking, debate, direct experience and meditation.

This podcast includes discussions of: the scientific nature of the Buddha’s teachings, the illusion-like nature of the appearance of reality, the three types of wisdom (wisdom born of learning, critical reflection, and meditative insight), and an explanation of the differences between Objective Selflessness and Subjective Selflessness.

Thurman concludes this episode with a guided Four Keys of Selflessness meditation weaving in the modern understanding of quantum physics and the scientific method.

“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.

Transcendent Wisdom, The Root of Liberation: Jewel Tree of Tibet – Ep. 311 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image via www.shutterstock.com.

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.

The Heart Sutra is one of the most profound and widely studied texts in the Buddhist canon. It is recited at the start of teachings, events & as a blessing. In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman leads a recitation of The Heart Sutra and gives a teaching for all audiences on its connections to the Four Noble Truths and the Buddha’s Eight Fold Path of liberation.

Professor Thurman begins this podcast with an explanation of the Heart Sutra focusing on the the dialog between Shāriputra and Avalokiteśvara in the Buddha’s samadhi field, and it’s connection to Clear Light, Bliss, Relativity and how one can avoid absolutism when thinking about emptiness.

Podcast concludes with Professor Thurman explaining how the practice of reciting The Heart Sutra is the key to understanding its teaching as a tool for mind transformation. He also offers a reading of a passage introducing Samantabhadra Bodhisattva from the third book of The Flower Ornament Sutra, translated by Thomas Cleary.

“The Transcendent Wisdom Heart Sutra, known as The Heart Sutra in all Mahayana Buddhist countries, and The Heart of Wisdom in Tibet, is a concise expression of the profound vision of reality that is the root of liberation from suffering. Tibetan religious all know this by heart and chant is solemnly at the beginning of every ceremony. In addition to a prescription for enlightenment, they consider it the most powerful exorcism, purifier, and developer of merit as well of wisdom.”

Robert A.F. Thurman from Essential Tibetan Buddhism

Professor Thurman’s translation of the Heart Sutra can be found in his book, Essential Tibetan Buddhism, on page 171, under the chapter heading, “Practicing the Liberating Wisdom” though it has evolved a bit since then.

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Machiel Klerk, social entrepreneur, licensed mental health therapist, international speaker, dream worker, author, and founder of the Jung Platform, an organization focused on providing quality programs for personal development from a soul-centered perspective.

Using Machiel Klerk’s book Dream Guidance: Connecting to the Soul Through Dream Incubation, published by Hay House as a jumping off point, Machiel and Thurman in this episode engage in a discussion of lucid dreaming, dream yoga and how one from any faith, religion or background can explore one’s creativity and transform one’s relationship to their subconscious and to the world around them through mindfulness and compassion. Machiel’s recent book emerges as a must-read to pursue these amazing experiences and skills for one’s own spiritual growth.

Podcast includes an exploration of the Buddhist concept of the soul, emptiness and the nihilistic materialism driving the climate crisis.

Opening with a short introduction to the first two stages of the Lam Rim (Path to Enlightenment), the preciousness of human life endowed with liberty and opportunity, and awareness of the immediacy of death, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the inexorability of the cause and effect of evolutionary action.

This episode includes a recommendation of “Be Here Now” by Ram Dass and an in-depth exploration of non-duality, karma, causation and the Buddha’s evolutionary theory of biology.

“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 “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.

The Truth of Karma & Being Here Now Under The Wish Fulfilling Jewel Tree of Tibet – Ep. 302 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image of Atlas via www.shutterstock.com.

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses his early years studying Buddhism with the Kalmyk-Mongolian lama Geshe Ngawang Wangyal at the Tibetan Buddhist Learning Center Labsum Shedrub Ling in central New Jersey, meeting his wife Nena von Schlebrügge at Millbrook, and his encounters with psychedelic psychonauts Timothy Leary and Ram Dass in the 1960s.

Using his classic book The Life and Teachings of Tsongkhapa (now available in a new edition by Wisdom Publications), Thurman discusses emptiness, non-duality, the myth of the Kali Yuga and coming of Shambhala, reincarnation and the Buddhist perspective on the soul.

This episode is excerpted from Thurman’s “Meditation and Psychedelics Series” interview with Dr. Philip Wolfson, MD. To learn more about the work of Dr. Wolfson and to watch the full talk, please visit: www.philwolfsonmd.com & www.youtube.com.

Opening with a meditation on the Greek myth of Atlas, the Titan condemned to hold up the earth, heavens and sky for eternity, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the power of letting go and developing self compassion in meditation in order to change our relationship to our mind, our thoughts and to the world around us.

This episode includes a short overview of the Buddhist perspective on spiritual evolution, instructions on developing the transcendent attitude as taught in the Tibetan Lam Rim tradition, and an introduction to the seven limbs of communion or ways to connect with jewel refuge tree, and it concludes with an extended guided Jewel Refuge Tree meditation.

“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 “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.

Atlas, Buddha & Letting The World Go: The Jeweled Treasure of Tibet Episode 300 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image of Atlas via www.shutterstock.com.

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman uses the Mahāsatipatthāna Sutta, the Buddha’s direct instructions on practicing meditation and developing mindfulness, as a gateway to give a teaching on the intersection of Buddhism & Psychotherapy and the Buddhist perspective on non-duality.

Joined by Dr. Mark Epstein, Thurman discusses the Mahāsatipatthāna Sutta’s connection to the Heart Sutra, the four focuses of mindfulness, the legacy of Wilhelm Reich, the practice of circumambulation of stupas and sacred sites, and the concept of the “good enough mother” as presented by D.W. Winnicott.

The four focuses of mindfulness in the sutta are the body, the sensations, the mind, and the mental objects, among which the last is the longest and most elaborated. In addition to meditating as directed, many of the elements used by the Buddha to aim and structure the meditations, such as the five aggregates, the eighteen elements, and the twelve sense-media, need to be explained and incorporated in mind in order to be able to meditatively follow the guidance effectively.

This podcast includes an in-depth exploration of Nirvana and the terminology used by Buddhist translators and concludes with a guided mindfulness meditation by Robert A.F. Thurman. “Mindfulness & The Mahasatipatthana Sutta – Ep. 299” podcast photo of Mueang Chiang Mai, Thailand by Robert A.F. Thurman from 2019 GeoEx Trip, All Rights Reserved.

Recorded and streamed online live from Tibet House US in New York City on March 22, 2019, this podcast is an excerpt from the “Force For Good” class series available as part of the Tibet House US | Menla Member Archives. To listen to the first half of this talk with Dr. Mark Epstein, please visit: www.thusmenla.org.

Opening with a detailed definition and explanation of the Tibetan terminology used for the Dalai Lama, Robert Thurman gives a close line reading of “Song of Immortality: Prayer for the Long Life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama” using the text to give a teaching on the history of the Avalokiteshvara great compassion Bodhisattva reincarnation tradition and on its importance to our modern global society.

Recorded to celebrate the 87th Birthday of Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Thurman begins with a linguistic exploration of the title of Dalai Lama to give an introduction to the rich history and culture of Tibet, of Buddhism and of the gods and divine pantheon used in the art and spiritual teachings of wisdom and compassion in Buddhist philosophy.

Song of Immortality Prayer for the Long Life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

OM May all be well!

O our gurus, and your line of lamas, for whom we have the deepest gratitude, You who are the repository of the three: secret powers of body, speech, and mind of innumerable buddhas, Who manifest in a miraculous way to each devotee according to his capacity, To you, who are the wish-fulfilling gems, the source of all virtues and good qualities, We offer our prayers with intense devotion That our protector of the great land of snows, Tenzin Gyatso, upholder of the Dharma, the great ocean, May he live for a hundred eons. Pour on him your blessings That his wishes may come true!

The dharmadhatu, the inexpressible reality, which pervades all things like the heavens, Immaculate, full of great bliss and transcendental wisdom, Manifests like a cloud the numberless abodes of the higher divinities, The mandalas of the heavenly beings. To all the higher forms of the divine ones, the yidams. We offer our prayers with intense devotion That Tenzin Gyatso, protector of the great land of snows, May live for a hundred eons. Pour on him your blessings That his wishes may come true!

O you numberless buddhas of the past, present, and future, Who are the masters of the ten powers and teachers of the gods, Whose attributes of perfection, free from defilements and born of realization, Are the source of the buddha-activity Which appears for all time in the ocean of the suffering of the world For the sake of all sentient beings. To you we offer our prayers with intense devotion That Tenzin Gyatso, protector of the great land of snows, May live for a hundred eons. Pour on him your blessings That his wishes may come true!

O sacred Dharmas of the three yanas That liberate us from the sufferings of the three worlds, Supremely calm, the jewel treasure of the fully enlightened ones, Without impurities, unchanging, eternally good, the peak of virtues, To you we offer our prayers with intense devotion That Tenzin Gyatso, protector of the great land of snows, May live for a hundred eons. Pour on him your blessings That his wishes may come true!

O all you arya Sangha, awakened and unsullied, Of highest valor in conquering the suffering of the wheel of life, With the transcendental wisdom that directly intuits the deeper truth Never departing from the indestructible vajra abode of nirvana, To you we offer our prayers with intense devotion That Tenzin Gyatso, protector of the great land of snows, May live for a hundred eons. Pour on him your blessings That his wishes may come true!

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the ongoing effects of the Trump presidency on American civil rights, constitutional protections, health care, women’s reproductive access, and sensible gun laws, as well as the Buddha’s revolutionary redefinition of Dharma.

Opening with a discussion of the writings and work of Patrick Olivelle, Thurman gives a traditional Buddhist Dharma teaching on the interconnected blissful nature of reality, exploring the nurturing and transformative qualities of seeing the world as it actually is and the potential of all beings to end suffering through wisdom and compassion as the historical Buddha did.

This podcast includes recommendations of Kim Stanley Robinson’s hard science fiction book, “The Ministry of the Future”, and Heather Cox Richardson’s Substack.com newsletter as starting points for understanding the current climate crisis and the history behind the political roadblocks to sustainable change in America and by modern democracies.

This episode concludes with a four-point plan by Thurman for dealing with America’s current social and political chaos, the rise of fascism, and to transform the corrupting influences of oligarchies and petro-paths.

Using the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment teachings and the text “Guru Puja,” or “The Devotion to the Mentor” by the Fourth Panchen Lama, Robert A.F. Thurman leads listeners through the practice of “taking refuge”, giving an in-depth teaching on the three jewels of Buddhism and how the lessons of the historical Buddha can transform and improve the life of any sensitive being, no matter their background, faith or religious association.

Opening with a line-by-line reading of the “Refuge Prayer” recited at the start of Buddhist teachings and practices, Thurman explains the nature of faith and how to develop one’s compassion and inner wisdom through the study of Buddha Dharma and the Buddha’s life story.

This episode includes a short history of Buddhism in India & Tibet and an extended Jewel Tree Refuge guided meditation.

“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 “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.

Taking Refuge Under the Jewel Tree of Tibet – Ep. 296 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Refuge Field Image via www.himalayanart.org.

In this message celebrating the full moon day of celebration of the birth, enlightenment and passing of the historical Buddha, Professor Thurman gives an extended teaching on how Saka Dawa is celebrated by Tibetans across the world.

Saka Dawa, named for the star, Vishakha, prominent during the fourth month in the Tibetan lunar calendar, is almost the same as the Theravadin observance of Vesak. It is considered the most sacred month for remembering the great achievement of Shakyamuni Buddha in the 6th BCE century (earlier in the Tibetan calendar). H. H. the Dalai Lama and all Tibetan Buddhist monks and laity celebrate this holiday.

In this podcast Thurman gives an overview of the Buddhist holiday, a detailed accounting of the Buddha’s Enlightenment as revealed by Indian Buddhist Sanskrit literature and Tibet’s yogic tradition, and an explanation of the global impact of his wise compassionate teachings across history in modern culture.

In this episode Robert Thurman gives an impassioned and direct call to action for Americans to immediately address the decades of school shootings and senseless gun violence happening across the country, highlighting the forces behind the political deadlock preventing sensible legislation as well as simple direct democratic ways of creating a safer and better future for those on both side of the debate.

Opening with a discussion of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Thurman uses the statistics and background provided in Heather Cox Richardson’s Substack.com newsletter as a jumping off point to detail the history behind the dark money and organizations preventing sensible gun law reform in America.

This episode includes discussions of: the lack of loyal opposition in America’s two party system, the history behind Grover Norquist’s Taxpayer Protection Pledge and the Americans for Tax Reform political lobbying organization, the Buddhist perspective on fierce compassion and non-violence, an eye-opening explanation of the rise of fascism in modern America, and a recommendation of “Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right” by investigative journalist Jane Mayer.

The episode concludes with a heartfelt cheerful and vigorous plea for mass media consumers to see through the persuasive propaganda delivered via right wing and conservative news channels like Fox News and ways to counter the “big lie” technique originally developed by Joseph Goebbels and leveraged by the Nazi party in Germany.

“Gun Violence in America: A Buddhist Perspective” Podcast Thumbnail by Andrii Koval, via www.shutterstock.com, All Rights Reserved.

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman gives a historical introduction to Buddhism, it’s creation, development and refinement in Tibet using the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment teachings and the text “Guru Puja,” or “The Devotion to the Mentor” by the Fourth Panchen Lama.

Opening with a discussion of the nature of spiritual retreats, Thurman in this episode presents an all levels overview of the Buddhist path, enlightenment and a short presentation of the life story of the Buddha.

“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 “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.

The Jeweled Treasure of Tibet: An Introduction & Overview of Buddhism – Ep. 293 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image of Lobzang Chokyi Gyaltsen, The Fourth Panchen Lama via www.himalayanart.org.

In this episode Robert Thurman leads a close line reading of the sixth chapter of “The Holy Teachings of Vimalakirti”, giving an all-levels teaching on the inconceivable nature of the Buddha’s enlightenment, Buddhist emptiness and the nature of love as taught throughout Buddhism.

Using personal stories from his time teaching in academia and studying with His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Thurman reflects on the way that emptiness creates a space for love and compassion to flourish. This episode also includes an examination of the the term “womb of compassion” as found in Nāgārjuna’s “Jewel Rosary” connecting Buddha’s revolutionary physical discovery of emptiness/relativity with the wisdom that empowers the positive emotions of selfless love and compassion.

The Vimalakirti Sutra’s Inconceivable Liberation chapter (#6) is said to be a drop from the ocean of this multilevel set of presentations by the Buddha and many bodhisattvas, in which he demonstrates his permeation of the enlightened cosmos and the glory of the bodhisattva realms. For any Buddhist practitioner, particularly those of Vajrayana Buddhism and Zen, this Vimalakīrti-nirdesha Sūtra. is of the utmost importance. Unlike most sutras, its central figure is not a buddha, or even a monk, but an ordinary man, who, in his mastery of the teaching and spiritual practice, personifies the ideal human being, assuring regular people that they can reach levels of spiritual attainment comparable to those accessible to monks. The sutra opens the door to the meaning of non-duality. Thurman discusses the background of the sutra, its place in the development of Buddhist thought, and the profundities of its principal teaching: emptiness the womb of compassion.

“To any Buddhist practitioner, particularly those of Vajrayana Buddhism and Zen, this sutra is of the utmost importance. Unlike most sutras, its central figure is not a Buddha, but an ordinary man, who, in his mastery of the teaching and spiritual practice, personifies the ideal lay believer, assuring commoners that they can reach levels of spiritual attainment comparable to those accessible to monks. The sutra teaches, among other subjects, the meaning of non-duality. Thurman discusses the background of the sutra, its place in the development of Buddhist thought, and the profundities of its principal teaching: emptiness.”

-Text from “The Yoga of Ordinary Living”

Inconceivable Liberation and The Womb of Compassion – Ep. 292 is excerpted from “The Yoga of Ordinary Living” by Robert A.F. Thurman, Available via www.betterlisten.com.

“We are empty of any isolated essence, of any non-connected essence.We are free of such non-connected, isolated, alienated essence. That is what it means. Enlightenment is realizing that freedom at the deepest level. And therefore, enlightenment is realizing our inexorable interconnectedness. The vast space of reality is nothing but the surface of the interrelations of all things. All of the interconnected things are the reality of emptiness. Therefore emptiness, voidness, freedom are the womb of compassion, the sensitivity and will that refuses to accept anyone’s suffering, that automatically wills everyone’s happiness.

Emptiness is the womb of compassion, means that in realizing emptiness we are free of the illusion that we have carried from the beginning of time that I am the one.”

-Robert Thurman

Womb Realm Mandala, Shingon Tantric Buddhist school, Heian period (794-1185), Tō-ji, Kyōto, Japan, via www.wikipedia.org.

In this episode Robert Thurman opens with a recitation from Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth” to set the stage for an impassioned discussion of the global climate crisis, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the recent horrendous direct action protest by Wynn Bruce in front of the the U.S. Supreme Court.

Bob discusses the historical and philosophical context of the use of offering one’s body via fire to raise awareness, a positive reading of the symbolism of the yellow and blue of the Ukrainian national flag, the color use in Buddhist meditation practices and artistic iconography, and gets into the deep topic of nihilistic ideologies and their support of the way scientific materialist thought fuels the rapid industrial destruction of our planet’s life-sustaining environment. He also shares a humorous reevaluation of the MAGA acronym.

This podcast concludes with an extended discussion of the under-reported and mostly ignored-by-the-mainstream-media body-immolation by climate activist Wynn Bruce, providing simple tools and teachings to remain positive during the many challenges individuals, communities and entire countries are facing all around them.

In this episode Tibet House US | Menla President & Co-Founder Robert A.F. Thurman sits down for a heart-centered talk about Buddhist perspectives on the environment, Earth Day and the importance of rallying the modern environmental movement’s understanding of the too often overlooked crisis on the Tibetan plateau, the Hindu Kush, and the Himalayas, known as “the Third Pole,” due to its containing the world’s largest collection of glacial ice after the Arctic and Antarctic poles.

The Third Pole crisis comes from the ice melting four to six times faster than other global overheating sites, due to widespread mismanagement and exploitation, threatening the water resources flowing down the Yellow, Yangtse, Mekong, Irawaddy, Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Indus rivers, among others, the lifelines of over a billion people during long dry seasons between annual monsoons

Using personal anecdotes, statistics from Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project, as well as insights from the historical Buddha’s teachings and life story, Thurman weaves an inspiring call to action for intelligent beings of all faiths, backgrounds, political beliefs and stances.

This podcast includes: an extended re-telling of the Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, introductions to the histories of Earth Day, The Climate Reality Project and Tibet House US | Menla, as well as simple ways anyone, anywhere can employ to shift their perspective to begin making a difference both in their own lives and in their communities.

The episode concludes with an invitation to the Third Pole Hybrid Online & In-Person Conference, happening in the Fall of 2022 at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa as well as a frank discussion on the importance of direct engagement and democratic participation in saving the planet for this and all future generations.

About Earth Day:

Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.

In the decades leading up to the first Earth Day, Air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity. Until this point, mainstream America remained largely oblivious to environmental concerns and how a polluted environment threatens human health.

However, the stage was set for change with the publication of Rachel Carson’s New York Times bestseller Silent Spring in 1962. The book represented a watershed moment, selling more than 500,000 copies in 24 countries as it raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and the inextricable links between pollution and public health.

Senator Gaylord Nelson, the junior senator from Wisconsin, had long been concerned about the deteriorating environment in the United States. Then in January 1969, he and many others witnessed the ravages of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Inspired by the student anti-war movement, Senator Nelson wanted to infuse the energy of student anti-war protests with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution. Senator Nelson announced the idea for a teach-in on college campuses to the national media, and persuaded Pete McCloskey, a conservation-minded Republican Congressman, to serve as his co-chair.

They recruited Denis Hayes, a young activist, to organize the campus teach-ins and they chose April 22, a weekday falling between Spring Break and Final Exams, to maximize the greatest student participation.

Text via the official Earth Day website: www.earthday.org.

To learn more about The Climate Reality Project, please visit:

In this extended episode, recorded at Menla during the online conference “The Art of Dying and Living: An Exploration of Life, Death, and the Afterlife”, Robert Thurman shares insights and lessons from his study of Buddhism and translation of the mis-titled “Tibetan Book of the Dead”.

Joined by Eben Alexander, Sierra Campbell, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Deepak Chopra, Terri Daniel, Joan Halifax, Andrew Holecek, Lucy Kalanithi, Jussara Korngold, Simcha Raphael, Richard Martini, Gabor Maté, Frank Ostaseski, Mingyur Rinpoche, Therese Schroeder-Sheker, Alberto Villoldo, Henry Fersko-Weiss, and Jessica Zitter, this online event explores ancient and modern understandings of the art of dying and living through the lenses of different traditions, including Tibetan and Zen Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Judaic, and Shamanic.

To learn more about this historic event and to enjoy the study at your own pace archive course, please visit: www.thusmenla.org.

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses the world premiere of the film “Never Forget Tibet: The Dalai Lama’s Untold Story”, happening worldwide March 31st, as well as the historical connections to the current Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The feature-length documentary from Compassionate Films will celebrate its world premiere in partnership with Fathom Events on March 31 at 800 participating theaters across the US. The date of the world premiere is very significant, as March 31 is the 63rd anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s escape from occupied Tibet in 1959.

The World Peace Prayer starts at 6.30pm for the special opening ceremony, prayers and short films, which will set the scene for what promises to be a powerful cinematic event unlike any seen before. Never Forget Tibet will premiere at 7pm.

To learn more about “Never Forget Tibet: The Dalai Lama’s Untold Story”, please visit: www.neverforgettibet.com

In this extended podcast Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the significance of March 10th in Tibetan history, it’s connections to the Ukraine and gives a teaching on the historical Buddha’s perspective on conflict and engaging in defensive wars.

Opening with a deep dive into the historical context of the invasion of Tibet, Thurman details the mouse trap laid out by China in 1959 which led directly to His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and the Tibetans fleeing into exile in India.

This episode concludes with an in-depth exploration of the qualities of ethical enlightened beings and Bodhisattvas and a call to action for solidarity for Tibet, Ukraine, Russia, China and the world’s democracies for dealing with the rise of petrol-based oligarchies fueling climate change.

Bodhisattvas & The Buddha On Defensive Wars: Remembering Tibet & The Ukraine – Ep. 287 of the Bob Thurman “Stand with Ukraine” Podcast image by Students for a Free Tibet.

In this special episode, Robert Thurman pays tribute to the heroic citizens of Ukraine and their president Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the invasion and attempted occupation by Russia.

Celebrating President Zelenskyy’s former career as a comedian, Robert Thurman makes a call to action for a world with more leaders with humor – and joy- based artistic and creative backgrounds, interconnecting recent world history, modern politics, climate science and the common sense compassion-based teachings of Buddha and all spiritual traditions.

This episode includes a recommendation of Bill Mckibben’s recent article in The Guardian, an introduction to Buddhist history, cosmology, meditation practice and the concept of enlightenment, a discussion of mother earth as Bodhisattva, and a deep dive into the absolute and the relative.

It concludes with a teaching on the Buddhist and philosophical perspectives on: joy, love, bliss, and the infinite possibility of creating compassionate communities worldwide through developing inner and outer peace.

Ukraine, Russia & The Buddha’s Wisdom – Ep. 286 of the Bob Thurman podcast photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash.

Recounting his early days studying with Geshe Ngawang Wangyal, Robert Thurman in this episode gives a teaching on practicing meditation and the Buddhist perspective on mindfulness through a close line reading of the The Mahāsatipatthāna Sutta.

The four focuses of mindfulness in the sutta are the body, the sensations, the mind, and the mental objects, among which the last is the longest and most elaborated. In addition to meditating as directed, many of the elements used by the Buddha to aim and structure the meditations, such as the five aggregates, the eighteen elements, and the twelve sense-mediums, need to be explained and incorporated in mind, in order to be able to meditatively follow the guidance effectively.

“My Early Years: Exploring The Mahāsatipatthāna Sutta – Episode 285 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded during Tibet House US | Menla’s “Mindfulness & the Mahayana: An In-Depth Exploration of the Mahasatipatthana Sutta” online course with Sharon Salzberg and Robert A.F. Thurman, available via www.thusmenla.org.

Opening with a question by Traditional Tibetan medicine pioneer, author and fellow popularizer of the Buddhist inner and outer sciences, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Professor Thurman explores the delicate translation of mind science terminology and details the Five Aggregates as taught by the historical Buddha.

This podcast includes a recommendation of the work and teachings of Dr. Nida, personal reflections on translating and practicing Dzogchen and Vajrayana, and concludes with an in-depth explanation of the Five Aggregates.

Dr. Nida Chenagtsang is a traditional Tibetan physician and lineage holder of the Yuthog Nyingthig, the unique Vajrayana Buddhist spiritual healing tradition of Tibetan Medicine. He has published several books and articles on Tibetan medicine, meditation, and yoga, and his extensive research and revival of ancient Tibetan healing methods has earned him great acclaim in both East and West. Founder and Medical Director of the Sowa Rigpa Institute: School of Traditional Tibetan Medicine; Co-Founder of the International Ngakmang Institute, established to preserve and maintain the Rebkong ngakpa non-monastic yogi/ini culture within modern Tibetan society; and Co-Founder of Pure Land Farms: Center for Tibetan Medicine, Meditation and Rejuvenation in Los Angeles, California. In addition to his work as a physician, he trains students in Sowa Rigpa and the Yuthog Nyingthig tradition in over forty countries around the world.

Dzogchen’s Great Perfection & The Five Aggregates – Episode 284 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded during Tibet House US | Menla’s “The Great Connection: The Mahāsandhi Supreme Yoga of Dzogchen’s Great Perfection” online course with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang and Robert A.F. Thurman, available via www.thusmenla.org.

In this episode Robert Thurman shares personal stories and a historical perspective on the life, work and writings of Thich Nhat Hanh.

Opening with the Buddhist perspective on death and the bardo states outlined in the “The Tibetan Book of the Dead: The Great Book of Natural Liberation Through Understanding in the Between” this episode of the Bob Thurman podcast includes: a short history of non-violent philosophy and social action, an explanation of the central role of Thich Nhat Hanh’s personal interactions and friendships with Christian Theologians were to modern culture and interfaith dialog, and a discussion of the importance of monastic communities to the sustainability of traditions in the West and to the development of any new forms of a future American Buddhism.

Episode concludes with a humorous story of Thich Nhat Hanh’s time visiting Columbia University in New York City with a group of happy monks and a timeless guided gratitude meditation and contemplation of peace by Professor Thurman.

Thich Nhat Hanh – Podcast Photo of Teaching children to read and write using a song about the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion, Early 1960s via Plum Village, All Rights Reserved.

To lean more about the life and work of Thich Nhat Hanh please visit: www.plumvillage.org.

“Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh was a global spiritual leader, poet, and peace activist, renowned for his powerful teachings and bestselling writings on mindfulness and peace. A gentle, humble monk, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called him “an Apostle of peace and nonviolence” when nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Exiled from his native Vietnam for almost four decades, Thich Nhat Hanh was a pioneer bringing Buddhism and mindfulness to the West, and establishing an engaged Buddhist community for the 21st Century.”

In this episode Robert Thurman gives a teaching on impermanence and the power of contemplating one’s mortality to inspire action, nurture gratitude, transform relationships, and prioritize what truly matters.

Opening with a refutation of Buddhism as a life-rejecting philosophy, this podcast includes a short explanation of the Buddha’s “supreme contemplation” with guided meditations on embracing transience and death and an exploration of how considering death to be a good thing can help simplify life and re-set your priorities.

The podcast also includes: an overview of the concept of reincarnation as understood across traditions, an introduction to the Buddhist perspective on emptiness and the interconnected, blissful nature of reality, a recommendation of the work, writings and teachings of Andrew Holecek, and a personal invitation to their on-going “Death and the Art of Dying Bardo” series of online teachings via Tibet House US | Menla Online at www.thusmenla.org.

This episode is an excerpt from Bob’s talk, “Facing Death to Come Fully Alive in the New Year” recorded with Andrew Holecek during the Tibet House US | Menla New Year’s gathering. To watch the full video discussion, please visit: www.teachable.com.

To learn more about Robert A.F. Thurman’s classic retreat audio recordings, please visit www.soundstrue.com or new audio book version of “Liberation Through Understanding in the Between: Tibetan Book of the Dead” by Penguin Audio, please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

“Supreme Contemplation: Facing Death to Come Fully Alive” Podcast Photo via www.gratisography.com.

In this episode Robert Thurman is joined by fellow Tibetan language translator, author, and inner-science adventurer, Dr. David Kittay for a conversation on bliss, everyday ethics, contemporary Buddhism, the Eightfold Path, and the Four Noble Truths.

Opening with an introduction of Professor Kittay and his translation of The Vajra Rosary Tantra, Dr. Thurman uses his Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts book as a roadmap for an exploration of their work together presenting and preserving Tibetan Culture through their teachings at Tibet House US, Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa, Columbia University and during time spent teaching general audiences across New York City and the world.

Dr. David Komodo Kittay teaches philosophy, religion, and technology at Columbia, where his courses are called life changing, translates exoteric and esoteric Buddhist texts, serves as a Tibet House US Board member, and founded The Harlem Clemente Course for the Humanities at the Drew Hamilton Houses on 143rd St. His latest publication is The Vajra Rosary Tantra, available from Wisdom Publications.

A Tibet House US | Menla Conversation with David Kittay – Ep. 281 of the Bob Thurman podcast was recorded at the Tibet House US Menla Online hybrid talk “Wisdom Is Bliss” with Robert Thurman and David Kittay, December 2021 in New York City.

To watch the full video version and to learn about upcoming events with Dr. David Kittay, please visit: www.thus.org.

Image by Amanda Sage. All Rights Reserved via www.amandasagecollection.com.

Sharing insights from his study of “The Flower Ornament Sutra” and his exploration of the Bhakti devotion tradition with Krishna Das, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the value of generous, selfless intention when developing spiritual understanding and compassionate abilities using the body, breath, and mind through regular yoga study and practice.

Opening with the Dalai Lama’s four aims in life and an introduction to the Vajra Yoga teacher training, this episode includes: an everyday, middle way approach to stress and anger for those of any background, a short history of the Nalanda Tradition, and an in-depth exploration of the connections between Shantideva’s “Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life” and the Bhagavad Gita.

Podcast also includes: a discussion of the evolution of the terminology and understanding of karma, moksha and of the self-identifiers of those in Buddhist communities and students of the yogic inner sciences of transformation, an overview of Buddhist Tantra and its relationship to Hinduism, Vedanta, and Shamanism, and a teaching on the non-dual discovery of the blissful nature of reality by Buddha and enlightened beings across all time and traditions.

The Vajra Yoga series of trainings is an intensive online and in-person program that 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, and the Vimalakirti and Flower Ornament Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Mañjushrī-nāma-saṁgītī, the Tibetan Book of the Dead, and various works by Nāgārjuna, Paadmasambhava, Naropa, Yutok Yonten Gonpo, Jey Tsong Khapa and the Dalai Lama.

To learn more about this on-going offering, please visit: www.thusmenla.org.

Bridging Body, Mind & Breath with Yoga Wisdom – Ep. 280 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image via www.himalayanart.org.

Beginning this episode with a reading from “The Tibetan Book of the Dead: The Great Book of Natural Liberation Through Understanding in the Between” Professor Thurman uses his translation as a guide to the rich spiritual and emotional tools found in the end-of-life traditions of Asia and in the Vajrayana sciences and practices of India and Tibet.

Podcast includes: an invocation of and teaching on the greatly compassionate beings found Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and globally in the indigenous traditions of the Shamans, an introduction to the subtle body system of the yogic sciences for transmuting the three poisonous addictions, an overview of the eight dissolution states of death and their relationship to birth and life, sleep and dream yogas, and a discussion of the inter-relationship of particle physics, quantum entanglement, emptiness, and the psycho-physical experiences of bliss.

Episode concludes with an in-depth explanation of the channels, winds and drops of the subtle body and mind as taught in esoteric Buddhism, as in the mis-titled “Tibetan Book of the Dead”.

Hey Noble Ones: Jesus, Avalokiteshvara and All Buddhas – Ep. 279 of the Bob Thurman podcast was recorded during the on-going Tibet House US | Menla Online “Bardo” teachings with Andrew Holecek, available via www.teachable.com.

To learn more about Robert A.F. Thurman’s classic retreat audio recordings, please visit www.soundstrue.com or new audio book version of “Liberation Through Understanding in the Between: Tibetan Book of the Dead” by Penguin Audio, please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

Using the sixth and eighth chapters of Shantideva’s “A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life” as a guide Professor Thurman in this episode gives a teaching on the development of compassion and explores the interrelated history of Buddhism, Hinduism and of the Bhakti yogic wisdom traditions of India and the Himalayas.

Recorded during the “Devoted to Wisdom” in-person and online gathering with Krishna Das this episode opens with a question from Nina Rao about Thurman and the Padma Shri civilian award of the Republic of India given to him by the President of India for his lifelong exploration of the teachings of Buddhism, Hinduism and Shantideva.

Podcast includes an extended guided meditation on the practice of loving-kindness and the equal exchange of self and other.

Illustration from “Shantideva: How to Wake Up A Hero” by Dominique Townsend & Tenzin Norbu by Wisdom Publications. All rights reserved, Used with Permission.

This episode is an excerpt from “Devoted to Wisdom: Celebrating Buddhism and Bhakti Wisdom Online Retreat” with Robert Thurman & Krishna Das. To enjoy the full digital offering, please visit: www.thusmenla.org.

In this episode Robert Thurman shares an inspirational message of gratitude, compassion and hope for listeners of all faiths, backgrounds, and situations.

Opening with an introduction to the Bodhisattva’s Path, Professor Thurman gives an extended teaching on generosity using his book “Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life”, detailing its connection to political and personal activism, ethics, ecology, and creative expression.

Podcast includes: A discussion of nature of dictators, fascism and materialism, a recommendation of the work of Heather Cox Richardson, and an invitation to discover the blissful, interconnected and interdependent nature of reality through everyday acts of kindnesses.

Opening with a recommendation of “Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times” by Philip Goldberg, Robert Thurman in this episode sits down with its author for a far ranging discussion on Western Spirituality, Meditation, climate change, Paramahansa Yogananda, and Tibet’s Fourteenth Dalai Lama.

In this episode Robert Thurman and Philip Goldberg share reflections on: the San Francisco Renaissance, the effect of the counter culture of the 1950s on modern spirituality and stories from their time in India, and lessons from studying Buddhist and Transcendental meditation.

Podcast Includes a discussion of the 75th publication anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi“, a short history of The Esalen Institute and the value of personal study and reading to any spiritual tradition or path of transformation.

Episode concludes with an extended dialogue on the connections between Buddhism, Vedanta, and writings of the Transcendentalist and Beat Poets, and the Dalai Lama’s Four Aims in Life.

Philip Goldberg is the an author, public speaker and workshop leader; a spiritual counselor, meditation teacher and ordained Interfaith Minister. A Los Angeles resident, he co-hosts the Spirit Matters podcast, leads American Veda Tours, conducts online courses and workshops, and blogs regularly on Elephant Journal and Spirituality & Health.

To learn more, please visit: www.philipgoldberg.com.

In this heart centered conversation spanning from the remote Arctic communities of Norway to the compassionate wisdom contained in everyone, Robert Thurman is joined by author and explorer of inner and outer landscapes, Laura Galloway, to discuss the creative inspiration of interdependence found in nature, our world and in every day relationships.

Opening with a recommendation of Laura’s book “Dálvi: Six Years in the Arctic Tundra“, Robert Thurman leads a dialog exploring the value of contemplation, study, writing, and why supporting the remaining nomadic cultures of Tibet, Mongolia, Russia, and Scandinavian is vital to planetary survival in the face of the climate crisis.

Drawing inspiration from their time studying languages, time spent communing with nature through hiking, wilderness exploration and animal care giving, Bob and Laura in this podcast explore the rich traditions of the Sámi, The First Peoples of Canada, and the indigenous cultures of Tibet and the Americas.

To learn more about “Dálvi: Six Years in the Arctic Tundra“, and the work of Laura Galloway, please visit: www.authorlauragalloway.com.

Opening the imaginative gateways using the miss-titled “Tibetan Book of the Dead” as his guide, Robert Thurman in this episode gives a teaching on the Buddhist perspective on the origins of the universe, emptiness, and selflessness.

Using stories from his time teaching at Columbia & Amherst Universities, and from his time studying with Geshe Wangyal, Tara Tulku, and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Bob Thurman discusses the value of developing critical wisdom, intuition and compassion and supportive behavior during the death process and in our daily lives.

Starting with defining what a Buddha is from a Non-Buddhist perspective, podcast includes a guided meditation on emptiness and an in-depth examination of causality.

“Chicken and the Egg: Bardos, Buddhas and Buddhist Cosmology”  – Ep. 273 of the Bob Thurman podcast was recorded during the on-going Tibet House US | Menla Online “Bardo” teachings with Andrew Holecek, available via www.teachable.com.

To learn more about Robert A.F. Thurman’s classic retreat audio recordings, please visit www.soundstrue.com or new audio book version of “Liberation Through Understanding in the Between: Tibetan Book of the Dead” by Penguin Audio, please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

Chicken and the Egg: Bardos, Buddhas and Buddhist Cosmology Photo via www.gratisography.com.

In this episode Robert Thurman invites all sensitive beings to explore the Buddha’s discovery of the interrelated blissful nature of reality through a close line reading of The “Dharmacakrapravartana Sutra” or First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma.

Podcast includes an in-depth exploration of the eight-fold fold path and four noble truths, an introduction to Professor Thurman’s book “Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change your Life” and his “Vajra Yoga Practice Through the Buddha’s Three Vehicles: 18 Week Immersion” presented by the Yoga Space and Tibet House US | Menla Online.

From the course description:

“During the days of Patāñjali, the Buddhist mendicant and lay Sangha Community was omnipresent in his neighborhood, as witnessed by the many practices and concepts shared by the Buddhist Sutras and his own amazing, famous Yoga Sutra.

Understanding the essence of the Buddha’s practical teachings and their contributions to the universal values based on the general Indian Inner Science (adhyātmavidyā) enables today’s yogi/nīs to connect to Patāñjali’s wisdom, more easily integrating its vision with the compassionate mindset it automatically unfolds. It also helps contextualise the teachings of the Great Adepts (mahāsiddha) of India, the many non-sectarian master yogi/nīs of Buddhism, Jainism, Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

Fully aligned with His Holiness’s the Dalai Lama commitments in life, this course will show how practical the Buddha’s teachings are, how closely they relate to the wisdom of yoga, and how compassion can be an effective and efficient tool in re-building contemporary societal structures.

This Master Class will support the teachings in the Teacher Training course and allow an inclusive exploration of spirit, mind, and body yoga to develop true inner wisdom and help on the path to enlightenment.

This is an extensive 18 Week Fall/Winter course, which will include guided meditative talks and transmissions from Tenzin Bob on the inner wisdom found in the Individual, Universal, and Vajra Clearlight Vehicles of Buddhism. It can be also be taken as a stand-alone introduction to the advanced Vajra Yoga course sequence.

Course includes 12 seminal talks and guided meditations on each vehicle, accessible on Mondays and Wednesdays, paralleled by concise readings, for students to meditate on and study the yogic insights on each level. Students will meet each Thursday with Tenzin Bob for a Live Zoom Q&A.

To learn more about this online offering, please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

The Four Noble Truths & Buddha’s Three Vehicles with Robert Thurman photo by Raimond Klavins.

Using “The Vimalakirti Sutra” as a guide Robert Thurman gives an introduction to the historical Buddha’s insight into the blissful nature of reality and to the practical tools of positive transformation found through out his teachings.

“In this passionate, incisive, and often hilarious joyride of the mind and spirit, Thurman explores: mindful communities as “enlightenment factories” and how they have sparked “inner” revolutions throughout history; the Buddha’s philosophy of life, liberty, and the pursuit of real happiness; how compassion and nonduality spur social action; the vision of sacred texts for the future of humanity; and much more.”

Podcast includes a short history of the Three Vehicles of Buddhism and to the Four Noble Truths.

Recorded during the San Francisco Zen Center’s Buddhism at Millennium’s Edge year long series, Millennial Consciousness: Bliss & Buddhaverses – Ep. 271 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted “Making the World We Want” by Robert A.F. Thurman, Available via www.audible.com.

Opening with a reading of the mind expanding descriptions of the multitude of Gods, Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Divine Creatures found in “The Vimalakirti Sutra”, Robert Thurman gives a concise teaching on the nature of Dharma as taught by Shakyamuni Buddha.

“The Vimalakirti Sutra teaches a nondualistic wisdom and reconciliation of dichotomies. It challenges ordinariness and reveals systematic and effective ways of tapping higher potentials while upholding one’s usual responsibilities and enriching long-term relationships.

Robert Thurman examines one of the most sacred texts of Mahayana Buddhism, The Vimalakirti-nirdesha Sutra. To any Buddhist practitioner, particularly those of Vajrayana Buddhism and Zen, this sutra is of the utmost importance. Unlike most sutras, its central figure is not a Buddha, but an ordinary man, who, in his mastery of the teaching and spiritual practice, personifies the ideal lay believer, assuring commoners that they can reach levels of spiritual attainment comparable to those accessible to monks. The sutra teaches, among other subjects, the meaning of non-duality Thurman discusses the background of the sutra, its place in the development of Buddhist thought, and the profundities of its principal teaching: emptiness.”

In The Garden of Amrapali: Buddhism and the Multiverse is excerpted from “The Yoga of Ordinary Living” by Robert A.F. Thurman, Available via www.betterlisten.com.

In this episode Robert Thurman is joined by Tenzin Metok, founder of the Medicine Buddha App, which allows you to book online consultations with Tibetan doctors and wellness practitioners.

Through THUS | Menla’s sponsorship, this app will allow you to make donations to directly sponsor the medical training of aspiring Tibetan doctors at the Men-Tsee-Khang in India!

Men-Tsee-Khang is the largest and oldest Tibetan Medical & Astro-science Institute, established in Tibet by HH the XIII Dalai Lama in 1916 and re-established by the XIV Dalai Lama in India in 1961.

To educate each doctor it costs $5000, plus $500 in administrative and other fees. When you choose to use the Medicine Buddha app you are supporting a 100% Tibetan employed team and helping to expand the influence and reach of Tibetan culture internationally.

We thank you for your generous support, if you cannot donate, please share this podcast episode and download the free ap.

Every share, download, mention and donation helps!

Spiritual disciplines often seen remote from the realities of our daily lives. Yet there is a Mahayana Scripture which presents a model of enlightened practice in the midst of urban living, the Vimalakirti Sutra. This teaches a nondualistic wisdom and reconciliation of dichotomies. It challenges ordinariness and reveals systematic and effective ways of tapping higher potentials while upholding one’s usual responsibilities and enriching long-term relationships.

Robert Thurman examines one of the most sacred texts of Mahayana Buddhism, The Vimalakirti-nirdesha Sutra. To any Buddhist practitioner, particularly those of Vajrayana Buddhism and Zen, this sutra is of the utmost importance. Unlike most sutras, its central figure is not a Buddha, but an ordinary man, who, in his mastery of the doctrine and religious practice, personifies the ideal lay believer, assuring commoners that they can reach levels of spiritual attainment comparable to those accessible to monks. The sutra teaches, among other subjects, the meaning of non-duality Thurman discusses the background of the sutra, its place in the development of Buddhist thought, and the profundities of its principal doctrine: emptiness.

This episode is an excerpt from “The Yoga of Ordinary Living” by Robert A.F. Thurman, Available via www.betterlisten.com.

Dr. Eric Rosenbush has devoted his life to the study of the traditional sciences of Asia, their botanical treasures, ancient texts and living transmissions. For over 20 years, he has studied with masters of Tibetan, Chinese, and Ayurvedic medicines, and currently maintains a clinical practice in California. Eric frequently teaches courses on Sowa Rigpa and other ancient sciences in many locations around the world, and translates medical texts from the Tibetan and Sanskrit languages.

Under Dr. Nida Chenagtsang and other senior Tibetan doctors in the US and Asia, Eric learned the practice of Sowa Rigpa, Traditional Tibetan medicine. In addition to Masters and Doctoral university studies in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, Eric studied with senior practitioners working with classical traditions of Chinese herbal medicine and pulse diagnosis. He also lived in India for many years, studying and practicing Ayurveda, Jyotish, and Hindustani music.

In additional to clinical practice and teaching, Eric is also involved with various charitable projects, directing the Ngakmang Foundation, a nonprofit organization working in Tibet to preserve the lineage of Ngakpas – Tibetan yogis, supporting Sowa Rigpa education in Nepal, and other projects in the Himalayan regions. In 2006 with Dr. Nida he founded what would become the Sorig Institute of Tibetan Medicine in the San Francisco Bay Area. From 2015, Eric mostly lived in tropical and alpine areas of India, working with the Dunagiri Foundation cultivating threatened medicinal plants and treating patients.

For more information about Eric please visit: www.gunanatha.com.

In this fast paced teaching recorded at the New York Open Center, Professor Thurman introduces the Buddha’s teachings through an exploration of Buddhist Mandalas and their counterparts across history and in Western culture.

Opening with an overview of the architecture used in the design of Buddhist Tantric mandalas Robert Thurman uses personal stories, popular culture and world history to demystify the intricate tools of inner and outer transformation they contain.

“Mandala is an ancient Sanskrit word meaning “sacred circle that protects the soul.” It also refers to the sacred cosmograms that serve as core symbols of all cultures. Westerners have been fascinated for centuries about the mandalas of the Hindu-Buddhist cultures of Asia, most often painted geometric diagrams of great beauty and sophistication, that draw the viewer into a realm of balance, harmony, and calm. But such diagrams are actually architectural blueprints of the purified realm of bliss that we can only realize through enlightenment. They represent three-dimensional spaces of personal and communal exaltation, palaces for the regal confidence of love, compassion, and universal satisfaction of self and other. Understanding their role in anchoring the world-picture of a culture or a person provides a new insight into the “mandalas” of our own culture – the national space anchored by the Washington monument and its environs, or the personal cosmological space anchored by the models of the solar system, the DNA double-helix molecule, and the atom.”

-Robert A.F. Thurman

This episode is an excerpt from “World Mandala” by Robert A.F. Thurman, Available via www.betterlisten.com.

In this extended episode, Professor Thurman is joined by Ayurveda pioneer, author and translator Dr. Robert E. Svoboda for an in-depth dialog on the inner and outer yogic sciences and their experiences studying with Indian, Tibetan and Himalayan adepts, yogis and scholars.

The podcast includes: an exploration of the history of holistic healing in the West and its relationship to Yoga, Ayurveda and Tibetan Medicine; a discussion of the interrelationship of Vajrayana, tantra and the ancient wisdom traditions of India, Tibet, China, Japan, and South East Asia; and personal stories from their encounters with His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Yeshi Dhonden, Geshe Wangyal, and the Aghori Vimalananda.

Dr. Robert E. Svoboda is the first Westerner ever to graduate from a college of Ayurveda and be licensed to practice Ayurveda in India. During and after his formal Ayurvedic training Robert was tutored in Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotish, Tantra and other forms of classical Indian lore by his mentor, the Aghori Vimalananda. The author of more than a dozen books, including the bestseller “Ayurveda: Life, Health and Longevity and Ayurveda for Women”, he lived in India for more than a decade, after which he has continued to spend much of each year there and in other lands.

To learn more about the work and teachings of Dr. Robert Svoboda, please visit his website: www.drsvoboda.com.

In this episode Robert Thurman share’s his thoughts on the First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma, the holiday celebrations that mark the occasion of the Buddha’s initial public teachings and the inherent fun and friendly nature of the wisdom and compassion found in the Four Noble Truths.

Recorded on Chokhor Duchen to celebrate the Buddha’s Heart Sutra or Prajnaparamita teaching, The Four Noble Truths they contain, and the launch of Professor Thurman’s new book “Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life” Available from Hay House on August, 3rd, 2021.

This episode explores the Four Noble Truths as a joyful exploration into the nature of reality through Buddha’s threefold curriculum of “super-education” and the Eight Fold Path.

From the book:

“Buddha had to be an educator, rather than a prophet or religion founder, since he had achieved his goal of exact and complete understanding of reality by using reason, experiments to open his own mind, and vision to do so. From his own experience, he could help [others] as a teacher by streamlining the process. He could not just transplant his realization into their minds. They could not get their own realizations just by believing whatever he said. He could only provide them with a prospect of full realization along a path of learning and experiencing they could follow-they would have to travel on their own.

This book is your invitation to travel that same road. Deeply felt and bracingly direct, it doesn’t teach about the teaching-it is the teaching. Get ready to get real, and have fun along the way, as you chart a path to reliable, lasting happiness.”

To learn more about “Wisdom is Bliss”, Available as a Kindle E-Book and in hardcover through Hay House, Please visit www.bobthurman.com.

Four Fun Friendly Facts: Four Noble Truths Thumbnail via www.himalayanart.org.

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.

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.

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

In this extended conversation Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Mark Epstein M.D. discuss the history of scientific studies on the effects of meditation training since Buddhism’s migration to the West and encounter with materialists, psychotherapists and poets.

Settling down after their annual Buddhism and Psychotherapy gathering, Bob Thurman and Mark Epstein reflect upon their twenty plus years teaching together, the on-going dialog between mental health care-givers and Buddhist Psychonauts, highlighting the teachers and teachings which impacted their work, writing and personal journeys.

Candidly sharing details about his next book, Mark describes his academic career, the untold stories behind his groundbreaking writings, and shows how his lifelong combination of concentrated meditation practice with clinical psychological practice and study have earned him his eminent place on the front lines of the mindfulness revolution.

This episode includes: an exploration of the influence of the historical Buddha, Freud, Ginsberg, John Cage, D.W. Winnicott, D.T. Suzuki, Tsongkhapa, 14th Dalai Lama, Yeshi Dhonden, Gelek Rimpoche, wives and close family have had upon Professor Thurman and Dr. Epstein, an introduction to Abhidharma, and the relationship between Buddhist Inner Sciences, Vajrayana, yoga and modern psycho-therapeutic practice.

Recorded August 2020 this podcast includes a possible solution to the Zen koan of “one hand clapping”, also known as the un-stuck sound.

Tibet House US Menla Conversations with Mark Epstein M.D. – Ep. 241 of the Bob Thurman Podcast photo by David Gabriel Fischer via Zen Diary.

In this extended conversation Robert A.F. Thurman and Lavinia Currier discuss the history of environmental awareness in light of the Covid-19 global pandemic.

Recounting childhood stories from the first Earth Day, film maker and life long environmentalist Lavinia Currier shares insights from her experience as an mother, organic farmer, creative producer and protector of pristine beaches in Hawaii and of the three great forests of the world.

Episode includes: A short history of environmental activism in America, an introduction to simple, cruelty free methods of pest control, an examination of the relationship between food deserts, economic inequality and the rise of community gardens, gardening, farm markets, and CSAs (crop share associations).

Episode concludes with a Buddhist perspective on facing depression online by Professor Thurman highlighting the potential silver lining of the Covid-19 pandemic and economic pause occurring during quarantine,

This podcast is apart of the Tibet House US Menla Online 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 (THUSMO) Conversations are produced through the generous support of its 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 Onlie Conversations : Lavinia Currier – Ep. 240 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image via Pu'u O Hoku Ranch and was recorded via Zoom April 2020.

In this extended conversation Dr. Mark Hyman and Robert A.F. Thurman explore the relationship between diet, food production, the climate crisis and the rise of global pandemics.

Opening with a short history of farm policy and government food subsidies in the United States, Professor Thurman and Dr. Hyman share stories from their work over the years with students, patients, thought leaders and those concerned about the reality of climate change.

Podcast includes: a frank discussion of the industrial food, agriculture and oil lobby, a physician's perspective on stevia and artificial sweeteners and an extended overview of Buddhist medicine and the use of plant medicine, health tonics and food based remedies across traditions.

This episode concludes with a call to action for cultural creatives, venture capitalists, medical practitioners and those of influence to support positive fact based lobbying efforts and the production of a documentary film series based on Dr. Mark Hyman's best selling book "Food Fix" and informed by Al Gore's Climate Reality Project.

Dr. Hyman is a practicing family physician, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, educator, and advocate in his field. He is the Head of Strategy and Innovation at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine. To learn more about the work of Dr. Mark Hyman, please visit his website: www.drhyman.com. This podcast is apart of the Tibet House US Menla Conversations: a 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. Tibet House US Conversations : Dr. Mark Hyman – Ep. 239 of the Bob Thurman Podcast photo via www.drhyman.com.

Using the teachings of the historical Buddha, Nagarjuna and Shantideva, Robert A.F. Thurman elaborates the concept of cool heroism and the yoga of practical non-violence passed down from India and Tibet.

Opening with a humorous introduction to the non-violent teachings of Gandhi and the Buddhist perspective on theism, Professor Thurman gives an explanation of his concept of cool heroes, Inner Cool Revolutions, giving examples of cool heroism from recent history and modern politics.

Podcast includes a discussion of the value and place of anger in creating change, an overview of the Buddhist concept of selflessness and a guided meditation on the equal exchange of self and other.

Cool Heroism & The Great Re-Thinking - Ep. 238 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is an excerpt from The Great Re-thinking Prophets Conference talk "Cool Heroism : Response to Our Crisis of Violence" by Robert A.F. Thurman, recorded in Oxford, England, Image via www.himalayanart.org.

Introducing the iconography of the Medicine Buddha used to train Tibetan Buddhist medical practitioners , Robert A.F. Thurman explores the foundations of Buddhism and the role of leadership within the Buddha's non-violent revolutionary philosophy.

Opening with a short history of Buddhist medicine and Sowa Rigpa (Tibetan Science of Healing, Professor Thurman gives a teaching on the Buddhist perspective on leadership for individuals and communities facing conflict and hoping to create sustainable change.

Podcast includes discussions of: the value of creative and humorous rudeness, the role of women's anger in creating change and an overview of the Buddhist concept of selflessness.

Buddhist Leadership & The Medicine Buddha - Ep. 237 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Podcast Image via www.himalayanart.org.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Buddhist Leadership & The Medicine Buddha - Ep. 237 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is an excerpt from University of Richmond's Jepson Leadership Forum talk "Conflict Between and Within: A Buddhist Perspective" in 2014.

Exploring the landscape of modern democracy as it relates to the election of American presidents through extended primary processes, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the need for cooperation between candidates and what a team of rivals would look like.

Using the New York Times opinion piece by Thomas L. Friedman "Dems, You Can Defeat Trump in a Landslide" as a starting point, Professor Thurman opens this week's episode with an overview of his "Dream Team Cabinet" Call to action and the responsibility laid out in the Buddha's philosophy of wisdom, compassion and skillful means.

Podcast includes: an exploration of the impact of translated language upon modern understanding of Buddhism, a discussion of Buddhist ethics and of the "Eight Fold Path".

Team of Rivals : Buddhism & Vajra Politics - Ep. 236 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image by Tenzing Rigdol.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Team of Rivals : Buddhism & Vajra Politics - Ep. 236 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded at the home of Robert & Nena Thurman in Upstate New York, March 2020.

Listen to more archive recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

The songs “Trance Tibet” & ‘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.

In this extended recording Professor Thurman gives an introductory teaching on the centrality of reincarnation to the Buddha's philosophy and how an understanding of past and future lives is essential to becoming enlightened.

Using the teachings of Atisha, Tsongkhapa and the 14th Dalai Lama, Robert Thurman begins the teaching with a humorous thought experiment examining the materialist notions unpinning intellectual discussion about past and future lives.

Episode includes : a short history of Buddhism in India, Tibet and Asia, an exploration of the Christian traditions of reincarnation and explanation of the process of becoming enlightened as told in the life story of Shakyamuni Buddha.

This episode is the recording of the thought-provoking and lively lecture “Past & Future Lives: Is Enlightenment Possible Without Them?” with Robert Thurman, given at Maitripa College in Portland, OR on April 8, 2016.

Past & Future Lives Buddhism 101 : Bob Thurman Podcast Bonus photo by Wonderlane.

This recording from the “Past & Future Lives: Is Enlightenment Possible Without Them?" was originally excerpted as the episode: "Do We Need to Believe in Past & Future Lives to Become Enlightened? - Ep. 66" of the Bob Thurman Podcast.

This podcast is apart of the ‘Buddhism 101’ Series using classic teachings from Robert Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

The songs “Trance Tibet” & ‘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.

In this extended episode Professor Thurman gives an inspiring talk on the role of cultural creatives in creating peaceful social revolutions and how Buddhism's spread influenced modern counter culture movements of the West.

Bright Futures : Buddhism & Cultural Creatives - Ep. 235 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image by Tenzing Rigdol.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Bright Futures : Buddhism & Cultural Creatives - Ep. 235 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded at the home of Robert and Nena Thurman in Upstate, New York.

Listen to more archive recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

The songs “Trance Tibet” & ‘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.

Professor Thurman is joined by dear friend Krishna Das in this special episode of the Bob Thurman Podcast to discuss the life and work of Ram Das, the history of mindfulness in the West and for a dialog about remaining cheerful in these troubled times.

Podcast includes a short biography of Neem Karoli Baba and his impact upon Western seekers, a discussion of the non-dual nature of love, the power of spiritual models and friends and personal stories from their time studying with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Tibet House US Conversations : Nina Rao – Episode 230 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded at the Annual Tibet House US gathering held at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York

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 (THUS) 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 Conversations : Krishna Das – Episode 234 of the Bob Thurman Podcast photo via www.krishandas.com  To learn more about the work and music of Krishna Das, please visit www.krishandas.com

In honor of Tibetan New Year and the 600th anniversary of the enlightenment of Tsongkhapa, Professor Thurman gives a teaching on the history of women in Buddhism and details the on-going work to re-evaluate and re-establish Vajrayana Tantric traditions in hearts, minds and lives of institutional monastics and modern householder practitioners.

Opening with a short discussion of New Year's celebrations in Tibet, Robert A.F. Thurman elaborates the benefits of studying the teachings and commentaries of Lama Tsongkhapa for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of yoga, meditation and the Buddhist Inner Sciences.

Podcast includes: an in-depth exploration of the impact of male dominated culture on the transmission of advanced Buddhist practices for women, personal stories about translating commentaries on "secret" advanced Tantric texts and an introduction to the importance of the queens, consorts and female poets of South India.

This episode concludes with an invitation to join Professor Thurman during upcoming teachings at Tibet House US, Menla Retreat and online with Wisdom Publications.

About Lama Tsongkhapa and “International Year of Tsongkhapa”

​Je Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357-1419) was one of the greatest scholar-practitioners in the history of Tibetan Buddhism and the founder of the Gelug tradition.

On December 30th, 2018, the 104th Ganden Tripa Lobsang Tenzin, the supreme head of the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism proclaimed that 2019 will be “International Year of Tsongkhapa.”

“I call upon all Gelukpas and well-wishers to render their support to spreading awareness of the eloquent teachings and writings of the great Master Tsongkhapa throughout the world. I encourage Geluk monasteries, centers, organizers, individuals and admirers of Master Tsongkhapa worldwide to initiate special activities throughout the year of 2019 to commemorate (the) 600th anniversary of the great master and to inspire beings to follow in his footsteps.”

Ganden Tri Rinpoche

Buddha's Noble Daughters : Buddhist Tantra for All - Ep. 233 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image via www.tenzinpalmo.com.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Listen to more archive recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

The songs “Trance Tibet” & ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman gives an introductory teaching on the history and context of Buddhist Sutras and the Buddhist Medical Tradition as expressed in the mandala of the Medicine Buddha.

Using the second chapter of the "The Noble Mahāyāna Sūtra : The Teaching of Vimalakīrti" Robert Thurman introduces the idea of a Buddhafield or Buddha-verse exploring the Buddha's revolutionary teaching that anyone can transform their mind, body and environment through wisdom and compassion.

Podcast includes: an introduction to non-dualism and it's relationship to karma and reincarnation, an elaboration of the Buddhist Inner Sciences using the seven stages of dissolution and a light hearted discussion on the value of imagination using the popular science fiction films "The Matrix", "Men in Black" and the classic BBC television series "Dr. Who."

Opening the second half of this week's episode with a recitation of the Medicine Buddha mantra Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the history of Buddhist Medicine and how it relates to the on-going mission of Tibet House US at Menla, the Dalai Lama's retreat center in the Catskill Mountains.

Hiking with the Medicine Buddha - Ep. 232 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image of the Medicine Buddha Mandala via www. himalayaart.com.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Hiking with the Medicine Buddha - Ep. 232 the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted from the 2012 "Hiking in the Catskills" gathering at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa.

Listen to more archive recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

The songs “Trance Tibet” & ‘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.

Using popular culture and recent world history as a jumping off point, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a talk on the nature of civilization and the rise, spread and evolution of Buddhist culture and industrial militarism.

Opening with an introduction to Samuel P. Huntington's "The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order" Professor Thurman traces the origins of Neo-conservatism, religious fundamentalism and industrialized military economies to the fundamental misunderstanding of the of reality and the interdependent nature of humanity and civilizations.

Podcast includes: a recommendation of "The Unconquerable World: Power, Nonviolence, and The Will of the People" by Jonathan Schell, a Buddhist perspective on the history of the Cold War between Russia and the United States, a discussion of the dangers of militarized police forces, preemptive war and a humorous exploration of the concept of mutually assured destruction and of industrialized war economies.

Second half of this week's episode includes a discussion of the value of life long education and how recent neuroplasticity studies confirm and compliment the teachings of the Buddha's inner and outer sciences.

Episode concludes with a reading of the poetry of Redwing Keyssar by Gary Gach.

Clash of Civilizations : Buddhism & Modern Culture - Ep. 231 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image by Tenzing Rigdol.

Clash of Civilizations : Buddhism & Modern Culture - Ep. 231 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted from a talk to professional students, recorded in Russia in 2012.

Professor Thurman in this episode is joined by long time friend and colleague Nina Rao for an extended conversation on the role of environmental responsibility in spirituality and the need to preserve the endangered populations of wild tigers in India.

Opening with a short history of wilderness preservation and national parks in the princely states of India, Robert Thurman and Nina Rao examine the primacy of nature throughout history and share personal stories about their work raising awareness about the reality of the climate crisis and the catastrophic ecological impact of self-centered thinking, materialism, consumerism and oligarchies.

Podcast includes in-depth explorations of the symbolism of key Buddhist, Hindu and Christian deities connected to mother nature.

Episode includes discussions of: the power of positive thinking and imaginative visioning in problem solving, the role of modern Indigenous communities in wildlife preservation, the need for science driven conservation in activism and grassroots efforts, and a call to action for creative solutions and sustainable "bright money" funding for on-going efforts to save our changing environment.

To learn more about and to join the on-going efforts to save Wild Tigers, please visit: www.savingwildtigers.org.

Tibet House US Conversations : Nina Rao - Episode 230 of the Bob Thurman Podcast photo via www.ninaraochant.com.

Tibet House US Conversations : Nina Rao - Episode 230 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded at the Annual New Year's Tibet House US gathering held at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York

To learn more about the work and music of Nina Rao, please visit www.ninaraochant.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 (THUS) 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 this episode Professor Thurman gives a teaching on how the Buddha's Four Noble Truths and Eight Fold Path find a modern expression in the Gross National Happiness philosophy in the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan's constitution.

Opening with a beginners' introduction to the nature of the Buddha’s discovery, Bob Thurman analyzes modern Bhutanese culture through the lens of the Eight Fold Path suggesting possible next steps needed to fully embody the blissful, interdependent reality as understood by Buddhism and Buddhist philosophy.

Gross National Happiness : The Four Noble Truths - Ep. 229 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image by Christopher Michael, Used with Permission.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Gross National Happiness : The Four Noble Truths - Ep. 229 the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted from “Refining Happiness (Economic Vs Happiness) : A false dichotomy” a talk given for Jangchub Shing in 2014.

Using the work of Buddhologist Gadjin M. Nagao as a roadmap, Professor Thurman leads an introduction to the Buddha's teachings and gives an inspiring talk on the future "fifth peak" of the history of Buddhism.

Reintroducing the idea of Buddhism as an Evolutionary Sport Robert Thurman in this week's episode describes the six realms of existence, the nature of becoming a Buddha, and the basic thought experiments to introduce any intelligent being to the interconnected, multi-life perspective of reincarnation and rebirth.

Opening with a short overview of the teachings of Buddhism, Robert A.F. Thurman describes the four major flows it's history, development and adaptation as it spread globally, intertwining teachings on: The Three Jewels, The Four Noble Truths, The Heart Sutra, The Nalanda Tradition, and the non-dual inner sciences of Nargajuna and the Mahasiddhas, yogis and house-holder saints.

Podcast includes : a detailed exploration of the practice of becoming a mendicant in the Buddhist tradition and the messianic nurturing nature of radical self-concern as taught by Shantideva and by the Bodhisattvas in literature, art and through out the teachings of the historical Buddha.

Second half of episode includes a frank discussion of the role of women and the context of their initial exclusion from becoming mendicants in the Buddha's time and concludes with a reading of the work of William Carlos Williams by Gary Gach.

Buddhism's Fifth Peak : Buddhist History 101 - Ep. 228 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted from “Buddhism's Fifth Peak” a talk given at the California Institute of Integral Studies.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

Buddhism's Fifth Peak : Buddhist History 101 - Ep. 228 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image via Wellcome Collection.

In this questions and answers session Professor Thurman and Sharon Salzberg discuss the interconnected nature of emptiness, compassion, and loving-kindness and the use of mandalas in meditation.

Opening with an in-depth exploration of the etymology of the Sanskrit term sunyata, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the relationality of emptiness and it's connections to the agricultural language and culture of the Buddha's time.

Podcast includes discussions of : the symbolism and use of sand mandalas, the history of the Kalachakra "Wheel of Time" Tantra, the Buddhist perspective on bliss, space, time and the role of evolutionary inner yogas in reducing suffering for self and others.

Episode concludes with a reading of the work of Muriel Rukeyser by Gary Gach.

Emptiness & Mandalas : Questioning Buddhism - Ep. 227 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Manuel Bauer via www.dalailama.com

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Emptiness & Mandalas : Questioning Buddhism - Ep. 227 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded at the annual New Year's Retreat at Menla in Phoenicia, New York in 2015.

This podcast is apart of the on going series “Questioning Buddhism” in which Robert A.F. Thurman answers questions from those looking to learn more about the Buddha, his teachings and the history of those people, countries and cultures influenced by his ideas.

To submit your questions to be answered in future podcasts please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

In this extended holiday episode Professor Thurman gives an introduction to the history and mission of the Dalai Lama's cultural arts center Tibet House US in New York City and its retreat center Menla in Phoenicia, New York.

Opening with a personal invitation to the Annual Carnegie Hall Benefit Concert Robert A.F. Thurman gives a detailed history of the event organized by Philip Glass and explains it's connections to Tibetan New Year and the precious culture of Tibet.

Podcast includes a discussion of the benefits of becoming a Tibet House US Member, a short introduction to Tibetan Culture for beginners and an in-depth exploration of the landmark graphic novel "Man of Peace : The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet" by Robert A.F. Thurman.

Preserving Culture with Tibet House US Podcast Bonus of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo via www.dalailama.com.

Tibet House US is dedicated to preserving Tibet’s unique culture at a time when it is confronted with extinction on its own soil. By presenting Tibetan civilization and its profound wisdom, beauty, and special art of freedom to the people of the world, we hope to inspire others to join the effort to protect and save it.

Tibet House US is part of a worldwide network of Tibetan institutions committed to ensuring that the light of the Tibetan spirit never disappears from the face of this earth.

Tibet House US was founded at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who at the inauguration in 1987 stated his wish for a long-term cultural institution to ensure the survival of Tibetan civilization and culture, whatever the political destiny of the six million people of Tibet itself.

“I feel that Tibetan culture with its unique heritage - born of the efforts of many human beings of good spirit, of its contacts with Mongolian, Chinese, Indian, Nepalese and Persian culture, and of its natural environment – has developed a kind of energy which is very helpful for cultivating peace of mind and a joyful life. I feel that there is a potential for Tibet to help humanity, and particularly our Eastern neighbor, where millions of young Chinese have lost their spiritual values. In this way, I feel very strongly that Tibetan culture will have a role to play in the future of humanity.”

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

The songs “Trance Tibet” & ‘Dancing Ling’ by

In this episode Professor Thurman is joined by Sarah Drew for a discussion on the need for conscious evolution of individuals in order to address the global climate crisis.

Podcast includes: an introduction to the history of the sacred feminine, a examination of the role of oracles and herbal medicine across cultures and a short re-telling of the story of the Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree .

Episode concludes with a reading from "The Gaia Codex" by Sarah Drew.

Tibet House US Conversations : Sarah Drew - Ep. 226 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo via www.sarahdrew.net.

Author of "Gaia Codex" Sarah Drew is lifelong explorer of culture and consciousness, whose work expresses a deep curiosity, a polymathic approach to exploring multiple disciplines with a focus on humanity’s evolution: the cultivation of compassion and our multi-generational nurturance of Mother Earth. Inspired by regenerative narratives that give both a deeper understanding of our past and powerful blueprints for the future, Sarah currently serves on two advisory boards: SHE TV, a new media platform for women and Mission BE an initiative that brings contemplative practices into urban schools.

To learn more, please visit www.sarahdrew.net.

This podcast is apart of the Tibet House US Conversations series of dialogs between Robert A.F. Thurman & the leading hearts, minds & characters bringing the ancient wisdom of Buddhism and Tibet into the modern mindful revolution.

Examining the spread of Buddhism in the West through the organizations and communities found in the United States Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the Buddhist methods any individual can use in their pursuit of happiness no matter their background.

Opening with an exploration of the Buddhist perspective on the role and personal joy of teaching Professor Thurman gives a historical overview of the development of Buddhism and it's place within modern democracy movements.

This episode includes : discussions of the traditional tools of Buddhist meditation, the role of selflessness in spirituality and the centrality of individual development, freedom and liberty in the pursuit of happiness.

Episode concludes with a reading of the work of Billy Collins by Gary Gach.

Buddhism in the West : The Pursuit of Happiness – Ep. 225 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Luke Stackpoole via Unsplash

Buddhism in the West : The Pursuit of Happiness – Ep. 225 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted from "Buddhism, Religion or Evolutionary Sport" a talk given at the California Institute of Integral Studies.

Using the historical spread of the Buddha’s teachings as a road map Robert A.F. Thurman introduces Buddhist life and practice as an evolutionary sport which effectively transforms the hearts, minds and societies of the individuals who encounter it and make their precious human lives supremely meaningful for self and others.

Opening with an exploration of the modern definition of religion, Professor Thurman gives a teaching on the nature of the Buddha’s revolutionary movement and the actions of its mendicant seekers and inner-scientific explorers across history.

This episode includes : a discussion of the place and value of hagiographies, short histories of Buddhism in India, Tibet and Central Asia, an introduction to the Siddha Adept "Psychonauts" of the Nalanda tradition and an extended (adult) re-telling of the story of Naropa, his consort and the royal deer herd of the king of Varanasi.

Episode concludes with a reading of the work of Juan Felipe Herrera by Gary Gach.

Buddhism As Evolutionary Sport - Ep. 224 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image via Wellcome Collection.

Buddhism As Evolutionary Sport - Ep. 224 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted from the talk "Buddhism, Religion or Evolutionary Sport" given at the California Institute of Integral Studies.

In this episode Professor Thurman invites listeners to join him in responding to the inescapable environmental crisis through the development of a bright money campaign and more democratic solutions for the 2020 election.

Opening with a discussion of the work of Jane Mayer, Robert A.F. Thurman details his vision for a Democratic Party “Dream Team” in 2020 and for a “Bright Money” campaign based on the wisdom of interdependence, the practice of compassionate generosity and environmental protection as a way to address future generations of climate refugees.

Podcast includes an introduction to the economics behind "big money" (Oil, Gun, Sugar, ect.) propaganda, an exploration of the Anarchist, Conservative, Liberal and Libertarian philosophies in modern politics and inspiring stories about the work of Greta Thunberg and Tibet's Fourteenth Dalai Lama.

This episode is continues Robert A.F. Thurman "Truth in Action" call to action begun November 21st, 2019 as apart of the international efforts begun by Al Gore and his “Climate Reality” Leadership training Corps and the Climate Reality Project.

Bright Money for the Climate : Truth in Action – Ep. 223 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by rupixen.com on Unsplash.

Truth in Action is a global conversation on the climate crisis and how we solve it, led by Climate Reality Leaders trained by former Vice President Al Gore.

Truth in Action began November 20 at 6PM EDT in all 50 US states and many countries around the world. For a full 24 hours, Leaders gave giving free presentations on our changing climate and the solutions in our hands.

To learn more about the on-going “Truth in Action” work near you please the Climate Reality website: www.climaterealityproject.org.

In this episode Professor Thurman invites listeners to join him in responding to the inspiring work of Greta Thunberg in their local community and globally through the efforts of The Climate Reality Project.

Podcast includes an introduction to the international efforts begun by Al Gore and his "Climate Reality" Leadership training Corps, an in-depth exploration from a Buddhist perspective of the climate crisis and a short teaching on the role of oracles in Buddhism and in Western history.

This episode is a call to action to join Robert A.F. Thurman during the "Truth in Action" conversation November 21st.

Listening to Greta Thunberg : Truth in Action - Episode 222 Greta Thunberg Photo by Andy Bosselman.

Truth in Action is a daylong global conversation on the climate crisis and how we solve it, led by Climate Reality Leaders trained by former Vice President Al Gore.

Truth in Action will take place from November 20 at 6PM EDT – November 21 at 6 PM Eastern Time, in all 50 US states and many countries around the world. For a full 24 hours, Leaders will be giving free presentations on our changing climate and the solutions in our hands – and inviting audiences to join the conversation.

To find a free "Truth in Action" presentation near you or to request a free Truth in Action presentation please the Climate Reality website: www.climaterealityproject.org.

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman gives an introduction to the theory and practice of yoga highlighting the importance of individual engagement in politics across its history.

Opening with a call to action to all those looking to create positive change in their personal lives and for the climate through the study of Buddhism and the practice of yoga poses, Professor Thurman recounts the Buddha's assertion that anyone from any background or level of ability can transform themselves through the same methods he used to reach his full enlightenment.

Podcast includes: Recommendations of the work of Greta Turnberg's Fridays for Future, President in Exile Al Gore's Climate Reality Leadership Training Corp, Buddhist perspectives on oracles and autism, an overview of non-dualism and a discussion of the role of bliss in the yogic and Buddhist Inner Sciences.

This episode is a part of the Bob Thurman Podcast "Buddha and The Yogis" Series bringing together new and archive teachings by Robert A.F. Thurman and friends exploring the intersection of Buddhism and Yoga drawn from annual all levels gatherings at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Upstate New York, Pu'u O Hoku Ranch on Molokai Hawaii and around the globe.

Vajra Yoga and Vajra Politics : Podcast Bonus Photo via The Yoga Space

In this episode Professor Thurman is joined by Chris Grosso for an extended discussion on the role of mentoring in recovery and the value of compassion in working with at risk youth and those facing conflict.

Podcast includes: an overview of the Buddhist perspective on Death, a discussion of peer and addiction recovery counseling, a short history of mindfulness in the alternative music scene, introductions to the mis-titled "Tibetan Book of the Dead" and to the tools and techniques used by Chris in his work.

Tibet House US Conversations : Chris Grosso – Ep. 221 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo via www.TheIndieSpiritualist.com.

Chris Grosso is an author, independent culturist, spiritual aspirant, recovering addict, and speaker. He writes for Origin magazine, Mantra Yoga + Health magazine and created the popular hub for all things alternative, independent, and spiritual with www.TheIndieSpiritualist.com.

This podcast is apart of the Tibet House US Conversations series of dialogs between Robert A.F. Thurman & the leading hearts, minds & characters bringing the ancient wisdom of Buddhism and Tibet into the modern mindful revolution.

In this extended recording with Krishna Das and his band, Professor Thurman leads a discussion of the Hindu and Buddhist perspectives on the soul, sin and greed using stories from their early years in India.

Archive session includes a group recitation of the “Heart Sutra”, a discussion of non-duality as it relates to bliss, an extended dialog on the connections between Hindu and Buddhist self transformation technologies and several chant and response sessions led by Nina Rao and Krishna Das.

This podcast includes stories from Robert A.F. Thurman and Krishna Das' time in India and reading of Shabkar Tsogdruk Rangdrol's poetry.

"In these three sessions, we will chant together, mantra together, teach and discuss wisdom and love and compassion in the tradition of Krishna Das’ Guru, Neem Karoli Baba, and H.H. the Dalai Lama, and have a great time, invoking Noble Tara, Shri Devi, Krishna/Radha and Manjushri/Sarasvati, covering the Guru-disciple relationship and its permutations, all kinds of mental and physical yogas, mind-concentration and heart transformation, bhakti and Tantra, etc., and basically enjoy the beautiful Dharmas of India and Tibet."

This talk was recorded during the Force For Good Class "Hindu Buddhist Paths of Devotion: Cherishing Divine Wisdom and Compassion Through Chanting and Mantra" at Tibet House US in New York City in 2019 with Krishna Das & Robert A.F. Thurman and was excerpted as "My Early Years : Buddhist Soul with Krishna Das - Episode 216" of the Bob Thurman Podcast.

To learn more about the work + music of Krishna Das please visit: www.krishnadas.com.

To watch the full recordings from this + other past events 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.

‘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 Studies and 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 Beyond Religion), His nonviolent approach to conflict resolution, including His Nobel Peace Laureate activities to seek dialogue and a win-win reconciliation with C

Professor Thurman in this two part episode distills the complexities of Buddhist esoteric history into an engaging introduction to the Buddha's joy and teachings for those of all backgrounds.

Introducing the retreat study practices of Tsong Khapa Robert A.F. Thurman uses The Garland of Buddhas Sutra (brilliantly translated from the Chinese by Tom Cleary as The Flower Ornament Sutra) to give a short history of the schools and groups transmitting the Buddha's teachings on wisdom and compassion.

Podcast includes : an introduction to the Kalachakra Tantra's perspective on time, a re-telling of the Buddha's encounter with a Jain seeker directly after his own enlightenment, but before he gave the "Four Noble Truths", a discussion of the student teacher relationship in Buddhism focusing on the tradition of Kalyāṇamitra (spiritual friend) as taught by Shāntideva, Atisha and passed down by the Panchen and Dalai Lamas of Tibet.

Second half of the podcast opens with an in-depth explanation of Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani and an introduction to the omnipresent and omni-competent nature of the Buddhas and Bodhisatvas who assist all beings.

Episode concludes with a reading of the work of Juan Felipe Herrera by Gary Gach.

Buddha’s Joy : Exploring Buddhist Tantra – Ep. 220 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Wheel of Life Image by Tenzing Rigdol.

Buddha’s Joy : Exploring Buddhist Tantra – Ep. 220 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted from a series of talks given to the public assembled from Europe and the Russias, during the afternoon after the inspiration of H. H. the Dalai Lama’s morning teachings, recorded in Riga, Latvia, 2018.

In this episode Professor Thurman is joined by Janice Marturano for an extended discussion on the role of mindfulness in leaders and the development of mindful leadership programs in recent years.

Podcast includes: a discussion of the nature of mindfulness practice, an introduction to the history of Buddhist meditation and personal stories from Robert A.F. Thurman and Janice Marturano's professional careers bringing Eastern mind sciences to corporate and academic worlds.

Tibet House US Conversations : Janice L. Marturano Bob Thurman Podcast Photo via www.cnbc.com.

Janice Marturano is the Founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Mindful Leadership, a non-profit organization dedicated to training and supporting leaders in the exploration of mindfulness and the fundamentals of leadership excellence. She founded the Institute for Mindful Leadership in January, 2011, after ending her 15 year tenure as Vice President, Public Responsibility and Deputy General Counsel for General Mills, Inc.

Using the Buddha's teaching of "The Four Noble Truths" Robert A.F. Thurman introduces Buddhism as a therapy and education system created to help individuals discover the path to happiness.

Podcast includes: an exploration of the concept of "noble", a discussion of the the Buddha's insight into the fundamental misknowledge at the heart of each of the Four Noble Truths highlighting the manner in which the Buddha's methodology was revolutionary for the individuals and the the societies it spread to, as it is still today.

Second half of the episode continues Professor Thurman's historical exploration of Buddhism and how it's counter-cultural educational nature has been misunderstood and limited by modern Western comparative religious perspectives.

Episode concludes with a reading of the work of Juan Felipe Herrera by Gary Gach.

Four Noble Truths : Buddhism as Therapy - Ep. 218 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image via Wellcome Collection.

Buddhism as Therapy : Four Noble Truths - Ep. 218 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted from "Buddhism: Methods for Pursuit of Happiness" a talk given at the California Institute of Integral Studies.

In this extended archive recording Professor Thurman introduces & elaborates the idea of enlightenment using Tibetan History as a lens highlighting the historical Buddha's discovery of the blissful interconnected, interdependent nature of reality.

Podcast includes: an introduction to the Buddhist history of India and Tibet, an overview of the experience of enlightenment as recounted by Shakyamuni Buddha and a concise elaboration of the "Lam Rim" or "Stages of the Path" for those of any tradition.

Tibetan Path of Enlightenment : Bob Thurman Podcast Bonus photo by Wonderlane.

This recording from the ‘Pathways to the Spirit’ Series Talk given to Trinity College in 1998 and was originally excerpted as the episodes "Buddhism 101: Defining Enlightenment – Ep 101" and "Buddhism 101: Preciousness of Human Life – Ep 103".

This podcast is apart of the ‘Buddhism 101’ Series using classic teachings from Robert Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

The songs “Trance Tibet” & ‘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.

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman gives an introduction to the Buddhist system of three higher educations or trainings using the "Heart Sutra" as a portal to unpacking the differences between sutra and tantra in an easy to understand manner for those of all traditions.

Podcast includes a discussion of the value and place of cognitive dissonance within meditation, a short history of the oral, written and esoteric traditions of Buddhism and an exploration of the the wisdom and compassion teachings found throughout Buddhist sutra and tantra.

Episode concludes with a reading of the work of Hilda "H.D." Doolittle by Gary Gach.

Buddha's Speech : Exploring Buddhist Sutras - Ep. 217 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image by Tenzing Rigdol.

Buddha's Speech : Exploring Buddhist Sutras - Ep. 217 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted from a series of talks given during the Dalai Lama's teachings in Russia, recorded in Riga, Latvia, 2018.

A special message from Professor Thurman on the history of American Democratic processes, the United States Department of Peace and his call to action for a Dream Team for the 2020 elections.

Elaborating upon his vision for a Democratic Party “Dream Team” in 2020 and for a “Bright Money” campaign based on the wisdom of interdependence, the practice of compassionate generosity and environmental protection Robert A.F. Thurman calls on all sensitive beings to share his short video.

Podcast concludes with an audio version of Professor Thurman's Emergency Dream Team Plan.

“Department of Peace : Dream Team 2020 – Podcast Bonus″ of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

“Department of Peace : Dream Team 2020 – Podcast Bonus″ of the Bob Thurman Podcast is apart of the Buddhism 101 series using classic teachings from the archives of Robert A.F. Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition.

In this special podcast with Krishna Das, Professor Thurman leads a discussion of the Buddhist perspective on the soul, sin and greed using stories from their early years in India.

Opening with a group recitation of the "Heart Sutra" Robert A.F. Thurman uses this seminal text of all Buddhist traditions as a jumping off point for a discussion of non-duality, bliss and the connections between Hindu and Buddhist self transformation technologies. This week’s poetry segment Krishna Das reads the work of Shabkar Tsogdruk Rangdrol.

This talk was recorded during the Force For Good Class Series at Tibet House US in New York City in 2019 with Krishna Das & Robert A.F. Thurman & is apart of the THUS Member Archive. ‘A Force For Good’ is a Tibet House US course to further the Dalai Lama’s contemporary world initiatives and inspired by Daniel Goleman’s ‘A Force For Good: The Dalai Lama’s Vision for Our World‘.

To learn more about the work + music of Krishna Das please visit: www.krishnadas.com.

In this extended archive recording Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Tom Yarnall explore the “Guhyasamāja Tantra King of Tantras – The Glorious Esoteric Community” by Tsongkhapa giving an introduction to Buddhist tantra and the practice of creation stage deity yoga.

Includes an exploration of Buddhist Sand or powder mandalas and the chakra system used in the visualizations used in creation stage tantra meditations and self transformation practices by Robert A.F. Thurman.

Podcast includes a discussion of the role of gods in visualization, the need to study and develop critical wisdom and selfless compassion before engaging in advanced self-transformation and the historical place of initiation in Indian and Vedic communities.

Force For Good : Creation Stage Tantra Podcast Bonus Image via Lotus Within.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

“Force For Good : Creation Stage Tantra Podcast Bonus″ of the Bob Thurman podcast was recorded at the 2017 Force for Good Class Series.

‘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 Studies and 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 Beyond Religion), His nonviolent approach to conflict resolution, including His Nobel Peace Laureate activities to seek dialogue and a win-win reconciliation with China in the face of the ongoing ethnicidal policies in Tibet (Freedom in Exile and Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of Tibet’s Dalai Lama) & along with his emphasis on positive activism (A New Reality: Charter of Universal Responsibility).

This on-going series was inspired by Daniel Goleman’s ‘A Force For Good: The Dalai Lama’s Vi

In this extended archive recording of the Tibet House US Force For Good class Buddhist Sciences : Vajrayana II Robert A.F. Thurman gives an overview of the esoteric teachings of Buddhism.

Using the “Esoteric Community” (Guhyasamāja) by Tsongkhapa, Professor Thurman discusses how with proper study and meditation anyone can understand the full meaning of the Buddha’s esoteric teachings.

Podcast includes: an overview of the Buddhist Inner Sciences, an explanation of the different lineages, orders and sects of Tibetan Buddhism, a short discussion of the distinctions between Mother, Father and Non-Dual Tantra, definitions of Professor Thurman’s “Tantric Abidharma”, Mind Objective, Speech Isolation, Clear Light and the Central Channel system used in Buddhist Medicine and Inner Sciences.

Buddhist Sciences Vajrayana Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives Image of Medicine Buddha and Tsongkhapa via www.welcomecollection.org

“Buddhist Sciences Vajrayana Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives″ of the Bob Thurman podcast was recorded at the 2016 Force for Good Class "Vajrayana II".

This archive was originally excerpted as the episodes: "Mother and Father Tantras" and "Buddhist Opening Verses" and the full video version can be viewed on the Tibet House US Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa YouTube Channel.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

‘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 Studies and 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 Beyond Religion), His nonviolent approach to conflict resolution, including His Nobel Peace Laureate activities to seek dialogue and a win-win reconciliation with China in the face of the ongoing ethnicidal policies in Tibet (Freedom in Exile and

Using the poetry of Milarepa, stories of the mahasiddhas Tilopa and Naropa and the historical accounts of the Buddha's life, Professor Thurman explains the miraculous nature of Buddhism and it's connection to shamanism.

Opening with a discussion of yoga's connection to Buddhism and it's possible Buddhist origins, Robert Thurman gives an inspiring re-telling of the Buddha's enlightenment from a yogic and meditation perspective.

Podcast includes a discussion of emptiness, the symbolism of trees in Buddhist iconography, the historical role and impact of vegetarianism within the mendicant community, the misrepresentation of "crazy wisdom" by modern teachers and the centrality of critical wisdom and selfless compassion in a proper understanding of the blissful interdependent nature of reality.

Second half of this week’s teaching includes an introduction to Chöd (or severance) meditation practiced in cemeteries or charnel grounds as passed down by the eleventh-century yogini Machig Labdrön by Robert A.F. Thurman.

This week’s poetry segment Gary Gach reads Robinson Jeffers' poem “Vulture”.

This week's episode includes a personal invitation to the Tibet House US Annual Shamans and Siddhas Retreat with Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. held at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Buddhism, Shamanism & the Miraculous - Ep. 215 Image of Naropa via www.himalayanart.org

In this two part podcast Robert A.F. Thurman uses stories and lessons learned from his time studying with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to explain the Buddhist perspective on God, gods, goddesses and theism.

Joined by Dr. Tom Yarnall in a discussion of "Guhyasamāja Tantra King of Tantras - The Glorious Esoteric Community" by Tsongkhapa Professor Thurman gives an introduction to Buddhist tantra and the practice of deity yoga.

Podcast includes a discussion of the role of gods in visualization, the need to study and develop critical wisdom and selfless compassion before engaging in advanced self-transformation and the historical place of initiation in Indian and Vedic communities.

Second half of this week's teaching includes an exploration of Buddhist Sand or powder mandalas by Robert Thurman.

This week’s poetry segment Gary Gach reads Lew Welch's poem "Lichen".

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

“Deity Yoga : Buddhism and Theism - Episode 214″ of the Bob Thurman podcast was recorded at the 2017 Force for Good Class Series. This on-going series was inspired by Daniel Goleman’s ‘A Force For Good: The Dalai Lama’s Vision for Our World‘. To learn more about this year’s Force For Good Series please click the image above or visit: www.tibethouse.us.

Deity Yoga : Buddhism and Theism - Episode 214 Image via www.namgyalmonastery.org

Robert A.F. Thurman leads a close line translation of Jankya Rolway Dorje's poem "Recognition of Mother Voidness" introducing the Buddhist tradition of enlightenment songs and visionary poetics.

Using D.W. Winnocott's concept of "good enough mother" Professor Thurman gives a teaching on the radical nature of the Buddha's teachings and how their insights can provide those of any tradition valuable tools to transform their lives, relationships and the world around them. This podcast includes: a short biography of the 18th Century teacher to the Qianlong Emperor of China, an introduction to Buddhist emptiness, a discussion of "Big Brothers" in Asian cultures, an overview of the Buddha's discovery of relativity and how the blissful nature of that discovery informs the poetry of enlightened masters of India and Tibet

Song of Enlightenment : Jankya Rolway Dorje - Ep. 213 Image via www.wikipedia.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.

Song of Enlightenment : Jankya Rolway Dorje - Ep. 213 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded August 2019.

Unwinding the mystery of the ancient traditions of Hatha and Vajrayana Yoga, Professor Thurman gives an engaging history and extends a personal invitation to practitioners of both communities to begin developing the esoteric teachings for future generations of sensitive beings.

Robert A.F. Thurman opens this week’s episode with an introduction to Buddhist tantra, tantric Abhidharma and the philosophy common to Tsongkhapa, Nagarjuna, the practice lineages of Vajrayana, Shaivite and Hatha Yoga.

Second half of this week’s episode is a special invitation to all Hatha yoga and Vajrayana Buddhist students, mediators and inner scientists to develop and participate in a teacher training with Robert Thurman at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa.

Podcast concludes with a reading of Patti Smith’s poem “Oracle” by Gary Gach.

Hatha & Vajrayana Yoga : Developing Traditions Photo by Ryan McGuire via www.mcguiremade.com.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

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.

Hatha & Vajrayana Yoga : Developing Traditions – Ep. 212 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded July 2019.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

In this special birthday episode Professor Thurman discusses his personal wishes for his 78th birthday and upcoming attendance at the Climate Reality Project training with Al Gore and his close friends and family.

Podcast concludes with a reading of Albert Saijo’s poem “Bodhisattva Vows” by Gary Gach.

Birth, Rebirth and Reincarnation Wishes Episode 211 of the Bob Thurman Podcast image of Grahamatrika, Mahavidya via Himalayan Art Resources.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York and Wisdom Publications.

Previews are available on the Tibet House US YouTube Channel + Full Archive Recordings from the 2016 + 2017 Annual Retreat at Menla in the THUS Member Archives.  Tibet House US Member Access starts at $2 a Month.

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman explores the third branch of the eight-fold path of Buddhism of "Right Livelihood" illustrating the skillful art of navigating personal, romantic and workplace relationships with wisdom, compassion and joy.

Opening with a discussion of his forthcoming book "Buddhas Have More Fun!" Robert Thurman explains how the Buddha's fourth Noble Truth known as the Eight-Fold Path should understood as a path with bliss not suffering at it's heart.

Using the fable of the Father and the Burning House as recounted to Shariputra by the Buddha in the Lotus Sutra, Professor Thurman explores the different types of motivations for spiritual practice and personal development and how they relate to one's every day encounters with challenging relationships, work places and political situations.

Podcast includes: a recommendation of Gary Goldschneider's "The Secret Language of Birthdays", an introduction to the Greater and Lesser Vehicles of Buddhism, a social perspective on the nature of suffering and a discussion of the Four "Nobler" Truths as found in the Buddhist Inner Sciences and throughout all of the Buddha's teachings.

Second half of this week's episode is an in-depth examination of the Three Branches of the Eight-Fold Path with a focus on the nature of positive and negative evolutionary actions centered in the interconnected nature of humans and of reality and the "Grand" nature of Mahayana Buddhism.

Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry and writings of Joy Harjo by Gary Gach.

Right Livelihood : Buddha in the Workplace - Ep. 210 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo Created with love by Ryan McGuire via www.gratisography.com.

In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman addresses why the ancient teachings of Buddha and the yogic inner scientists of India and Tibet still find a central role in the hearts, minds and cultures of the Himalayan Plateau, Central Asia and Mongolia.

Opening this week’s episode acknowledging the acts of bravery and solidarity found throughout the daily lives of the Tibetan exile community in the United States and Canada, Professor Thurman gives a comprehensive introduction to Buddhism, Buddha and their connections to modern quantum physics, interdependence and colonialism.

Podcast includes a discussion of how Buddhism additionally to being a Religion is also an educational system with value to those of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities in these troubled changing times.

Second half of the episode includes an exploration of the concepts of virtue, skill, mindfulness and how the Buddhist education system can increase the happiness, well-being and health of all those who encounter it.

Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry and writings of Joy Harjo by Gary Gach.

Why Buddhism Matters : Past, Present and Future – Ep. 209 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by TCCC.

Recorded for the Tibetan Canadian Culture Centre’s Summer Workshop 2019 For Tibetan Youth and Young Professionals, July 19th, 2019.

A special message from Professor Thurman on the historical role of active political engagement in Buddha’s life and how Buddhism is political and always has been.

Continuing his call to action for a Democratic Party “Dream Team” in 2020 and for a “Bright Money” campaign based on the wisdom of interdependence, the practice of compassionate generosity and environmental protection Professor Thurman gives a teaching on the history of the Buddha’s own political nature.

“Buddhism is Political – Podcast Bonus″ of the Bob Thurman Podcast is apart of the Buddhism 101 series using classic teachings from the archives of Robert A.F. Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition.

To learn more about upcoming programs in the heart of the Catskills with Bob Thurman & friends please visit: www.menla.us.

In this extended podcast bonus Professor Thurman discusses the current global political crisis facing all citizens as the effects of climate change are becoming more and more pronounced in their daily lives.

Continuing his call to action for a Democratic Party “Dream Team” in 2020 and discussion on the connections between Buddhism, Democracy and the environment, Robert A.F. Thurman in this episode gives a teaching on the history of Buddhist activism, corporate climate change awareness and the role of enlightened leadership based on the wisdom of interdependence and the practice of compassionate generosity.

Podcast bonus includes an extended discussion of the: The Koch Brothers, pointing out how they are Libertarians who have destroyed the Republican party—i,e, not real, good Abe Lincoln Republicans, their use of “Dark Money” in American politics, and a call to action for the creation of a “Bright Money” campaign to sweep away the propaganda-created doubt in the people, and encourage environmental responsibility, to contest the long term “Dark Money” campaign’s subversion of our democracy, by now well documented by Jane Mayer and others.

“Landscape of Change” Image by Jill Pelto via PBS.org.

To listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To Learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

Previews are available on the Tibet House US YouTube Channel + Full Archive Recordings from the 2016 + 2017 Annual Retreat at Menla in the THUS Member Archives.  Tibet House US Member 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.

“Climate Change : Mother Earth in Crisis – Podcast Bonus″ of the Bob Thurman Podcast is apart of the Buddhism 101 series using classic teachings from the archives of Robert A.F. Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition.

To learn more about upcoming programs in the heart of the Catskills with Bob Thurman & friends please visit: www.menla.us.

A special American Independence Day teaching on the connections between Buddhism and Democracy and a call to action for a Democratic Party Dream Team by Robert A.F. Thurman.

American Independence Day : Dream Team 2020 – Podcast Bonus of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Ben Rosett on Unsplash.

To listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To Learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.Previews are available on the Tibet House US YouTube Channel + Full Archive Recordings from the 2016 + 2017 Annual Retreat at Menla in the THUS Member Archives.  Tibet House US Member 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.

“American Independence Day : Dream Team 2020 – Podcast Bonus″ of the Bob Thurman Podcast is apart of the Buddhism 101 series using classic teachings from the archives of Robert A.F. Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition.

To learn more about upcoming programs in the heart of the Catskills with Bob Thurman & friends please visit: www.menla.us.

In this two part podcast, Professor Thurman discusses the Buddha’s advice on love and marriage and the Buddhist perspective on love, generosity and compassionate relationships.

Defining love in Sanskrit, Pali and Tibetan, Robert A.F. Thurman leads an in-depth exploration of it’s central role in the Buddha’s teachings, it’s relationship to compassion, empathy, philosophy and the practices of transformation found in Buddhism, Christianity and Islam.

Podcast concludes with a reading of Walt Whitman’s poem “To a Stranger” by Gary Gach.

Buddha’s Advice on Love and Marriage – Ep. 208 of the Bob Thurman Podcast hoto by Ben Rosett on Unsplash

The Buddha & the Yogis all levels intensive series brings together three contemporary Buddhist and yogic masters to actively explore, intellectually and experientially, the profound texts and practices from the yogic technologies associated with Tantric Mahayana Buddhism and Vedantic Hinduism, in the pristine hidden mountain valley of Menla, land of the Medicine Buddha.

This extended archive recording opens with a discussion on the Buddhist definition of the mind, Professor Thurman details the philosophical history of the Buddha’s teachings, it’s meditations and yoga practices, detailing how Buddhism’s central tenets of causality, emptiness and compassion relate to modern Quantum and Particle Physics.

Includes an introduction to the Buddhist Inner Sciences, the “network of Dakinis” as taught in Buddhism’s esoteric art and Vajrayana practices and guided selflessness and body scan meditations.

“Buddha & The Yogis : 2017 – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archive” was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

This archive 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.

“Buddha & The Yogis : 2017 – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archive” of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded at the Annual All Levels Yoga and Buddhism Retreat “Buddha & the Yogis” with Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor and Robert A.F. Thurman July 16 – 23, 2017 at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York and was originally excerpted as “Yoga, Bliss & Mind : Buddhist Inner Sciences – Ep. 205“.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

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.

In this two part podcast, Professor Thurman and Dr. Mark Epstein discuss the Buddhist and Western perspective on the value of meditation and how understanding altered states of consciousness like “flow states” can help shift our relationships to our thoughts, habits and the world around us.

Opening with an introduction to the Buddhist concept of pure negation when creating philosophical meaning, Robert A.F. Thurman highlights the pitfalls of absolutism, nihilism and mindfulness mediation before exploring Mihály Csíkszentmihályi’s theory of “flow states” used in positive psychology and as popularized in fitness and creative communities with Mark Epstein M.D..

Podcast includes: a discussion of the relationship of the Buddha’s discovery of the blissful nature of reality to non-dual experiences of “being in the flow”, how to avoid post-flow state interpretation of inexpressible states of consciousness and place of transitional objects in meditation and in early childhood development as posited by D.W. Winnicott.

Podcast concludes with a reading of Wallace Steven’s poem “13 Ways of looking at a Blackbird” by Gary Gach.

Flow States : Buddhism and Psychotherapy – Ep. 207 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo Created with love by Ryan McGuire via www.gratisography.com.

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.

In this message celebrating the full moon day of celebration of the birth, enlightenment and passing of the historical Buddha, Professor Thurman gives an extended teaching on how Saka Dawa is celebrated by Tibetans across the world.

Saka Dawa, named for the star, Vishakha, prominent during the fourth month in the Tibetan lunar calendar, is almost the same as the Theravadin observance of Vesak. It is considered the most sacred month for remembering the great achievement of Shakyamuni Buddha in the 6th BCE century (earlier in the Tibetan calendar). H. H. the Dalai Lama and all Tibetan Buddhist monks and laity celebrate this holiday.

In this Podcast Robert A.F. Thurman gives an overview of the Buddhist holiday, a detailed accounting of the details of the Buddha’s Enlightenment as revealed by Indian Buddhist Sanskrit literature and Tibet’s yogic tradition.

Podcast includes: an introduction to the four major schools of Buddhism found in China, details on the practice of vegetarianism during Buddhist Holidays, the symbolism behind the Buddha’s “Earth Witness” mudra made upon being challenged by Mara the Evil One, just before Siddhartha attained unexcelled enlightenment; and how traditional Chinese people were quite tolerant of diversity in religion and ideology, as “Confucians in office, Taoist for weddings, birth ceremonies, and in retirement, and Buddhist for funerals, meditations, and scientific philosophies.”

Includes a teaching on the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths and mentions Professor Thurman’s Four Nobler Truths, based on the White Lotus and Great Total Nirvana Sutras.

To listen to more recordings from past programs with Robert A.F. Thurman at Tibet House US in New York City + Menla in Phoenicia, New York in the Catskills please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

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.

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman introduces the heart of the Buddha’s teaching through an exploration of the compassionate self-interest and social altruism found in the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path.

Opening with a re-telling of the story featured in the “Man of Peace” Graphic Novel about the Dalai Lama’s first encounter with his teacher Khuna Lama who transmitted the oral instructions of the  “Equal Exchange of Self for Other” teachings by Shantideva, Professor Thurman uses these classical texts to reveal the wisdom and compassion of Buddhism’s perspective.

Podcast includes a discussion of the Dalai Lama “wise selfish” teachings, a humorous comparison of the nature of blind faith and religion to the Buddha’s discovery and his teachings of engaged realism known as Buddhism and a brief discussion of “What is Buddhism” for those of all backgrounds and experience.

Second half of this week’s episode is an introduction to the medicine culture of Tibet and how the Buddhist understanding of healing and self transformation is embodied in the work of Tibet House US and the Dewa Spa at Menla Retreat.

Podcast concludes with a reading of Wallace Steven’s poem “Tea” by Gary Gach.

Altruism and Compassion : Buddhism 101 – Ep. 206 Photo Created with love by Ryan McGuire via www.gratisography.com.

“Altruism and Compassion : Buddhism 101 – Ep. 206 of the Bob Thurman Podcast” is apart of the Buddhism 101 series using classic teachings from the archives of Robert A.F. Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition.

Opening with a discussion on the Buddhist definition of the mind, Professor Thurman details the philosophical history of and essential role of exploring it's nature through the experience of bliss within the Buddha's teachings and in it's meditations and yoga practices.

Detailing how Buddhism's central tenets of causality, emptiness and compassion relate to modern Quantum and Particle Physics Robert A.F. Thurman provides those engaging in physical yoga practices and meditation a roadmap for discovering the blissful nature of reality.

Podcast includes a introduction to the Buddhist Inner Sciences, the "network of Dakinis" as taught in Buddhism's esoteric art and Vajrayana practices, and concludes with a reading of Wallace Steven's poem "Snowman" by Gary Gach.

Yoga, Bliss & Mind : Buddhist Inner Sciences - Ep. 205 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded at the Annual All Levels Yoga and Buddhism Retreat "Buddha & the Yogis" with Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor and Robert A.F. Thurman July 16 - 23, 2017 at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York and  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.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

Yoga, Bliss & Mind : Buddhist Inner Sciences Photo by Ryan McGuire via www.mcguiremade.com.

Using the “Esoteric Community” (Guhyasamāja), by Tsongkhapa  Professor Thurman discusses the fractal nature of Buddhist writings and how with proper study and meditation upon their salutatory or opening verses one can understand the full meaning of the Buddha’s esoteric and esoteric teachings.

Podcast opens with an exploration of the history of Buddhist monastic and university traditions, a teaching on the Seven Ornaments and the six parameters of interpretation used within Tantric and Vajrayana philosophy.

Episode includes definitions of Professor Thurman’s “Tantric Abidharma”, Mind Objective, Speech Isolation, Clear Light and the Central Channel system used in Buddhist Medicine and Inner Sciences.

Podcast concludes with a reading of Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s writings on World War Two and the Bombing of Nagasaki by Gary Gach.

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.

Exploring Buddhist Opening Verses – Ep. 204 was recorded at the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Sources Class Introduction of the Force for Good Series Class “Buddhist Science Vajrayana Part Three” on November 30th 2016 at Tibet House US in New York City.

‘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 Studies and 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 Beyond Religion), His nonviolent approach to conflict resolution, including His Nobel Peace Laureate activities to seek dialogue and a win-win reconciliation with China in the face of the ongoing ethnicidal policies in Tibet (Freedom in Exile and Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of Tibet’s Dalai Lama) & along with his emphasis on positive activism (A New Reality: Charter of Universal Responsibility).

This on-going series was inspired by Daniel Goleman’s ‘A Force For Good: The Dalai Lama’s Vision for Our World‘.

In this extended archive recording of “The Legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa” Talk by Robert A.F. Thurman from Tse Chen Ling Center in San Francisco celebrates the 600th anniversary of the enlightenment of Tsongkhapa.

Opening  with personal reflections upon “The Year of Tsongkhapa”, Robert A.F. Thurman uses the miss-titled “Tibetan Book of The Dead” core teaching of infinite interconnected, past and future lives to frame his exploration of the life, work and teachings of Je Tsongkhapa and gives an in-depth teaching on his historical importance and impact upon Buddhism, Tibet and philosophy.

Podcast includes a reading of the first Panchen Lama Khedrup Gelek Pelzang’s account of Tsongkhapa’s attainment of the magic body and manifestation of Manjushri during his enlightenment, a discussion of the use of spiritual consorts, Karmamudra, the history of the different schools, sects and “orders” within Pre-Invasion Tibet and a recommendation of the forthcoming biography of Tsongkhapa by Thupten Jinpa by Wisdom Publications.

About Lama Tsongkhapa and “International Year of Tsongkhapa”

​Je Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357-1419) was one of the greatest scholar-practitioners in the history of Tibetan Buddhism and the founder of the Gelug tradition. While still a young man, Tsongkhapa distinguished himself through intense study, a sharp intellect and meditative accomplishment. In the last three decades of his life, Tsongkhapa dedicated himself to practice, teaching, writing and establishing monasteries. Respected by all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Lama Tsongkhapa’s deeds contributed tremendously to the revitalization of Buddhism in Tibet.

On December 30th, 2018, the 104th Ganden Tripa Lobsang Tenzin, the supreme head of the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism proclaimed that 2019 will be “International Year of Tsongkhapa.”

“I call upon all Gelukpas and well-wishers to render their support to spreading awareness of the eloquent teachings and writings of the great Master Tsongkhapa throughout the world. I encourage Geluk monasteries, centers, organizers, individuals and admirers of Master Tsongkhapa worldwide to initiate special activities throughout the year of 2019 to commemorate (the) 600th anniversary of the great master and to inspire beings to follow in his footsteps.”

Ganden Tri Rinpoche

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York and Wisdom Publications.

Suggested Reading:  “The Life and Teachings of Tsongkhapa” Edited by Robert A.F. Thurman published by Wisdom Publication, 2018.

The Year of Tsongkhapa : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archive Episode was recorded during the “The Legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa” Talk at Tse Chen Ling in San Francisco in 2019.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert AF Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

The song ‘Dancing Ling’ + ‘Trance Tibet’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lou

In this two part podcast Professor Thurman discusses the value of studying Tibetan Buddhist Vajrayana by anyone interested in improving their mind, relationships and the world around them with or without initiation or empowerment.

Opening with a succinct explanation of the different lineages, orders and sects of Tibetan Buddhism from a historical perspective, Robert A.F. Thurman leads a discussion of the common misconceptions of Vajrayana Buddhism since coming to the West giving rise to the appearance of sectarianism and abuses by non-traditional Guru figures.

Podcast includes: an overview of the Buddhist Inner Sciences, a short discussion of the distinctions between Mother, Father and Non-Dual Tantra and an introduction to the central channel practices including the Magic Body and Chakra symbolism.

Second half of the podcast includes an in-depth exploration of the the symbolism and use of the Bells, Dorjes and Vajra Ritual Implements in art and meditation practices.

Podcast concludes with a reading of Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s “Millennial Cities” by Gary Gach.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

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.

Buddhist Sciences : Mother & Father Tantras – Ep. 203 was recorded at the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Sources Class Introduction of the Force for Good Series Class “Buddhist Science Vajrayana Part Three” on November 30th 2016 at Tibet House US in New York City.

This on-going series was inspired by Daniel Goleman’s ‘A Force For Good: The Dalai Lama’s Vision for Our World‘.

Professor Thurman opens this podcast with an exploration of the history of medicine within Buddhism and details how it’s highest expression within Tibet’s “Sowa Rigpa” provides the modern world with valuable perspectives and practices to compliment Western medical science.

Includes an overview of Buddhist Medicine, stories from Robert A.F. Thurman’s time working as a Tibetan medicine translator with Dr. Yeshi Dhonden in the 1960’s and about the genesis of and vision behind Tibet House US and it’s Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa.

Second half begins with an introduction to the Buddhist path and to Buddhism intended for non-Buddhists and a recommendation of Daniel Goleman’s “Force For Good” book and the on-going online course available as a part of the Tibet House US membership videos by the same name.

Podcast concludes with a reading of Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s “Ecolog” by Gary Gach.

My Early Years : Menla as a Force For Good Photo of Robert A.F. Thurman by Emily Davidow, Used with Permission.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York and Wisdom Publications.

My Early Years : Menla as a Force For Good – Ep. 202 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded during a Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa Staff gathering with Robert A.F. Thurman, May 2016.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”. To learn more about the writings and work Of Gary Gach please visit: www.garygach.com

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Continuing his celebration of the 600th anniversary of the enlightenment of Tsongkhapa, Professor Thurman gives an in-depth teaching on his “Secret Biography” and the impact of his creation of the Monlam Chenmo (Great Prayer Festival) in Tibet.

About Lama Tsongkhapa and “International Year of Tsongkhapa”

​Je Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357-1419) was one of the greatest scholar-practitioners in the history of Tibetan Buddhism and the founder of the Gelug tradition. While still a young man, Tsongkhapa distinguished himself through intense study, a sharp intellect and meditative accomplishment. In the last three decades of his life, Tsongkhapa dedicated himself to practice, teaching, writing and establishing monasteries. Respected by all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Lama Tsongkhapa’s deeds contributed tremendously to the revitalization of Buddhism in Tibet.

On December 30th, 2018, the 104th Ganden Tripa Lobsang Tenzin, the supreme head of the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism proclaimed that 2019 will be “International Year of Tsongkhapa.

“I call upon all Gelukpas and well-wishers to render their support to spreading awareness of the eloquent teachings and writings of the great Master Tsongkhapa throughout the world. I encourage Geluk monasteries, centers, organizers, individuals and admirers of Master Tsongkhapa worldwide to initiate special activities throughout the year of 2019 to commemorate (the) 600th anniversary of the great master and to inspire beings to follow in his footsteps.” -Ganden Tri Rinpoche

Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Albert Saijo by Gary Gach.

Suggested Reading:  “The Life and Teachings of Tsongkhapa” Edited by Robert A.F. Thurman published by Wisdom Publication, 2018.

Celebrating Tsongkhapa : Sects, Orders and Consorts – Ep. 200 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded during the “The Legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa” Talk at Tse Chen Ling in San Francisco in 2019.

In this special podcast celebrating the 600th anniversary of the enlightenment of Tsongkhapa, Professor Thurman gives an in-depth teaching on his historical importance and impact upon Buddhism, Tibet and philosophy.

Opening this week’s episode with personal reflections upon “The Year of Tsongkhapa”, Robert A.F. Thurman uses the miss-titled “Tibetan Book of The Dead” core teaching of infinite interconnected, past and future lives to frame his exploration of the life, work and teachings of Je Tsongkhapa.

This two part podcast includes a reading of the first Panchen Lama Khedrup Gelek Pelzang’s account of Tsongkhapa’s attainment of the magic body and manifestation of Manjushri during his enlightenment.

Podcast includes a discussion of the use of spiritual consorts, Karmamudra, the history of the different schools, sects and “orders” within Pre-Invasion Tibet and a recommendation of the forthcoming biography of Tsongkhapa by Thupten Jinpa by Wisdom Publications.

About Lama Tsongkhapa and “International Year of Tsongkhapa”

​Je Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357-1419) was one of the greatest scholar-practitioners in the history of Tibetan Buddhism and the founder of the Gelug tradition. While still a young man, Tsongkhapa distinguished himself through intense study, a sharp intellect and meditative accomplishment. In the last three decades of his life, Tsongkhapa dedicated himself to practice, teaching, writing and establishing monasteries. Respected by all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Lama Tsongkhapa’s deeds contributed tremendously to the revitalization of Buddhism in Tibet.

On December 30th, 2018, the 104th Ganden Tripa Lobsang Tenzin, the supreme head of the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism proclaimed that 2019 will be “International Year of Tsongkhapa.”

“I call upon all Gelukpas and well-wishers to render their support to spreading awareness of the eloquent teachings and writings of the great Master Tsongkhapa throughout the world. I encourage Geluk monasteries, centers, organizers, individuals and admirers of Master Tsongkhapa worldwide to initiate special activities throughout the year of 2019 to commemorate (the) 600th anniversary of the great master and to inspire beings to follow in his footsteps.”

Ganden Tri Rinpoche

Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Lawrence Ferlinghetti by Gary Gach.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York and Wisdom Publications.

Suggested Reading:  “The Life and Teachings of Tsongkhapa” Edited by Robert A.F. Thurman published by Wisdom Publication, 2018.

Celebrating Tsongkhapa : Sects, Orders and Consorts – Ep. 200 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded during the “The Legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa” Talk at Tse Chen Ling in San Francisco in 2019.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology

In this extended recording from Menla’s “Tibetan Secrets of Longevity” Retreat in 2016, Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida Chenagtsang discuss the history of Buddhist Medicine’s origins in the teachings of the Buddha and elaborate how it found it’s synthesis with other medical traditions in Sowa Rigpa or the Tibetan Science of Health.

Introducing the Buddha as a physician of the body, mind and of wider society Robert Thurman gives a detailed history of the healing nature of the teachings and of the medicine tradition of Sowa Rigpa which they gave rise to.

Includes an exploration of the Yuthok Nyingthig, the unique cycle of Vajrayana Buddhist practice connected with Tibetan Medicine, short biographies of Yuthok the Elder and Younger, generosity as a vehicle for spiritual development, Buddhist mantras as form of psychotherapy and a guided meditation on selflessness.

Tibetan Secrets of Longevity : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives Photo of Robert A.F. Thurman and Nena Thurman at Menla by Dr. Nida Chenagtsang

Tibetan Secrets of Longevity : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives was recorded at the Third Session of the “Tibetan Secrets of Longevity Retreat with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang & Robert A.F. Thurman”  held at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. To learn more about this year’s program with Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida at Menla please visit: www.menla.us

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.

To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

Professor Thurman and Dr. Nida Chenagtsang in this two part podcast discuss the history of Buddhist Medicine’s origins in the teachings of the Buddha and elaborate how it found it’s synthesis with other medical traditions in Sowa Rigpa or the Tibetan Science of Health as founded by Yuthok the Elder and carried on in Tibet, the Himalayas, and the Mongolias by Yuthok the Younger.

Opening this week’s episode with a recommendation of “The Mirror of Light” by Dr. Nida Chenagtsang and introducing the Buddha as a physician of the body, mind and of wider society Robert Thurman gives a detailed history of the healing nature of the teachings and of the medicine tradition of Sowa Rigpa which they gave rise to.

Explaining the Buddha’s insight into the blissful nature of reality and it’s connection to selflessness Robert A.F. Thurman shows how the transcendent nature of enlightenment transforms the individual into a pulsar of encouraging energy to all those who encounter them.

Second half of this week’s episode includes an exploration of the Yuthok Nyingthig, the unique cycle of Vajrayana Buddhist practice connected with Tibetan Medicine, short biographies of Yuthok the Elder and Younger, generosity as a vehicle for spiritual development, Buddhist mantras as form of psychotherapy and a guided meditation on selflessness.

Podcast concludes with a reading of Allen Ginsberg’s poem The Sunflower Sutra by Gary Gach.

Tibetan Medicine : Yuthok the Elder & Sowa Rigpa – Episode 199 the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by David Brooke Martin on Unsplash.

Tibetan Medicine : Yuthok the Elder & Sowa Rigpa – Episode 199 the Bob Thurman Podcast is an excerpt from the “Tibetan Secrets of Longevity Third Session with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang & 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.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. To learn more about this year’s program with Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida at Menla please visit: www.menla.us

Gary Gregory Gach

In this archive recording from the Force For Good class “The Buddha Soul, Nature, Essence, Element, or Womb” Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the secular nature of Buddhist meditation and mantra practices.

Recording opens with discussions of: mindfulness of the breath, instructions on mantra recitation, a history of Zen on Chan Buddhism and an introduction to the Bodhisattva Maitreya’s “The Sublime Continuum Super-Commentary with the Sublime Continuum Treatise Commentary” published by AIBS, Tibet House US and Columbia University Press.

Robert A.F. Thurman provides a quick fire summary of the historical Buddha’s core teaching of The Four Noble Truths, an introduction to Buddhism’s messianic figure of Maitreya, Asanga and his brother Vasubandhu, and a humorous perspective of the film “Death Becomes Her”.

Includes an extended re-telling of the story of Asanga and the Dog, an in depth discussion of the Three Jewels of Buddhism and an exploration of the Buddhist perspective on the soul, death and the existence of both heavenly and hell-like realms.

Buddha Soul – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo Young Monks studying by Tenzin Chojeor via www.dalailama.com.

This talk was recorded during the “The Buddha Soul, Nature, Essence, Element, or Womb” Force For Good Class at Tibet House US in New York City, October 2017 with Robert A.F. Thurman & is apart of the THUS Member Archive.

“When we really feel that there is some need to change, then our minds can change. Wishing and praying alone will not transform your mind, but with conviction and reason, reason based ultimately on your own experience, you can transform your mind. Time is quite an important factor here, and with time our mental attitudes can certainly change..” H.H. Dalai Lama

To watch the full recordings from this + other past events 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.

‘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 Studies and Mind & Life Institute science dialogues (Universe in a Single Atom) and His creation of Abhidharma 2.0 throug

Professor Thurman opens this archive recording from Menla’s Kalachakra Study Intensive retreat with a group recitation of the Heart Sutra and a teaching on how the classic text can be used as a roadmap for advanced Buddhist practices and for personal transformation.

Robert A.F. Thurman addresses questions from retreat participants about: Fire Puja Ceremonies, Dream Yoga, gender in Buddhism, the symbolism of deities in found traditional Indian and Vedic art, how best to prepare for Buddhist Vajrayana practices, Tibetan Astrology’s connections to Sowa Rigpa and Himalayan Medicine, Relativity, Clear Light and how anyone can use the Buddhist Inner Sciences no matter what one’s background or religious tradition.

Concludes with a guided “Three Principles of the Path” meditation and instructions on the dedication of positive merit generated through contemplative practices.

Kalachakra Study 2017 – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives Photo of Dalai Lama creating Kalachakra Sand Mandala with Monks by Manuel Bauer, Used with permission via www.dalailama.com.

“Kalachakra Study 2017 – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives”  is an excerpt from the “Final Questions + Answers 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 A.F. Thurman at Menla please visit: www.menla.us.

“Kalachakra Study 2017 – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives” 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 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.

To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman progra

In this two part podcast recorded for Losar (Tibetan New Year) Professor Thurman discusses the practices of mindfulness and lucid waking as taught by Buddha and passed down through the Buddhist cultures of Tibet, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Japan.

Opening this episode with a joyous introduction to the Tibetan New Year tradition of Losar, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the value of developing and practicing wisdom along side mindfulness practices using stories from the Buddha’s life.

Using the stories of Buddha’s interactions with the six teachers and their unrealistic world views during his teaching career and the performance of miracles before them Professor Thurman gives a practical perspective of the The Great Prayer Festival (Losar) established by Tsongkhapa in 1409.

Podcast includes discussions of: the Dalai Lama’s work in the United States through Tibet House US, the historical interconnections between the Mahayana & Hinayana Buddhist meditation, a Buddhist perspective on making positive resolutions every day of the year,a call to action to all sensitive beings for increased dialog between groups facing conflict, oppression and radical extremism and a Tibetan Buddhist astrological explanation of the year of the Earth Boar for Tibet, His Holiness and all citizens of planet earth.

Second half of this week’s episode continues Robert A.F. Thurman teaching on personal development of wisdom and compassion through meditation, mantra, yoga and an introduction to his idea of lucid waking.

Podcast concludes with a reading of the poem “When Death Comes” by Mary Oliver by Gary Gach.

“Lucid Waking & Mindfulness Practices” Episode 198 the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by David Brooke Martin on Unsplash.

“Lucid Waking & Mindfulness Practices” Episode 198 the Bob Thurman Podcast is an excerpt from the “Final Questions + Answers 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.

“Lucid Waking & Mindfulness Practices” 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.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “

Using the study and practice of the Kalachakra from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition as a road map, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the need to combine wisdom with meditation to develop in any spiritual path.

Opening with a re-telling of the story of Pai Chang & Huang Po in which the Chan master and student discuss how to make a Buddha through inner & outer (mental & physical) efforts Professor Thurman uses this classic tale to discuss the dangers of Scientism, materialism and absolutism modern seekers face in daily culture.

Second part of this week’s episode is a guided “Three Principles of the Path” meditation and instructions on the dedication of positive merit generated through contemplative practices.

Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Mary Oliver by Gary Gach.

“How to Make a Buddha – Episode 197 of the Bob Thurman Podcast”  is an excerpt from the “Final Questions + Answers 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.bobthurman.com.

“How to Make a Buddha” 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.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

In this extended archive recording from the 2017 Tibet House US Benefit Trip to Bodh Gaya, India, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the value of imaginative compassion as expressed in the cosmology, art and people found throughout the Buddhist sutras and tantras.

This archive recording includes: discussions of “Flower Ornament Sutra“, Kalachakra Tantra, the non-dual nature of the Shakyamuni’s time under the bodhi tree and introductions to Vairochana, Avalokiteshvara and the Eighth King of Shamabala.

“By tracing the Buddha’s steps, partaking in daily meditations in the very places where Buddha’s own life’s journey unfolded, and enjoying daily talks with Professor Thurman. This journey, custom crafted for Tibet House US with Dr. Thurman and GeoEx, explores the birth of Buddhism by tracing a path through the sacred sites of the Buddha’s life. At each sacred site, the group will be offered teachings and stories about the life of the Buddha.

Traveling with leading Buddhist scholars Dr. Robert Thurman and Geographic Expeditions’ own inveterate leader Brent Olson, the trip offers a rare opportunity to explore a treasure trove of cultural, historical, and spiritual riches—and indeed to see places, through their importance in the life of the Buddha, that would shape the history of the region and the world.”

From Trip Description via www.geoex.com.

To learn about upcoming Tibet House US trips with Robert A.F. Thurman + GeoEx please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

Pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives Photo via GeoEx.

“Pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives” is apart of the “Buddhist Pilgrimage Series” using field recordings of Robert AF Thurman and friends from his global docent tours benefiting the work of Tibet House US.

To listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To Learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

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.

Teaching from the bodhi tree the Buddha attained enlightenment beneath, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the value of imaginative compassion as expressed in the cosmology, art and people found throughout the Buddhist sutras and tantras.

Opening this week’s episode with a reading of the “Flower Ornament Sutra” Professor Thurman introduces us to “swimming” in the fantastic sutra with its descriptions of multiple planes of existence and dimensions of reality as a gateway to unpacking the practical and esoteric lessons of Buddhism.

Contextualizing the non-dual nature of the Shakyamuni’s time under the bodhi tree just after full enlightenment as holographic in nature, Thurman gives a history of the pilgrimage site and introduces the infinite buddhas visited during this experience including: Vairochana Buddha, Avalokiteshvara and their connections to the Dalai Lama of Tibet and the Eighth King of Shamabala.

Podcast includes discussions of: the Kalachakra Tantra, it’s mandala and the practices, the Twelve Deeds of a Buddha and a Buddhist perspective on mystical experiences.

Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Mary Oliver by Gary Gach. .

Pilgrimage : Swimming & Sitting Under The Bodhi Tree – Ep. 196 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Filip Wolak All Rights Reserved.

This podcast was recorded during the Tibet House US + GeoEx Trip lead by Robert AF Thurman to the 34th Kalachakra Empowerment with the Dalai Lama in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India in January, 2017.

“Pilgrimage : Swimming & Sitting Under The Bodhi Tree – Ep. 196 of the Bob Thurman Podcast” is apart of the “Buddhist Pilgrimage Series” using field recordings of Robert AF Thurman and friends from his global docent tours benefiting the work of Tibet House US.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album

In this archive recording from the Buddha and The Yogis program held annually at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the importance of the divine feminine and the role of women in Indian, Tibetan and Western history.

Opening with an exploration of the experience of enlightenment Professor Thurman gives an introduction to Buddhist meditation, to the practice of meditating on Tara and female inspirational figures.

Podcast includes a short history of Buddhism, it’s relationship to yoga, a re-telling and re-contextualization of the Buddhist Jātaka tales and an in-depth exploration of the Twenty One Taras meditation practice.

Includes guided meditations and teachings on selflessness, the dedication of positive merit and Tara.

Buddha & The Yogis : Divine Feminine – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives photo with Mary Taylor, Sandi Higgins and Richard Taylor from Buddha and the Yogis Annual Retreat via www.instagram.com.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York and was originally excerpted as “Tara, Yoga & Female Buddhas” Episode 195 of the Bob Thurman Podcast.

Recorded at the annual Buddha and The Yogis intensive program with Robert A.F. Thurman and Friends held at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York, Summer 2016.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

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.

In this two part podcast Professor Thurman discusses the role of women in Indian and Tibetan history and of the feminine principle within their inner and outer yoga traditions.

Opening with an exploration of the experience of enlightenment as depicted in the classic science fiction film “Star Trek The Motion Picture” Robert A.F. Thurman gives a brief introduction to the study and practice of Buddhist Vajrayana deity yoga meditation on Tara and female inspirational figures of any tradition.

Podcast includes a recommendation of the yoga teachings of Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor, a short history of Buddhism, it’s relationship to yoga, a non-dual perspective on the role of women in society and in Buddhist monastic communities and an exploration of the Twenty One Taras used by Tibetan adepts, pilgrims and everyday people for generations.

Second half of this week’s episode includes a guided meditation and a teaching on the dedication of positive merit generated during the spiritual practice and contemplation of Tara’s immeasurable, multi-colored forms.

Recorded at the annual Buddha and The Yogis intensive program with Robert A.F. Thurman and Friends held at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York, Summer 2016.

In this week’s Bob Thurman podcast poetry segment Gary Gach reads the poetry of Emily Dickinson.

Tara, Yoga & Female Buddhas – Ep. 195 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Tara statue photo via www.luminousbuddha.com.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2

An extended archive podcast from Professor Thurman’s annual holiday message and his monthly teaching for the ongoing Kālachakra Study & Practice Group.

Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the value of end of year celebrations, compassion and the Kālachakra yoga in helping individuals of any tradition or religious background to escape the terminal lifestyle of self centered materialism.

Highlighting the common spiritual threads found in Christmas, Hanukkah, Losar & Pagan Solstice celebrations Robert Thurman discusses his upcoming program at Kripalu based upon his book “Infinite Life: Awakening to Bliss Within”, his long time New Year’s tradition of teaching with Sharon Salzberg, and the place of mindfulness, emptiness and compassion in transforming one’s life.

Recording includes an extended call to action and re-telling of Professor Thurman’s vision of creating a space for the development and support of an Kālachakra Yoga practice community in New York City.

Buddha Bliss and Kālachakra Yoga – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Priscilla Kimie, All Rights Reserved.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

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.

To learn more about upcoming programs at Kripalu please visit: www.kripalu.org.

Opening this week’s holiday podcast with a guided meditation from his book “Infinite Life: Awakening to Bliss Within” Professor Thurman discusses the value of end of year celebrations, compassion and the yoga sciences in helping individuals of any tradition or religious background to escape the terminal lifestyle of self centered materialism.

Highlighting the common spiritual threads found in Christmas, Hanukkah, Losar & Pagan Solstice celebrations Robert Thurman discusses the symbolic and psychological value of such community gatherings detailing the history of solar and lunar celebrations in Judaism and of Tibet’s Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival.

Podcast includes a discussion of the Annual Tibet House US New Year’s Dharma and Yoga retreat with held at Menla with Sharon Salzberg, of upcoming programs at Kripalu and of Hatha Yoga‘s history, origins of it’s connections to Buddhist Vajrayana and to Unexcelled Yoga Tantras.

In the second part of this week’s episode Robert A.F. Thurman discusses his dream of creating a space at Tibet House US  with his colleague Dr. John Campbell for the development and daily practice of Buddhist Vajrayana yoga community.

In this week’s Bob Thurman podcast poetry segment Gary Gach reads the poetry of Emily Dickinson.

Infinite Lifestyle : Yoga & End of Year Celebrations – Ep. 194 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Paul Cooper, All Rights Reserved.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “

In this extended archive recording from the Annual New Year’s Tibet House US Dharma and Yoga Retreat held at Menla Retreat Professor Thurman, Sharon Salzberg, Carolyn Christie, Brooke Myers and Paul Bloom lead a discussion with retreat participants on how the daily practice of Buddhist Dharma and all Yoga traditions can transform one’s life.

Opening with a group recitation of the “Heart Sutra” Robert A.F. Thurman and Sharon Salzberg share rare personal stories about their decades of studying Buddhism and meditation and a round robin of New Year’s stories of gratitude by each of the retreat teachers.

Robert A.F. Thurman gives a short history of Menla Retreat and the Pantherkill Valley in New York’s Catskill mountains before presenting the Buddhist Eight Fold Path in modern language for a general audience. Presentation includes a discussion of each of it’s eight parts and a guided meditation.

Includes a discussion of the centrality of causation to understanding the Eight Fold Path, a re-telling of the myth of the Buddhist Kingdom of Shambhala, a recommendation of the oral biography of Neem Karoli Baba “Love Everyone” and about the teachings of Shantideva passed down through the life and work of Lama Khunu Rinpoche and his Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama.

Recording concludes with a traditional guided meditation and recitation dedication practice led by Robert Thurman offering the merit of the day’s teachings to those who have helped to support Tibetan culture by visiting Menla in Upstate, New York and to the selfless work of Sharon Salzberg, Nena Thurman and the Tibet House US Membership community over the years.

This teaching includes a call to action to all sensitive beings to join the on-going efforts to present and preserve Tibetan culture by becoming apart of the Menla Tibet House US Membership community.

Dharma and Yoga : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives Photo by Raimond Klavins.

Dharma and Yoga : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives was excerpted from the Tibet House US Member Archive’s Annual New Year’s “Real Love Meditation & Yoga Retreat” with Robert A.F. Thurman & Sharon Salzberg recorded Dec 2015 at Menla in Phoenicia, New York.

To learn about this annual event, please visit: www.menla.us.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by

Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Sharon Salzberg from the Annual New Year’s Tibet House US Dharma and Yoga Retreat held at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York for a special teaching on the Buddha’s Eight Fold Path.

Opening with a dedication to Sharon Salzberg for her selfless history of teaching, on helping to establish the Tibet House US center Menla and how she was transmitted the “Equal Exchange of Self for Other” teachings by Lama Khunu on her first visit to India, Professor Thurman leads a discussion and guided meditation on the Buddhist Eight Fold Path for people of all traditions, backgrounds or levels of interest.

Podcast includes a discussion of emptiness, motivation, reincarnation, the centrality of causation to understanding the Eight Fold Path, a re-telling of the myth of the Buddhist Kingdom of Shambhala, highlighting it’s multi-faith, inter-sectional diversity, a recommendation of the Bill Murphy movie “What About Bob?” and an exploration of how shifting the traditional translation away from an moral framing of right/wrong to realistic/unrealistic (i.e Right Livelihood vs Realistic Livelihood) can help reveal the spiritual path as the Buddha taught to mendicants, merchants and all sensitive beings of his time.

Second half of this week’s episode is a complete introduction to the Eight Fold Path by Robert Thurman with a break down of each of it’s branches, including the mental and physical aspects in modern language.

In this week’s Bob Thurman podcast poetry segment Gary Gach reads the poetry of Emily Dickinson.

Menla and the Buddha’s Eight Fold Path – Ep. 193 was excerpted from the Tibet House US Member Archive’s Annual New Year’s “Real Love Meditation & Yoga Retreat” with Robert A.F. Thurman & Sharon Salzberg recorded Dec 2015 at Menla in Phoenicia, New York.

To learn about this annual event, please visit: www.menla.us.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “

Addressing the sexual misconduct and abuse by leaders and members of Buddhist communities, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a practical teaching on understanding the destructive emotions and deluded perspectives underlying such bad behavior.

Opening this week’s episode with a mantra recitation, Professor Thurman gives a short teaching for Buddhists and Non-Buddhists on the Buddha’s discovery of Bliss, on the nature of nirvana, enlightenment, happiness and on the place of the Guru and disciple relationship.

Using Buddhist texts, stories and the teachings of the Middle Way Centrist (Middle Way) school of philosophy, Robert Thurman gives an in-depth history of sexuality in Buddhism within the context of Western colonialism and in light of abusive gurus, teachers and leaders.

Podcast includes an introduction to the work of Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, a recommendation of his book on sexuality in Buddhism: “Karmamudra : The Yoga of Bliss“, discussions of: Tantra, Gender Roles in esoteric visualization practices, Hatha Yoga‘s relationship to the Buddhist Inner Sciences, the experience of emptiness and how anyone can begin to transform negative relationships through the development of wisdom and practice of meditation.

Abuse in Buddhism : Gurus, Disciples & The Middle Way Photo by Arisa Chattasa on Unsplash

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Abuse in Buddhism : Gurus, Disciples & The Middle Way – Ep. 192 was recorded in Woodstock, New York, November, 2018.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by

In this Force For Good archive recording, Professor Thurman gives a teaching on the history of Buddhism and the Esoteric Vajrayana meditation practices preserved in Tibet and found within all Buddhist traditions and teachings.

Opening with a humorous presentation on non-duality using the science fiction movies featuring Godzilla, Robert A.F. Thurman explores the nature of anger, the subtle mind and selflessness.

Archive recording includes a discussion of dharmakāya and mandala visualizations using The Four Noble Truths, The Heart Sutra, the mis-titled Tibetan Book of the Dead, an exploration of anger with an explanation of “Buddha Pride” and how confidence in the primal knowledge of voidness can help anyone understand how misplaced pride leads to suffering.

This recording includes two guided meditations on selflessness and on visualization appropriate for Buddhists and Non-Buddhists alike,

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Buddhist Sciences Vajrayana : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives was recorded at the Force For Good Class “Buddhist Sciences II : Vajrayana” on November, 2016 in New York City.

‘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 Studies and 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 Beyond Religion), His nonviolent approach to conflict resolution, including His Nobel Peace Laureate activities to seek dialogue and a win-win reconciliation with China in the face of the ongoing ethnicidal policies in Tibet (Freedom in Exile and Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of Tibet’s Dalai Lama) & along with his emphasis on positive activism (A New Reality: Charter of Universal Responsibility).

This on-going series was inspired by Daniel Goleman’s ‘

In this two part podcast Professor Thurman gives a teaching on the history of Buddhism and the Esoteric Vajrayana meditation practices preserved in Tibet and found within all Buddhist traditions and teachings.

Opening this week’s episode with humorous presentation on non-duality using the science fiction movies featuring Godzilla Robert A.F. Thurman explores the nature of anger, the subtle mind and selflessness.

Podcast includes a discussion of dharmakāya and mandala visualizations using The Four Noble Truths, The Heart Sutra and of the mis-titled Tibetan Book of the Dead as a popularization of the Buddhist science of the subtle and super subtle mind.

Second half of this podcast continues Professor Thurman’s exploration of anger with an explanation of “Buddha Pride” and how confidence in the primal knowledge of voidness can help anyone understand how misplaced pride or a pride of ordinariness leads to mis-knowing the blissful nature of reality and suffering.

Podcast concludes with a presentation of the work of Arnold J. Toynbee & Karl Jaspers on the Axial Age and a recommendation of “Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies” by Jared M. Diamond.

This week’s poetry segment Gary Gach reads the poetry of Korean poet, writer, and activist Ko Un

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Godzilla Sutra : Understanding Anger & The Axial Age – Ep. 191 was recorded at the Force For Good Class on November, 2016 in New York City.

This on-going series was inspired by Daniel Goleman’s ‘A Force For Good: The Dalai Lama’s Vision for Our World‘.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

Korean poet, writer, and activist Ko Un was born in Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do. He was drawn to poetry after discovering the early work of Han Ha-Un, a nomadic Korean poet with leprosy. After witnessing the devastation of the Korean War, Ko entered a monastery and became a Buddhist monk. He left the Buddhist community in 1962. In the 1970s and early 1980s, Ko was detained, tortured, and imprisoned repeatedly for his opposition to the military regime.

Ko has twice won the South Korean Literature Prize and received the Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry’s Lifetim

In this archive recording from the “Force for Good” class series Robert A.F. Thurman uses the work of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to elucidate the esoteric sources and imaginative tools used by Tibetan monastics, wandering mendicants, yogis, yoginis and everyday sensitive beings for the cultivation of love, compassion, joy, and equilibrium.

Opening with an introduction to the Buddhist Neurosciences as practiced by the Mahāsiddhas using the Cakrasamvara Tantra to develop the art of lucid sleeping, lucid dreaming, and lucid awakening, Professor Thurman provides a road map for seekers of any tradition to positively re-imagine their ability to consciously restructure the brain, relationships and their world through an understanding of the nature of reality.

Podcast includes an overview of the Yogic chakras & channels, an explanation of the Mother and Father Tantra systems, the historic reasoning of the secrecy of esoteric teachings due to dangers of becoming conscious of the unconscious and the blissful experiences of the subtle, super subtle and clear light non-dual realities to be discovered by anyone who has developed their inner imaginative microscope through meditative stabilization and the practice of mandala meditations.

Recording includes an overview of Nine Point Breath Meditation as taught by Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, introductions to Buddhist Tantra, the Karma Sutra, the history of Theravada and the diverse meditation traditions of India, China and South East Asia, and a frank presentation of so-called “crazy wisdom” by Robert Thurman shedding much needed philosophical light upon the ethical lapses which occur due to milsleading teachers’ and misled students’ misunderstandings of the nature of ultimate and causal realities described by the Buddha and his great successors.

‘A Force For Good’ is a Tibet House US course to further the Dalai Lama’s contemporary world initiatives, from His Holiness’ American Institute

This in depth teaching on the practice and performance of visualization during meditative states Robert A.F. Thurman provides a practical roadmap for those from any religious, cultural or economic background to apply the tools from the esoteric traditions of Buddhist tantra to understand and reduce suffering on all levels.

Opening this week’s teaching with an introduction of the subtle energy systems found in Vajrayana Buddhism and Hindu Shaivism Professor Thurman details the transformational power of imaginative visualization when guided by an experienced, qualified teacher.

Continuing the discussion begun in last week’s episode on Buddhist Psychonauts this episode includes an overview of Nine Point Breath Meditation as taught by Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, introductions to Buddhist Tantra, the Karma Sutra, the history of Theravada and the diverse meditation traditions of India, China and South East Asia, and a frank presentation of so-called “crazy wisdom” by Robert Thurman shedding much needed philosophical light upon the ethical lapses which occur due to milsleading teachers’ and misled students’ misunderstandings of the nature of ultimate and causal realities described by the Buddha and his great successors.

The second half of this week’s episode begins with a short explanation of the Mādhyamaka Centrist or Middle Way perspective and the experiential methods of teaching of emptiness, compassion and relativity found in the writings of Tsongkhapa, Asanga and Nagarjuna.

This week’s poetry segment Gary Gach reads the poetry of W. S. Merwin.

Pharmacopeia of Visualization : Tantra, Sex and Meditation – Ep. 190 Photo by Matt Briney on Unsplash

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Enga

Using the work of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as presented in Daniel Goleman’s best selling book “Force for Good” Robert A.F. Thurman elucidates the esoteric sources and imaginative tools used by Tibetan monastics, wandering mendicants, yogis, yoginis and everyday sensitive beings for the cultivation of love, compassion, joy, and equilibrium.

Opening with an introduction to the Buddhist Neurosciences as practiced by the Mahāsiddhas using the Cakrasamvara Tantra to develop the art of lucid sleeping, lucid dreaming, and lucid awakening, Professor Thurman provides a road map for seekers of any tradition to positively re-imagine their ability to consciously restructure the brain, relationships and their world through an understanding of the nature of reality.

Podcast includes an overview of the Yogic chakras & channels, an explanation of the Mother and Father Tantra systems, the historic reasoning of the secrecy of esoteric teachings due to dangers of becoming conscious of the unconscious and the blissful experiences of the subtle, super subtle and clear light non-dual realities to be discovered by anyone who has developed their inner imaginative microscope through meditative stabilization and the practice of mandala meditations.

This week’s poetry segment Gary Gach reads “To Paint The Portrait Of A Bird” by Jacques Prévert.

Buddhist Psychonauts & Their Yogic Technology – Ep. 189 Photo by Daniil Kuželev on Unsplash

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

“Buddhist Psychonauts & Their Yogic Technology – Ep. 189″ of the Bob Thurman podcast was recorded at the 2017 Force for Go

Archive recording from the closing talk from the “Death & Deathlessness Retreat” held at Menla in 2015 with Robert A.F. Thurman and Dale Borglum.

This archive recording is a lively discussion of the miss titled “Tibetan Book of the Dead” and the place of gurus and fierce deities within the Buddhist perspective on the death process.

Includes a traditional guided Bardo meditation on the fierce and peaceful Bardo deities depicted in the “Tibetan Book of the Dead” led by Robert A.F. Thurman which includes: a discussion of the eight stages of dissolution, Buddhism’s perspective on heaven, hell and fantastical realms of the afterlife, Dream Yoga, Lucid Dreaming and call to action for digital animators and film makers to engage in creative projects depicting the journey of life, death and beyond found in all spiritual traditions.

“Death & Deathlessness Intro : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives” photo by Jeremy Thomas on Unsplash

Dale Borglum founded and directed the Hanuman Foundation Dying Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the first residential facility in the United States to support conscious dying. Executive Director of the Living/Dying Project in Santa Fe & in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dale is the co-author with Ram Dass, Daniel Goleman and Dwarka Bonner of Journey of Awakening: A Meditator’s Guidebook, and has taught meditation since 1974. Dale lectures and gives workshops on the topics of meditation, healing, spiritual support for those with life-threatening illness, and on caregiving as spiritual practice. He has a doctorate degree from Stanford University.

“Tibetan Book of the Dead : Fierce Deities, Friends & Gurus” was recorded at Menla‘s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York during the Oct 31st 2015 Halloween Evening Discussion of the 2015 “Death & Deathlessness: Buddhist Insights and Practices for Life, Death & the In-Between Retreat” with Dale Borglum & Robert A.F. Thurman.

To listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

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.

Robert A.F. Thurman is joined in this two part podcast by the Living/ Dying Project’s Dale Borglum for a lively discussion of the miss titled “Tibetan Book of the Dead” and the place of gurus and fierce deities within the Buddhist perspective on the death process.

Opening this week’s podcast with a recommendation of the classic “Zen Flesh, Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings” by Paul Reps and Nyogen Senzaki Professor Thurman elaborates the value of the creative imagination within Buddhism and all spiritual traditions.

Second half of podcast includes a traditional guided Bardo meditation on the fierce and peaceful Bardo deities depicted in the “Tibetan Book of the Dead” led by Robert A.F. Thurman which includes: a discussion of the eight stages of dissolution, Buddhism’s perspective on heaven, hell and fantastical realms of the afterlife, Dream Yoga, Lucid Dreaming and call to action for digital animators and film makers to engage in creative projects depicting the journey of life, death and beyond found in all spiritual traditions.

This week’s poetry segment podcast Gary Gach reads the poetry of Muriel Rukeyser.

“Tibetan Book of the Dead : Fierce Deities, Friends & Gurus – Ep. 188 of the Bob Thurman Podcast photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash.

Dale Borglum founded and directed the Hanuman Foundation Dying Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the first residential facility in the United States to support conscious dying. Executive Director of the Living/Dying Project in Santa Fe & in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dale is the co-author with Ram Dass, Daniel Goleman and Dwarka Bonner of Journey of Awakening: A Meditator’s Guidebook, and has taught meditation since 1974. Dale lectures and gives workshops on the topics of meditation, healing, spiritual support for those with life-threatening illness, and on caregiving as spiritual practice. He has a doctorate degree from Stanford University.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

“Tibetan Book of the

In this archive recording from the Tibet House US class “Key Pali Suttas : Samanapala, Kevaddha Sutta, Tevijja Sutta, Agannya Sutta” Robert A.F. Thurman explores rebirth and reincarnation using the colorful Jataka Tales from the Buddha’s past lives provides an overview of the evolution of the notions of Karma, Dharma and community through history.

Opening with a discussion of the work of sociologist Talcott Parsons, Robert A.F. Thurman illustrates how the Buddha’s early Pali Suttas (Samanapala, Kevaddha Sutta, Tevijja Sutta, and Agannya Sutta) were secular in nature offering practical insight and tools for seekers looking beyond traditional religion, ritual and superstition through kindness, fellowship and meditative wisdom.

Includes: a recommendation of the work of Daniel Goldman, an explanation of the Buddha’s rebellion against religion through the redefining of Dharma and Karma within his mendicant community’s practices and an in-depth exploration of the logic of infinitely connected past and future lives through a close line translation of the ‘Samaññaphala Sutta: The Fruits of the Contemplative Life’ and Jataka Tales including the story of the rabbit and the moon.

Key Pali Suttas : Samanapala, Kevaddha Sutta, Tevijja Sutta, Agannya Sutta Burmese Pali Manuscript Photo via Wellcome Collection.

“Key Pali Suttas : Samanapala, Kevaddha Sutta, Tevijja Sutta, Agannya Sutta” is an excerpt the Force For Good : Buddhist Sources and Practices Beyond Religion. A Teacher’s Training Marathon recorded at Tibet House US in 2016.

‘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 Studies and 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 Beyond Religion), His nonviolent approach to conflict resolution, including His Nobel Peace Laureate activities to seek dialogue and a win-win reconciliation with China in the face of the ongoing ethnicidal policies in Tibet (

Exploring rebirth and reincarnation using the colorful Jataka Tales from the Buddha’s past lives Professor Thurman in this two part podcast provides listeners with an overview of the evolution of the notions of Karma, Dharma and community through history.

Opening with a discussion of the work of sociologist Talcott Parsons, Robert A.F. Thurman illustrates how the Buddha’s early Pali Suttas (Samanapala, Kevaddha Sutta, Tevijja Sutta, and Agannya Sutta) were secular in nature offering practical insight and tools for seekers looking beyond traditional religion, ritual and superstition through kindness, fellowship and meditative wisdom.

Podcast includes: a recommendation of the work of Daniel Goldman, an explanation of the Buddha’s rebellion against religion through the redefining of Dharma and Karma within his mendicant community’s practices and an in-depth exploration of the logic of infinitely connected past and future lives through a close line translation of the ‘Samaññaphala Sutta: The Fruits of the Contemplative Life’ and Jataka Tales including the story of the rabbit and the moon.

Second half of podcast begins with a humorous presentation of the Buddha’s core teaching insights as demonstrated through the mischievous (yet traditional) teaching style of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in his public Dharma events over the years.

Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Naomi Shihab Nye by Gary Gach.

Illustration: Yoshitoshi, Jade Rabbit: Sun Wukong from the series One Hundred Views of the Moon, 1889. Ronin Gallery.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

In this archive recording from the Artist and Buddhist Contemplatives Project gathering held at Garrison Institute Professor Thurman and Meredith Monk discuss the role of art in Buddhism and the inspiring bliss of the artist.

Detailing the Buddhist concept of Dharma, Robert Thurman introduces the Ten Paramitas through a discussion of art, creativity, stories from the Dalai Lama’s dialogs with Western creatives and depictions of the Buddha’s smile.

Recording includes: an in-depth exploration of the artfulness of the Seventh Paramita: Upāya (Skillful Means or Liberative Art), the relationship of bliss to beauty, the imaginative inspiration found in the “Flower Ornament Sutra”, the nature of Buddhahood, the role of artist as Bodhisattva and the inevitability of every being becoming a Buddha in our infinite, interconnected universe.

“Compassionate Bliss of the Artist – Podcast Bonus” of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded the Artist and Buddhist Contemplatives Retreat at Garrison Institute in 2015.

The Artist and Buddhist Contemplatives project was founded to explore Buddhist and art practices. Begun in 2012 the project’s goal is to bring artists together to meet, collaborate, and inspire one another, and to mentor emerging artists. The gatherings explore Buddhism and art, and how both can serve the world.

“Compassionate Bliss of the Artist – Podcast Bonus” of the Bob Thurman Podcastwas brought to you in part by The Artist and Buddhist Contemplatives Project and the Tibet House US and Menla Retreat Membership community.

To listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To Learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

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.

Opening this two part podcast detailing the Buddhist concept of Dharma, Robert Thurman introduces the Ten Paramitas through a discussion of art, creativity, stories from the Dalai Lama’s dialogs with Western creatives and depictions of the Buddha’s smile.

Podcast includes: an in-depth exploration of the artfulness of the Seventh Paramita: Upāya (Skillful Means or Liberative Art), the relationship of bliss to beauty, the imaginative inspiration found in the “Flower Ornament Sutra”, the nature of Buddhahood, the role of artist as Bodhisattva and the inevitability of every being becoming a Buddha in our infinite, interconnected universe.

Second half of podcast begins with Professor Thurman giving a teaching on past life, reincarnation and the Buddha’s spiritual evolutionary biology accessed through the development of wisdom, compassion and the practice of generosity.

Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Susan Griffin by Gary Gach. .

Photo by Alice Achterhof on Unsplash

“Buddhism for Artists : Behind the Buddha’s Smile” of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded the Artist and Buddhist Contemplatives Retreat at Garrison Institute in 2015..

The Artist and Buddhist Contemplatives project was founded to explore Buddhist and art practices. Begun in 2012 the project’s goal is to bring artists together to meet, collaborate, and inspire one another, and to mentor emerging artists. The gatherings explore Buddhism and art, and how both can serve the world.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

Susan Griffin is a Poet, essayist, and playwright born Los Angeles in 1943, she has written over twenty books, including non-fiction, poetry and plays. Her work addresses many social and political issues, social justice, the oppression of women, ecology, war and peace, economic inequities and democracy. She and her work have been given many awards, among them a Guggenheim Foundation Award and an Emmy.

“Compassionate Bliss of the Artist – Ep. 186” of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part by The

Archive recording from the Geo Ex and Tibet House US Membership Community Trip Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon led by Robert A.F. Thurman and Brent Olson in 2014.

Robert A.F. Thurman in this archive discusses how pilgrimage combined with study of Buddhist Philosophy can help anyone encounter the bliss at the core of his mind transformation practices and leads a guided meditation.

Using the colorful depictions of the Padmasambhava, Pema Lingpa and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel Professor Thurman explains the role of meditation deities in Tibetan Buddhism, the different understandings of Iconography and of Idolatry that Western and Eastern viewers hold.

Includes a short history of Bhutan, it’s relationship to it’s neighbor Tibet, a teaching on the difference between being a pilgrim and being a tourist, and how the use of Inner and Outer pilgrimages can help one understand the interconnected nature of reality.

Recording includes basic instructions on using the breath to develop one pointed concentration and a guided Jewel Tree Meditation for those of all traditions.

Land of the Thunder Dragon – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives Photo of Karma Ura’s paintings at Dochu La Temple by Brent Olson.

“Land of the Thunder Dragon – Podcast Bonus” of the Bob Thurman Podcast” is apart of the “Buddhist Pilgrimage Series” using field recordings of Robert AF Thurman and friends from his global docent tours benefiting the work of Tibet House US.

To listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To Learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

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.

To learn about upcoming Tibet House US trips Robert Thurman + GeoEx please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

Robert A.F. Thurman in this two part podcast discusses how pilgrimage combined with study of Buddhist Philosophy can help anyone encounter the bliss at the core of his mind transformation practices and leads a guided meditation.

Using the colorful depictions of the Padmasambhava, Pema Lingpa and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel Professor Thurman explains the role of meditation deities in Tibetan Buddhism, the different understandings of Iconography and of Idolatry that Western and Eastern viewers hold.

Podcast includes a short history of Bhutan, it’s relationship to it’s neighbor Tibet, a teaching on the difference between being a pilgrim and being a tourist, and how the use of Inner and Outer pilgrimages can help one understand the interconnected nature of reality.

In the second half of this week’s episode Robert Thurman gives basic instructions on using the breath to develop one pointed concentration and leads a guided Jewel Tree Meditation for those of all traditions.

Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Thich Nhat Hanh by Gary Gach. .

Photo by Juliana Kozoski on Unsplash

“Pilgrimage : Encountering the Buddha’s Bliss – Ep. 185 of the Bob Thurman Podcast” is apart of the “Buddhist Pilgrimage Series” using field recordings of Robert AF Thurman and friends from his global docent tours benefiting the work of Tibet House US.

To listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To Learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

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.

To learn about upcoming Tibet House US trips Robert Thurman + GeoEx please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

Archive recording from the Inaugural reading of Flowers of a Moment by Ko Un, translated by Young Moo Kim, Brother Anthony of Taizé, by Gary Gach, at Moe’s Books, Berkeley, California, 2006

Korean poet, writer, and activist Ko Un was born in Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do. He was drawn to poetry after discovering the early work of Han Ha-Un, a nomadic Korean poet with leprosy. After witnessing the devastation of the Korean War, Ko entered a monastery and became a Buddhist monk. He left the Buddhist community in 1962. In the 1970s and early 1980s, Ko was detained, tortured, and imprisoned repeatedly for his opposition to the military regime.

Ko has twice won the South Korean Literature Prize and received the Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry’s Lifetime Recognition Award. He was elected chairman of the Association of Writers for National Literature and was chosen president of the Compilation Committee of the Grand Inter-Korean Dictionary. He has taught at Seoul National University, Kyonggi University, Harvard University, and the University of California at Berkeley. Ko lives in South Korea.

Flowers of a Moment with Gary Gach – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives Photo by Daniel Kim on Unsplash

This week’s podcast extra of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Excerpts from this recording originally appeared as apart of “Vimalakīrti’s Verses on Cool Heroes and Heroism” Episode #184 of the Bob Thurman Podcast.

To listen to the original recording please visit: www.archive.org.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

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.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “

Using the Goddess Chapter of the “The Holy Teaching of Vimalakīrti’” and his classic “Inner Revolution: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Real Happiness” Robert A.F. Thurman in this two part podcast illuminates his theory of cool heroism and the cool heroes that live the revolutionary wisdom of Buddhism daily.

Professor Thurman opens the first half of the podcast with a discussion on: the origins and the development of the theory, the history of cool heroism in Buddhism, and how cool heroes are embodied by the women who are the heart of the hearth of every home since time immemorial.

Podcast includes an overview of the Vimalakīrti Sutra, it’s translation history, and the non-dual teachings contained in it’s fantastical setting and gender bending dialog between Śhāriputra and the Wisdom Goddess.

Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Korean poet, writer, and activist Ko Un by Gary Gach.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Free Online Book + Suggested Reading:  “The Holy Teachings of Vimalakirti” Translated by Robert A.F. Thurman available via www.84000.co.

Vimalakīrti’s Verses on Cool Heroes and Heroism – Ep. 184 was recorded at the home of Robert and Nena Thurman in Woodstock, New York, September, 2018.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert AF Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

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.

Poetry Excerpted from the Inaugural reading of Flowers of a Moment by Ko Un, translated by Young Moo Kim, Brother Anthony of Taizé, & Gary Gach, at Moe’s Books, Berkeley, California, 2006

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the antholog

In this archive recording of the on-going Force For Good Class Series Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida Chenagtsang give an introduction to Buddhist Tantra and the meditation practices used to accelerate spiritual evolution through the development of one’s magic body.

Using Nargajuna‘s verses on clear light, Bodhisattvas, the development of the rainbow body and bliss Professor Thurman gives an introduction to the Unexcelled Yoga Tantra perfection stage teaching of the Sarma (later translation) schools, in tribute to Dr. Nida’s enlightened non-sectarian way of imparting teachings and blessings.

Dr. Nida teaches the pith quintessence of the Nyingma Ati Yoga Great Perfection (Dzogchen) teaching transmitted from the famous 12th century Enlightened healer, physician, and accomplished Ngagpa yogi and scholar, Yuthok Yonten Gonpo, elucidating key points of his book on that subject, “Ati Yoga: Mirror of Light“.

To learn about upcoming programs with Nida Chenagtsang + Robert A.F. Thurman at Menla in Phoencia, New York please visit: www.menla.us.

Force For Good : Ati Yoga – Podcast Bonus was recorded at the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Sources Force for Good Class Series session “Ati Yoga: According to Yuthok Yonten Gonpo” with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang and Robert A.F. Thurman, Tibet House US, New York City, Winter 2016.

‘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 Studies and 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 Beyond Religion), His nonviolent approach to conflict resolution, including His Nobel Peace Laureate activities to seek dialogue and a win-win reconciliation with China in the face of the ongoing ethnicidal policies in Tibet (Freedom in Exile and Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of Tibet’s Dalai Lam

Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida Chenagtsang in this two part podcast give an introduction to Buddhist Tantra and the meditation practices used to accelerate spiritual evolution through the development of one’s magic body.

Using Nargajuna‘s verses on clear light, Bodhisattvas, the development of the rainbow body and bliss Professor Thurman gives an introduction to the Unexcelled Yoga Tantra perfection stage teaching of the Sarma (later translation) schools, in tribute to Dr. Nida’s enlightened non-sectarian way of imparting teachings and blessings.

Second half of the episode Dr. Nida teaches the pith quintessence of the Nyingma Atiyoga Great Perfection (Dzogchen) teaching transmitted from the famous 12th century Enlightened healer, physician, and accomplished Ngagpa yogi and scholar, Yuthok Yonten Gonpo, elucidating key points of his book on that subject, “Ati Yoga: Mirror of Light“.

Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Korean poet, writer, and activist Ko Un by Gary Gach.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York and Wisdom Publications.

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.

Buddhist Inner Sciences: Revealing Your Magic Body – Ep. 183 was recorded at the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Sources Class Introduction of the Force for Good Series at Tibet House US Spring 2018.

This on-going series was inspired by Daniel Goleman’s ‘A Force For Good: The Dalai Lama’s Vision for Our World‘.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

Archive recording from the introductory class “How To Build a Buddhaverse + Buddhist Non-Dual Physics” from the Force For Good on-going class series held annually at Tibet House US in New York City and online through live-stream broadcast.

Professor Thurman uses his translation of “The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti” to introduce the heroes of enlightenment (Bodhisatvas), the perfected worlds (Buddhaverses) they create through powerful arts and to the hidden meanings of the Heart Sutra.

Presenting the short text as an analogy of the Mahayana sutras Robert A.F. Thurman elucidates the practical instructions given to the Vimalakirti’s visitors during the fantastical events of their visit to his home related in the sutra.

Containing elements from the full range of teachings of the Buddha, Professor Thurman guides a live translation of this beloved text and relates it’s presentation of infinite relativity to “The Heart Sutra”, The Four Noble Truths and to the teachings of Tsongkhapa.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York and Wisdom Publications.

Free Online Book + Suggested Reading:  “The Holy Teachings of Vimalakirti” Translated by Robert A.F. Thurman available via www.84000.co.

Force For Good: Vimalakīrti’s Verses On Buddhaverses + Bodhisatvas – Ep. 182 was recorded at the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Sources Class Introduction “How to Build a Buddhaverse and Buddhist Non-Dual Physics” of the Force for Good Series at Tibet House US February 2018.

This recording is also available as a Tibet House US Member Video, to enjoy full access to archive recordings from from past Robert A..F Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

The song ‘Dancing Ling’ + ‘Trance Tibet’ 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.

Force For Good: Vimalakīrti’s Verses On Buddhaverses + Bodhisatvas – Ep. 182 Bob Thurman Podcast Photo of

Beginning this week’s two part podcast recounting Geshe Wangyal reaction to his translation of “The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti” Professor Thurman uses the text to introduce the heroes of enlightenment (Bodhisatvas), the perfected worlds (Buddhaverses) they create through powerful arts and to the hidden meanings of the Heart Sutra.

Presenting the short text as an analogy of the Mahayana sutras Robert A.F. Thurman elucidates the practical instructions given to the Vimalakirti’s visitors during the fantastical events of their visit to his home related in the sutra.

Containing elements from the full range of teachings of the Buddha, Professor Thurman guides a live translation of this beloved text and relates it’s presentation of infinite relativity to “The Heart Sutra”, The Four Noble Truths and to the teachings of Tsongkhapa.

Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Al Young by Gary Gach.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York and Wisdom Publications.

Free Online Book + Suggested Reading:  “The Holy Teachings of Vimalakirti” Translated by Robert A.F. Thurman available via www.84000.co.

Force For Good: Vimalakīrti’s Verses On Buddhaverses + Bodhisatvas – Ep. 182 was recorded at the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Sources Class Introduction of the Force for Good Series at Tibet House US February 2018.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert AF Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

Al Young was born May 31, 1939 at

Recorded at the inaugural Shaman and Siddhas retreat held 2015 at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Isa Gucciardi and Dr Nida Chenagtsang for a discussion on the intersection of Buddhism and Shamanism.

Includes a discussion of the history of Tsongkhapa, the Ganden (Joyous) Community he founded, an introduction to the Buddhist conception of emptiness, it’s relationship to selflessness, meditation and the ‘royal reason of relativity‘ using stories from Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Old Testament and the past lives of the Dalai Lama and the Buddha.

Podcast includes a guided meditation on the Four Keys of Selflessness,

This retreat on the cusp of the winter solstice, a time of natural inward self-reflection, focuses on the traditions of the “psychonauts,” explorers of the subtle realms of dream, death, and all “between” states. Such people are known as “shamans” in indigenous traditions and as “siddhas” or “adepts” in Buddhist and Hindu Tantric traditions.

Isa Gucciardi joins Robert Thurman in exploring the deep and vast dimensions of these traditions, focusing on our planetary welcoming of various forms that consciousness takes in this time of global crisis, as she has done from time immemorial. Shamans and siddha adepts provide us with resources from long-developed, time-tested positive sciences and arts that help us celebrate the blessings of reality and live meaningfully in the midst of the ups and downs of our daily lives ever more realistically and happily.

In this retreat, we will review the historic encounters between these two spiritual traditions from world indigenous and Indic regions and learn how they have informed one another from time immemorial. While steeped in philosophy and psychology, this retreat is also highly experiential in nature. We will explore methods of going inward drawn from both traditions including the Shamanic Journey and Indo-Tibetan Deity Meditation.

The Shamanic Journey is an ancient and time-tested method that shamans around the world have used to develop a deep relationship with the powers of the Earth and Cosmos. Deity Meditation is a form of meditation that brings the meditator into an intimate understanding of the fields of wisdom, sensitivity, and power held by the deities of the Tibetan Buddhist pantheon.

We will explore the role of ritual and ceremony in both contexts and learn what role ritual and ceremony provide in bringing forward the realizations, sensitivities, and powers that are the fruits of these deep forms of inner exploration.

From Shamans and Siddhas 2015 Retreat Description

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert AF Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

The song ‘Dancing Ling’ + ‘Trance Tibet’ 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.

To learn more about upcoming programs in the heart of the Catskills with Robert A.F. Thurman, Isa Gucciardi Ph.D. and Dr Nida Chenagtsang please visit: www.menla.us.

In this two part podcast Professor Thurman discusses the history of Tsongkhapa, the Ganden (Joyous) Community he founded and leads a guided meditation on the Four Keys of Selflessness.

Opening the podcast with a discussion of Eckhart Tolle’s personal discovery of relativity described in his best selling book “The Power of Now“, Robert A.F. Thurman explains how it relates to the teachings of Tsongkhapa and the Buddha’s Middle Way.

Podcast includes an introduction to the Buddhist conception of emptiness, it’s relationship to selflessness, meditation and the ‘royal reason of relativity‘ using stories from Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Old Testament and the past lives of the Dalai Lama and the Buddha.

Podcast concludes with a reading of Three Dharma Poems by Feminist Beat Poet Diane di Prima by Gary Gach.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York and Wisdom Publications.

Suggested Reading:  “The Life and Teachings of Tsongkhapa” Edited by Robert A.F. Thurman published by Wisdom Publication, 2018.

Tsongkhapa’s Kindness + Four Keys of Selflessness – Ep. 181 was recorded during the “Shamans and Siddhas Retreat” + with Isa Gucciardi Ph.D., Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Robert A.F. Thurman & Mark Epstein, M.D. held in Phoenicia, New York October 2015.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert AF Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”. To learn more about the writings and work Of Gary Gach please visit: www.garygach.com

The song ‘Dancing Ling’ + ‘Trance Tibet’ 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.

To learn more about upcoming programs in the heart of the Catskills with Bob Thurman, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang & Isa Gucciardi Ph.D. please visit: www.menla.us.

In this podcast extra Professor Thurman and Eric Rosenbush discuss Tibetan Medicine and Buddhist Inner Sciences using the miss titled “Tibetan Book of the Dead” as a guide for applying the lessons contained within it to our daily lives and lead a guided meditation on the Eight Dissolution Stages.

This extended recording was originally excerpted as Episode #180 and is from the “Medicine Buddha Healing Retreat: The Buddha’s Inner & Healing Sciences” with Phakyab Rinpoche, Eric Rosenbush, Robert A.F. Thurman & Mark Epstein, M.D. held in Phoenicia, New York at Menla August 2014.

Photo of Eric Rosenbush and Professor Robert A.F. Thurman by Justin Stone-Diaz.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert AF Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

The song ‘Dancing Ling’ + ‘Trance Tibet’ 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.

To learn more about upcoming programs in the heart of the Catskills with Bob Thurman & Eric Rosenbush please visit: www.menla.us.

In this two part podcast Professor Thurman and Eric Rosenbush discuss Tibetan Medicine and Buddhist Inner Sciences using the miss titled “Tibetan Book of the Dead” as a guide for applying the lessons contained within it to our daily lives.

Second Part of this week’s podcast is a guided meditation on the Eight Dissolution Stages as taught in the “Tibetan Book of the Dead” or the “Bardo Thodol.”

Podcast concludes with a reading of William Stafford’s “You Reading this, Be Ready” by Gary Gach.

Image of Marpa and Milarepa via www.treasuryoflives.org.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Liberation Through Nature, Hearing & Sleep – Ep. 180 was recorded during the “Medicine Buddha Healing Retreat: The Buddha’s Inner & Healing Sciences” with Phakyab Rinpoche, Eric Rosenbush, Robert A.F. Thurman & Mark Epstein, M.D. held in Phoenicia, New York at Menla August 2014.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”. To learn more about the writings and work Of Gary Gach please visit: www.garygach.com

In this special edition of the Bob Thurman podcast Professor Thurman is joined by poet and scholar Gary Gach for an in-depth exploration of the Tibetan Science of Healing Sowa Rigpa‘s perspective on sleep, dreams and death using personal experience, Buddhist teachings and poetry.

Podcast begins with Robert A.F. Thurman discussing the place of sleep in a balanced lifestyle, the value of dream interpretation within Buddhist medicine diagnosis and treatment, his personal experience learning from the Dalai Lama’s physician, the renowned Yeshe Dhonden and a recommendation of the work and teachings of Dr Nida Chenagtsang.

The second half includes a deep dive into the miss-titled “Tibetan Book of the Dead”, the Buddhist understanding of the Eight Stages of Death and it’s connections to Sowa Rigpa’s holistic system of healing as taught in the Yuthok Tradition.

Podcast concludes with a reading of Zhuangzi’s “Last Night I Dreamt I was a Butterfly” by Gary Gach with a short commentary.

This week’s episode of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the generous support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Science & Poetry of Sleep, Dreaming and Death – Episode 179 was recorded at the home of Robert and Nena Thurman in Woodstock, New York, August 2018.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

The song ‘Dancing Ling’ + ‘Trance Tibet’ 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.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”. To learn more about the writings and work Of Gary Gach please visit: www.garygach.com

To learn more about upcoming programs in the heart of the Catskills with Bob Thurman & Dr. Nida please visit: www.menla.us.

This podcast extra includes an extended basic mindfulness practice instruction and a guided “Developing the Spirit of Enlightenment or the Mind of The Bodhisattva” meditation.

Guided Mindfulness Meditation

Professor Thurman leads a traditional Buddhist mindfulness meditation using the breath and mantra as one’s focus along with basic instruction of one’s physical posture during practice sessions taken from the Wisdom Academy Course “Sutra and Tantra: The Profound and Miraculous“.

Developing the Mind of the Bodhisattva / Spirit of Enlightenment Meditation

This meditation includes the eleven steps to compassion, love and happiness including “The Seven fold Cause and effect Precept of Mother Recognition” from Maitreya and Asanga and “The Exchange of Self and Other” Precept from Manjushri and Shantideva, a discussion of how physics and the Buddhist Inner Sciences intersect, how anyone can imagine having infinite past and future interconnected lives, of Pretans or hungry ghosts and Thomas à Kempis’ imitatio christi (Imitation of Christ) teaching.

Mindfulness + Developing the Mind of the Bodhisattva Meditations – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives Collage by How to be a Bodhisatva via www.lionsroar.com.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was thanks Wisdom Publications and was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Mindfulness + Developing the Mind of the Bodhisattva Meditations – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives is an excerpt from the online course presented by Wisdom Publications with Robert A.F. Thurman. To learn more abut this ongoing online offering please visit: www.wisdompubs.org

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert AF Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

The song ‘Dancing Ling’ + ‘Trance Tibet’ 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.

Studying the teachings of Tsong Khapa has been at the heart of Robert A.F. Thurman's personal translation work and professional teaching career. In this two part podcast Professor Thurman discusses the new edition of "The Life and Teachings of Tsongkhapa" by Wisdom Publications and leads a guided mindfulness meditation.

Opening this week's podcast with a short explanation of the Tsongkhapa's teaching history in Tibet, Robert Thurman highlights Tsongkhapa writings focusing upon the "Garland of Supremely Healing Nectars" the dialogue between Karmavajra, The Nyingma Master Lhobrag Khenchen & the Bodhisattva Vajrapana, discussing his relationship with the various schools of Tibetan Buddhism, modern Tibet and the Yongle Emperor of China of his time.

Podcast includes a discussion of the use of some "Christian" terminology when translating Buddhist texts and ends with a discussion of Ling Rinpoche's new biography by H.H. Dalai Lama's senior tutor including personal stories from Robert Thurman's time spent with this legendary tutor and teacher.

In the second half of this week's podcast Professor Thurman leads a traditional Buddhist mindfulness meditation using the breath and mantra as one's focus along with basic instruction of one's physical posture during practice sessions taken from the Wisdom Academy Course "Sutra and Tantra: The Profound and Miraculous".

This week's meditation is excerpted from the online course presented by Wisdom Publications with Robert A.F. Thurman students learn the inner science behind the tantric and sutric methods employed by scholars and adepts of India and Tibet on their paths to enlightenment, as well as how to apply such learning to their own personal practice of the path. To learn more abut this ongoing online offering please visit: www.wisdompubs.org

Tsongkhapa's Profound and Miraculous Wisdom - Ep. 177 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Park Troopers on Unsplash

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was thanks Wisdom Publications and was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

The song ‘Dancing Ling’ + ‘Trance Tibet’ 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.

To learn more about upcoming programs in the heart of the Catskills with Bob Thurman & Rich

Using the teachings of K. Pattabhi Jois + Geshe Ngawang Wangyal Robert A.F. Thurman and Richard Freeman explore the symbolism and meditation practices centering on the Hindu Brahma, Shiva, and Buddha in the form of Vajradhara.

Podcast includes a discussion of Brahmism, Shaivism, Tantic Buddhism, the Chöd Charnel Ground Practice, Raja Yoga (King Yoga), a re-telling of the story of the Mahasiddha, Luipa The Fish-Gut Eater and how the non-Dualism found in both the Hindu and Buddhist traditions erode hierarchies and brought change about change within the rigid caste system of India.

Buddha and the Yogis drawing of Richard Freeman, Robert A.F. Thurman and John Campbell by Marc Rosenthal, All Rights Reserved, 2013.

This recording was originally excerpted as apart of Stunning the Mind with Yoga – Episode #178 of the Bob Thurman Podcast and was recorded at Menla’s Nalanada Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York during the 2011 ‘Buddha & The Yogis’ Retreat with Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor, John Campbell + Robert A.F. Thurman.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was thanks to Richard Freeman + Mary Taylor and was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Learn more about the connections between practical yoga, daily meditation & esoteric study at this year’s ‘Buddha & The Yogis: The Divine Feminine Retreat with Mary Taylor, Richard Freeman & Robert Thurman please visit: www.menla.us.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert AF Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

Previews are available on the Tibet House US YouTube Channel + Full Archive Recordings from the 2016 + 2017 Annual Retreat at Menla in the THUS Member Archives. Tibet House US Member Access starts at $2 a Month.

The song ‘Dancing Ling’ + ‘Trance Tibet’ 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.

To learn more about upcoming programs in the heart of the Catskills with Bob Thurman & Richard Freeman + Mary Taylor please visit: www.menla.us.

Opening this podcast with an introduction to the Medicine Buddha and his long time co-teacher + friend Richard Freeman, Professor Thurman explore the connections between Hatha Yoga, Buddhist Philosophy + the Indic Inner Sciences through a close translation of the classic fifteenth-century Sanskrit manual on hatha yoga, “The Hatha Yoga Pradīpikā” by Svāmi Svātmārāma.

Using the teachings of K. Pattabhi Jois + Geshe Ngawang Wangyal Robert A.F. Thurman and Richard Freeman explore the symbolism and meditation practices centering on the Hindu Deities Brahmā, Shiva, and Buddha in the form of Great Vajradhara.

Podcast includes a discussion of Brahmanism, Shaivism, Tantic Buddhism, the Chöd (“Severence”) Charnel Ground Practice, Raja Yoga (King Yoga), a re-telling of the story of the Mahasiddha, Luipa The Fish-Gut Eater and how the non-Dualism found in both the Hindu and Buddhist traditions erode hierarchies and brought change about change within the rigid caste system of India.

Second half of this week’s podcast continues the dialog focusing on how the Vedic + Buddhist traditions both approach non-dualism, daily practice and bathroom humor.

Stunning the Mind with Yoga – Episode #178 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Park Troopers on Unsplash

This podcast was recorded at Menla’s Nalanada Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York during the 2016 ‘Buddha & The Yogis’ Retreat with Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor, John Campbell + Robert A.F. Thurman.

Learn more about the connections between practical yoga, daily meditation & esoteric study at this year’s ‘Buddha & The Yogis: The Divine Feminine Retreat with Mary Taylor, Richard Freeman & Robert Thurman please visit: www.menla.us.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was thanks to Richard Freeman + Mary Taylor and was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Stunning the Mind with Yoga is an excerpt from the archive recordings from the Tibet House US retreat “Buddha & the Yogis” with Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor, John Campbell and Robert A.F. Thurman recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, Summer 2011.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert AF Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

Previews are available on the Tibet House US YouTube Channel + Full Archive Recordings from the 2016 + 2017 Annual Retreat at Menla in the THUS Member Archives. Tibet House US Member Access starts at $2 a Month.

The song ‘Dancing Ling’ + ‘Trance Tibet’ 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.

To learn more about upcoming programs in the heart of the Catskills with Bob Thurman & Richard Freeman + Mary Taylor please visit: www.menla.us.

In this podcast extra Professor Robert A.F. Thurman leads an extended Nine Fold Purification Breath Meditation from the Yuthok Nyingthig as taught by Dr Nida Chenagtsang.

This practice, also known as “Expelling the Dead Air” begins with by sitting in the Vairocana Meditation posture and then visualizing moving energy with the breath through the Central, Left + Right Channels to clear blockages, decrease negativity and increase clarity.

According to Tibetan Medicine, ultimate health can only be achieved when approached from the perspective of body, energy, and mind together. Yuthok Nyingthig is considered the most important practice for Tibetan medicine healing practitioners- helping one reveal the rainbow body that is each person’s natural state.

This 9 Fold Breath Meditation was excerpted in the second half of  Episode #176 “Bias, Racism + Buddhism ” of the from the Bob Thurman Podcast.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was thanks to Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York & brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community.

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.

About The Yuthok Nyingthig

The Yuthok Nyingthig (Tib. གཡུ་ཐོག་སྙིང་ཐིག་), the ‘Heart Essence of Yuthok’, composed by Yuthok the Younger, the great 12th Century Tibetan yogi-physician is a complete cycle of Vajrayana Buddhist practice, beginning with the preliminary practices (Tib. སྔོན་འགྲོ་ “ngöndro”) and progressing through the development and completion stage practices to the highest practices of Mahamudra and Dzogchen. It is characterized by its concise and simple methods which bring about both worldly benefits, including improved health and longevity, as well as the ultimate benefit of complete spiritual liberation. The Yuthok Nyingthig is the main spiritual practice of Tibetan physicians, and it contains many unique techniques to heighten the intuition and healing capacities of the doctor.

These practices eliminate and prevent illness, lengthen the life span of the practitioner and bring all levels of spiritual accomplishment. As the great master, Guru Rinpoche said, ‘of all activities, the first should be long life practice. If life is long, it can be virtuous, and the purpose of this life and the next can be achieved.”

The Seven Meditation Postures of Vairocana

1. Sit Cross Legged, Ideally in full lotus position. 2. Sit with the Spine Straight with vertebrae balanced like a “stack of golden coins”. 3. Clasp the hands in Vajra Fists (Thumb on Ring finger, back of fist pushed down inside each leg) 4. Press the tongue to the palate, just behind the teeth. 5. Lift the shoulders with straightened arms like folded eagle’s wings 6.

Reincarnation as Buddha taught it to his community of mendicants suggests that everyone has at some time or another been born in every conceivable species, race, gender, or class. Professor Thurman opens this two part podcast discussing the Buddhist perspective on reincarnation and how the on rigid barriers such, caste, race, sex or class tend to be eroded through the acceptance of karmic biology.

Examining bias + racism on a personal level, Robert A.F. Thurman shares insights learned from the teachings of Jey Tsongkhapa, His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet and his life long study of Buddhism and the Buddhist Inner Sciences.

The second half of this week’s podcast is an in-depth guided Nine Fold Breath Meditation from the Yuthok Tradtion as taught by Dr. Nida Chenagtsang.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was thanks to Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York & brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community.

Bias, Racism + Buddhism Photo by Ryan McGuire, All Rights Reserved.

To listen to the full Nine (9) Fold Breath Meditation by Robert A.F. Thurman excerpted in the second half of this week’s podcast please visit: www.bobthruman.com.

Bias, Racism + Buddhism – Ep. 173 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is apart the Practicing Buddhism Series.

In this two part podcast Professor Thurman is joined by Richard Freeman, John Campbell + Mary Taylor for a discussion of the connections between the Buddhist Inner Sciences + the Vedic Yoga Traditions and how the two streams of self-transformation when practiced together can positively affect our relationships, communities and the wider world in unexpected ways.

Sharing the spiritual history of the International Pathwork Foundation’s Phoenicia, New York property before it was donated to Tibet House US to become Menla Retreat, Robert A.F. Thurman reflects on the work of Eva Pierrakos + The Guide contextualizing it within a Yoga or Yogic perspective.

First half of podcast includes a discussion of breathing meditation practices, the subtle body, the place (and value) of secrecy in initiatory traditions and how an understanding of emptiness and the interrelated nature of reality can make one feel responsible for the world we construct everyday through the use of our imagination enough to take compassionate, wise action.

Podcast concludes with an in-depth teaching on Vinyasa, Buddhist Vajra breathing and on the Twenty One Taras mantra practice.

Body as Holy Grail : Yoga, Breath + Imagination Photo by Fares Nimri on Unsplash

This podcast was recorded at Menla’s Nalanada Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York during the 2016 ‘Buddha & The Yogis’ Retreat with Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor, John Campbell + Robert A.F. Thurman.

Learn more about the connections between practical yoga, daily meditation & esoteric study at this year’s ‘Buddha & The Yogis: The Divine Feminine Retreat with Mary Taylor, Richard Freeman & Robert Thurman please visit: www.menla.us.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was thanks to Richard Freeman + Mary Taylor and was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Body as Holy Grail : Yoga, Breath + Imagination is an excerpt from the archive recordings from the Tibet House US retreat “Buddha & the Yogis” with Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor, John Campbell and Robert A.F. Thurman recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, Summer 2017.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert AF Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Ti

In this two part podcast Robert A.F. Thurman gives an unique presentation of “Three Principles of the Path” to the annual “Buddha and The Yogis” gathering of yoga practitioners held at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Professor Thurman elucidates in clear and readily accessible terms to those unfamiliar with Buddhism the “Lam Rim: Stages of The Path” a streamlining of mind transformation teachings created in Tibet by Jey Tsongkhapa (1357–1419), focusing on his “Three Principles of The Path” poem, which is known as the quintessence of the longer teaching.

Providing a concise introduction to the Buddhist path, Robert Thurman begins this fast moving teaching by defining what Buddhism is and how it’s mind-tranforming philosophy based on the inner sciences is thought of as religious by those not engaging in its practice.

The first half of this podcast includes: a discussion of the concept of a Bodhisattva, it’s relationship to tantra, yoga, how the desire for freedom from suffering when coupled with altruistic intention and an understanding of emptiness is the essence of the Buddhist path, a re-telling of a humorous story of the walking stick from Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden” and a non-dual perspective on Nirvana.

This week’s podcast’s second half concludes with an in-depth teaching on causation, karma and reincarnation and how they relate to an understanding of the Nirvanic nature of reality of a Realistic world view as taught as the first branch of the Buddha’s Noble Eight Fold Path.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was thanks to Richard Freeman + Mary Taylor and was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

“Principles of the Path : On + Off The Yoga Mat” is an excerpt from the archive recordings from the Tibet House US retreat “Buddha & the Yogis: the Divine Feminine” with Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor and Robert AF Thurman recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, Summer 2017.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert AF Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

Previews are available on the Tibet House US YouTube Channel + Full Archive Recordings from the 2016 + 2017 Annual Retreat at Menla in the THUS Member Archives. Tibet House US Member Access starts at $2 a Month.

The song ‘Dancing Ling’ + ‘Trance Tibet’ 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.

To learn more about upcoming programs in the heart of the Catskills

Dr. Mark Epstein M.D. and Robert A.F. Thurman, in this two part podcast discuss the Buddhist & Alcoholics Anonymous perspectives on addiction, depression, and recovery using the teachings of Shantideva and Winnicott to highlight common strategies and illustrate how the two can help one change one’s relationship to any source of suffering, internal or external.

Professor Thurman begins this podcast with a rare explanation of the Heart Sutra focusing on the the dialog between Shāriputra and Avalokiteśvara in the Buddha’s samadhi field, and it’s connection to Clear Light, Bliss, Relativity and how one can avoid absolutism when thinking about emptiness.

Second half of the podcast concludes with a special teaching to the retreat participants on how to take the lessons of the annual program at Menla Retreat + Dewa Spa into their everyday lives.

“Managing Misery : A.A., Shantideva + The Heart Sutra – Ep. 173″ of the Bob Thurman Podcast” is apart of the Buddhism 101 series using classic teachings from the archives of Robert A.F. Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was thanks to Omega Institute & brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

This podcast is a continuation of the teachings from Alcoholics Anonymous, Buddhism + Powerlessness – Episode 161 of the Bob Thurman Podcast and are excerpted from the archive recordings from the Tibet House US retreat “Addiction, Depression & Recovery: Buddhist Psychological Insights for Mental & Spiritual Health in the Modern World Retreat” with Robert A.F. Thurman & Mark Epstein M.D., recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, Summer 2017.

Managing Misery : A.A., Shantideva + The Heart Sutra Photo by Ryan McGuire, All Rights Reserved.

In this two part podcast Robert A.F. Thurman takes some time to bring his students, friends and podcast subscribers up to date on his recent activities, the on going work of Tibet House US, Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa and shares ways each of us can begin to return the kindness of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet.

Recorded at his home in the Catskill Mountains this week’s podcast begins with a discussion of the Buddhist mendicant tradition, the wide variety of teachings and initiatives of the Dalai Lama intended for secular people and Professor Thurman’s personal and academic insights on daily sitting meditation practice, mindfulness skills training and the mindfulness revolution. Podcast includes a short discussion of Andy Puddicombe‘s Headspace and other digital mindfulness mobile applications.

Second half of this week’s podcast concludes with a special teaching and personal message on the recent summit between the United States and North Korea, death, dying and a non-dual Buddhist perspective on suicide.

This week’s episode of the Bob Thurman Podcast was thanks to Omega Institute & brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat + Dewa Spa.

“Remembering Those Who Struggle with Wisdom + Compassion” Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 160 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation or depression please visit: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org or call 1-800-273-8255.

The songs ‘Dancing Ling’ and ‘Trance Tibet” 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.

For full archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member and subscribe to the THUS YouTube Channel.

To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us. Full access begins at $2 a month

The Buddha is said to have given 84,000 distinct teachings to groups, individuals and super beings such as gods, demons and the spirits of those lost between the bardos of life, death and dreaming during his 45 years of teaching  In this week’s podcast Robert A.F. Thurman leads a close translation of The Jewel Rosary (Ratnāvalī aka Precious Garland) and in his trademark style makes the 3rd Century B.C.E. advice to the Indian King Udayibhadra come alive for today’s interconnected, global village.

Opening this two part podcast with stories about Tibet’s Geshe Ben Gungyal, Professor Thurman gives short introductions to the ethics of Buddhism, the history of mindfulness skills training and the sources of bias found in the understanding and presentation of Mahayana Buddhist teachings.

The second half of this week’s podcast Robert A.F. Thurman defines the five mental aggregates or body mind processes during a guided meditation and leads an exploration of non-dualism and it’s relationship to the Buddha’s teachings on ethics, emptiness, compassion and his discovery of the blissful nature of reality.

Podcast concludes with a discussion of the transcendent virtues, especially upāya (Skillful Means or Liberative Art), the seventh, as presented in the Mahayana sūtras and in the writings of Nāgārjuna.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was thanks to Omega Institute & brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community.

Buddhist Advice for Kings, Rulers + Oligarchs is an excerpt from the Force For Good Class “Buddhist Ethics and the World Crisis: Counsel for Kings (Ratnavali) The Ethics of Cool Revolution” held at Tibet House US in New York City April 2018.

‘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 Studies and 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

In this two part podcast Professor Thurman discusses the Galenic, Chinese, and Ayurvedic methodologies found in Traditional Himalayan Medicine or Sowa Rigpa’s “Science of Healing” detailing the powerful diagnostic tools of urine analysis, pulse reading and dialog between doctor and patient which have proven to prevent illness, cure illness, extend life, and cultivate happiness.

Using the visual medical thankgas depicting the “Four Medical Tantras” (Tib. རྒྱུད་བཞི་ “gyüd zhi”): the Root Tantra, the Explanatory Tantra, the Oral Transmission Tantra, and the Final Tantra) Robert A.F. Thurman begins this week’s podcast with stories from his early days studying with Yeshe Dhondon, the Dalai Lama‘s personal physician and founder of the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute (Men–Tsee–Khang) in Dharamshala, India, giving an explanation of the Tibetan phrase “Raising the Banner of Victory on the Mountain Peak” used by Sowa Rigpa practitioners before elaborating the framework and concepts found in the analytic Buddhist sciences preserved in Tibet. This Tibetan Medicine 101 podcast on Traditional Himalayan Medicine’s Subtle Anatomy system includes in-depth explanations of: the Five Internal Elements (Space, Wind, Fire, Water and Earth), The Five External Elements (Wood, Fire, Metal, Water and Earth), The Three Humors (Wind/Loong, Bile/ Tripa and Phlegm/ Beken), The Five Chakras,The Three Channels and overall cosmology used in Sowa Rigpa and in Buddhist Philosophy.

To view images of the Blue Beryl Medical paintings please visit: www.himalayanart.org.

“Tibetan Medicine 101 : Medicine Buddha : Raising The Banner of Victory on The Mountain Peak – Ep. 170″ of the Bob Thurman Podcast is an excerpt from the Force For Good Class “Medicine Buddha: Buddhist Inner Sciences” held at Tibet House US in New York City on November 29, 2017.

“Materialist science is imprisoned by a philosophical mix-up. Scientists need to set themselves free by learning from the great scientists of India and Tibet how to own up to the fact that they are beings who have minds, spirits, and even souls- not as some sort of mystical entities, but as rationally explorable and experimentally understandable processes. These processes are extremely subtle, and to learn about them, understand them, and so master them requires a new kind of advanced educational and training of one’s own emotional, intellectual, and mental abilities.”

Traditional Himalayan Medicine or Sowa Rigpa with it’s integration of Galenic, Chinese, and Ayurvedic systems of healing is one of the crown jewels of Tibetan Buddhist Culture with the most potential to help individuals, communities and the global community in a sustainable and long lasting manner.

In this two part podcast Robert A.F. Thurman introduces the Medicine Buddha myth, the role of Buddhist Medicine within Indian + Tibetan History and gives an in-depth explanation of the symbolism of it’s meditative iconography, including the three types of myrobalan plant found in the Medicine Buddha’s bowl.

Podcast Includes stories about Professor Thurman’s early days as studying Tibetan Medicine, Jivaka Komarabhacca, the Buddha’s personal physician and the community’s doctor and an introduction to the different styles and forms of Medicine Buddha practices used in the Yuthok tradition.

Second half of podcast begins with a guided Medicine Buddha meditation and concludes with a special teaching to doctors, health practitioners or anyone hoping to transform, rejuvenate, and improve their relationship to their body.

“Tibetan Medicine 101 : Medicine Buddha : From Myth to Myrobalan – Ep. 169″ of the Bob Thurman Podcast is an excerpt from the Force For Good Class “Medicine Buddha: Buddhist Inner Sciences” held at Tibet House US in New York City on November 29, 2017.

“It is the gift of scientifically as well spiritually enlightened healers, who not only understand what ails us but also know how to help us understand ourselves and become more conscious about our own health and how to sustain it.

First priority for the enlightened healers is awakening us patients to the way our own body-mind complex works in terms we can easily understand. The whole point is to expand our vision of ourselves as beings in a nature that is luckily more beneficial than harmful, especially if we understand how it works.”

‘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 Studies and 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

Opening this week’s podcast with a discussion of mindfulness of the breath as it relates to the practice to reciting mantras Professor Thurman gives instructions from the Zen Buddhist tradition before introducing the root text from the 2017 Force For Good Class Series: Dr. Bo Jiang’s translation of Bodhisattva Maitreya’s “The Sublime Continuum Super-Commentary with the Sublime Continuum Treatise Commentary” published by AIBS, Tibet House US and Columbia University Press.

In this two part podcast Robert A.F. Thurman provides a quick fire summary of the historical Buddha’s core teaching of The Four Noble Truths, an introduction to Buddhism’s messianic figure of Maitreya, the future Buddha before going on a deep dive into the history of the 4th Century Indian Author Asanga and his brother Vasubandhu, co-founders of the Yogacara school of philosophy and a humorous perspective of the film “Death Becomes Her”.

Podcast concludes a re-telling of the story of Asanga and the Dog, an in depth discussion of the Three Jewels of Buddhism (The Buddha, His Teachings and the Community of practitioners of his philosophy known formally as The Sangha) their relationship to mindful bliss, clear light, the subtle body and the death process.

Buddha’s Mindful Bliss + The Sublime Continuum – Episode #168 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo of Hotei Buddha with Asanga and Vasubandhu by Ryan via www.flickr.com.

This talk was recorded during the “The Buddha Soul, Nature, Essence, Element, or Womb” Force For Good Class at Tibet House US in New York City, October 2017 with Robert A.F. Thurman & is apart of the THUS Member Archive.

“The Dharma doesn’t Belong To Buddhism.” H.H. Dalai Lama

To watch the full recordings from this + other past events 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.

‘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 Studies and 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” (

Buddhism is the collection of teachings, traditions and religions based upon the mind training philosophy as presented by Prince Siddhartha to his community of mendicants, householders and followers over 2500 years ago. Learning it’s history and the practices of meditation passed down through the generations is not as intimidating as it might sound when one is able to ask questions directly of a qualified and fun loving teacher. In this two part podcast Professor Robert A.F. Thurman responds to a series of questions from his long time friend, translator and student of Geshe Wangyal Dr. Alexander Berzin.

Podcast begins by addressing several questions on the topic of Anger and the Buddhist perspective on dealing with and eventually embracing and loving one’s enemies. Professor Thurman discusses his personal experiences on the deceptive nature of the emotion, how it relates to the Christian notion of The Seven Deadly Sins as laid out in his book “Anger“, to the Buddha’s Middle Way and to the Centralist Philosophy of Je Tsongkhapa.

This Question and Answers podcast concludes with a frank discussion of the place of celebrity in modern Buddhism, it’s role in it’s early history, including during the Buddha’s life, the importance of Tibet’s Dalai Lama and of preserving Tibetan Buddhist Culture.

Questioning Buddhism : Angry or Fierce Buddhas – Episode #167 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Fierce Buddha Photo of Vajrayogini via Flickr.com.

To watch the full video versions of these questions from Dr. Alexander Berzin please visit: www.studybuddhism.com.

This podcast is apart of the on going series “Questioning Buddhism” in which Robert A.F. Thurman answers questions from those looking to learn more about the Buddha, his teachings and the history of those people, countries and cultures influenced by his ideas.

To submit your questions to be answered in future podcasts please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

Studying Buddhism for personal transformation or to further one’s education in an academic setting is a much richer experience when one is able to ask questions directly. In this two part podcast Professor Robert A.F. Thurman responds to a series of questions from his long time friend, translator and  student of Geshe Wangyal Dr. Alexander Berzin.

Podcast includes a discussion of the value of studying Buddhism, the differences between learning in a general or monastic setting and an in-depth examination of the role of the supportive social structures found in Asian countries where Buddhism is practiced as a religion and the challenges Western students encounter.

This Question and Answers podcast concludes with with a discussion of nirvana, emptiness, clear light and the centrality of bliss, happiness and selflessness in the Buddha’s perspective of an infinitely relational universe.

Questioning Buddhism : With Robes and Without Robes – Bob Thurman Podcast Episode #166 Photo by Wonderlane.

To watch the full video versions of these questions from Dr. Alexander Berzin please visit: www.studybuddhism.com.

This podcast is apart of the on going series “Questioning Buddhism” in which Robert Thurman answers questions from those looking to learn more about the Buddha, his teachings and the history of those people, countries and cultures influenced by his ideas.

To submit your questions to be answered in future podcasts please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

Recorded on Earth Day 2018 Professor Thurman opens this two part podcast with an invitation to the Dewa Spa at Menla Retreat providing a translation of the word dewa, a history of the Tibet House US property in Phoenicia, New York and a teaching on his personal inspiration found in the life and wisdom of the Buddha.

Citing the Buddha’s scientific prediction of the infinite divisibility of matter, the inevitability of causal processes and his development of a theory of biological evolution which includes three genes (the two of the body and another of the super-subtle mind or spirit) as the wellspring of inspiration Robert AF Thurman discusses the importance of Himalayan and Buddhist Medicine found in Tibet in his personal studies, to the mission of the Dalai Lama’s cultural center and to the modern world.

Podcast includes a discussion of the symbolism of the Buddha’s Earth Touching Gesture made under the Bodhi Tree, the story of the Devil Mara, a history of Menla’s Panther Mountain, Wakanda and how Tibetan Medicine is interconnected with Ancient Galenic, Chinese, and Ayurvedic systems of healing.

Second half of podcast is a traditional Dharma teaching on the Buddha’s physics of emptiness and how his understanding of the unconscious more than 2500 years ago can help anyone suffering find an escape from the prison of materialism.

Photo of Dalai Lama, Robert Thurman, Thubten Jimpa and the Tibet House US Board in the Menla Retreat Snow Lion Living Room for Dewa, Emptiness + The Buddha’s Inspiration Episode via www.menla.us.

To listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert AF Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To Learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us. Full access begins 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.

To learn about upcoming Tibet House US trips Robert Thurman + GeoEx please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

In this two part podcast Robert A.F. Thurman leads a live translation of “The Samaññaphala Sutta : The Fruit of the Homeless Life” providing the back-stories of the historical figures found in the sutra in order to elucidate the ethical and scientific insights of the Buddha’s teachings on the value of the contemplative life.

Using this beloved + often referenced sutra in which King Ajatasattu of the Magadha Kingdom questions the Buddha on the benefits of the spiritual life Professor Thurman explains the abundant selection of ascetic practices on offer from the various schools of philosophy at the time and how these ideas can help any spiritual seeker, Buddhist or not.

Podcast Includes stories about the Buddha’s closest associates including: Jivaka Komarabhacca, his personal physician and the community’s doctor, his cousins Devadatta (who led the assassination by elephant attempt on his life) and Ananda his close friend, personal attendant and eventual inheritor of the reigns of leadership of the monastic community after his death + parinirvana.

Second half of the podcast begins with a definition of the terms Shramana (Skt. śramaṇa; Tib. དགེ་སྦྱོང་, gejong, Wyl. dge sbyong), Bhagavan (Skt. bhagavant; Tib. བཅོམ་ལྡན་འདས་, chomdendé; Wyl. bcom ldan ‘das) and a discussion on the secular nature of Buddha’s advice found within “The Samaññaphala Sutta”.

“Buddha’s Entourage: Ananda, Jivaka and Devadatta” is an excerpt from the Force For Good Class “The Samaññaphala Sutta : The Fruits of the Homeless Life” held at Tibet House US in New York City Winter 2016.

‘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 Studies and 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 Beyond Religion), His nonviolent approach to conflict resolution, including His Nobel Peace Laureate activities to seek dialogue and a win-win reconciliation with China in the face of the ongoing ethnicidal policies in Tibet (Freedom in Exile and Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of Tibet’s Dalai Lama) & along with his emphasis on positive activism (A New Real

Guiding a meditation and a traditional Dharma teaching from “the happiest place on earth” Professor Thurman begins this two part podcast discussing the Buddha’s insight into the psychosis at the heart the suffering of individuals, groups and in society as a whole.

Recounting the Dalai Lama‘s teaching on his personal experiences with the ethics of showing compassion for mosquitoes given to a panel of scientists Professor Thurman humorously elucidates the concept of Abhidharma– the categories of Buddhist scriptures, ontology and theories of consciousness within the framework of the theory of spiritual salvation.

Second part of this podcast includes an extended guided meditation on compassion recorded outdoors surrounded by Bhutan’s unique audio soundscape of birds, wind and dynamic citizens.

This podcast was recorded during the Tibet House US + GeoEx Trip lead by Robert AF Thurman and Brent Olsen to Bhutan in January, 2012.

“Pilgrimage : Psychosis, Mosquitoes + Compassion – Ep. 163 of the Bob Thurman Podcast” is apart of the “Buddhist Pilgrimage Series” using field recordings of Robert AF Thurman and friends from his global docent tours benefiting the work of Tibet House US.

To listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert AF Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To Learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

“Pilgrimage : Psychosis, Mosquitoes + Compassion – Ep. 163 of the Bob Thurman Podcast” Photo by Christopher Michel, Used with permission.

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.

To learn about upcoming Tibet House US trips Robert Thurman + GeoEx please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

Teaching from the pilgrimage sites in Bodhgaya Professor Thurman opens this podcast with a discussion of how the Buddha redefined the concept of truth and how modern language about Buddhism is influenced by it’s early translation by scholars attempting to frame it’s philosophy of mind training into Western religious equivalencies.

Guiding a close reading of Shantideva‘s “Guide to the Bodhisatva’s Way of Life” and the Centrist Commentaries on the Kalachakra tantra Robert AF Thurman in this two part podcast discusses how an understanding of non-dualism and emptiness can form the basis for deepening one’s wisdom and compassion.

Podcast includes a discussion of apperception, Vipassana (Insight Meditation), Shamatha (Calm Abiding Meditation), James Cameron’s “Avatar,” Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden”, the Buddhist understanding of yoga and concludes with a thought experiment on the causal narratives and habitual stories that contribute to suffering and unskillful behavior.

This podcast was recorded during the Tibet House US + GeoEx Trip lead by Robert AF Thurman to the 34th Kalachakra Empowerment with the Dalai Lama in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India in January, 2017.

“Pilgrimage : Deepening Wisdom and Compassion – Ep. 162 of the Bob Thurman Podcast” is apart of the “Buddhist Pilgrimage Series” using field recordings of Robert AF Thurman and friends from his global docent tours benefiting the work of Tibet House US.

To listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To Learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

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.

To learn about upcoming Tibet House US trips Robert Thurman + GeoEx please visit: www.bobthurman.com.

In this two part podcast Mark Epstein M.D. joins Professor Thurman for a dialog on the Buddhist & Alcoholics Anonymous perspectives on addiction, depression, recovery and their strategies on how individuals can change their relationship to feelings of powerlessness.

Beginning with a recommendation of BBC’s long running Science Fiction Fantasy program ‘Dr. Who’ and a humorous take on the culinary history of civilization Robert Thurman gives a teaching on karma, compassion + emptiness suggesting alternative solutions on dealing with anger and one’s enemies.

Second half of the podcast opens with an in depth discussion on the relationship between powerlessness as taught by Alcoholics Anonymous and other Twelve Step programs of recovery and the Buddha’s teaching on emptiness.

Podcast concludes with Professor Thurman’s teaching on the Three Buddha’s of Western Liberal Education: Darwin, Marx & Freud.

The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous Photo by Mike Paradise, All Rights Reserved.

“Alcoholics Anonymous, Buddhism + Powerlessness” is an excerpt from the archive recordings from the Tibet House US retreat “Addiction, Depression & Recovery: Buddhist Psychological Insights for Mental & Spiritual Health in the Modern World Retreat” with Robert AF Thurman & Mark Epstein M.D., recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, Summer 2017.

To listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert AF Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To Learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

Previews are available on the Tibet House US YouTube Channel + Full Archive Recordings from the 2016 + 2017 Annual Retreat at Menla in the THUS Member Archives.  Tibet House US Member 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.

“Alcoholics Anonymous, Buddhism + Powerlessness – Ep. 161″ of the Bob Thurman Podcast” is apart of the Buddhism 101 series using classic teachings from the archives of Robert AF Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition.

To learn more about upcoming programs in the heart of the Catskills with Bob Thurman & Mark Epstein M.D. please visit: www.menla.us.

Joined by Foundation for the Sacred Stream's Isa Gucciardi Ph.D. Robert AF Thurman in this podcast discusses the power of creative and humorous rudeness as taught by Shantideva, Tibet's Dalai Lama and by his beloved teacher: wife of fifty years Nena von Schlebrügge.

This two part podcast begins with Professor Thurman recounting personal stories from the Fourteenth Dalai Lama discussing the illusion of American Democracy, Mammon-ocracy (The Worship of Money), identity slippage and the origins of Shantideva’s name Bhusuku.

Guiding a thought experiment on the Royal Reason of Relativity, Robert Thurman examines the self identifying habit which without the development of empathy and direct experiential understanding of the interconnected nature of reality can lead to selfish absolutism and much of our every day suffering.

Second half of podcast begins with Isa Gucciardi Ph.D. inquiring about reincarnation as taught in the different schools of Buddhism and by the Dalai Lama

Podcast includes an overview of the Buddhist Biological point of view on evolution, how to develop empathy, the model of compassion found in the films of Bill Murray Films and Lutheran perspective on changing the world as heard on public radio's A Prairie Home Companion.

This episode include a special teaching of Professor Thurman's "trademark" Sleep Yoga which is given to over-night visitors to the Tibet House US Retreat Center and to Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

“Creative + Humorous Rudeness” is an excerpt from the panel discussion Foundation for The Sacred Stream's "Learning from Dying: Buddhist Understandings of Consciousness and Death with Isa Gucciardi Ph.D., Eve Ekman and David Bullard held at UCSF September 11th, 2017.

To learn more about Foundation for the Sacred Stream please visit: www.sacredstream.org.

To listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To Learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘

In this recording from his early days at Columbia University Professor Thurman explores Indo-Tibetan Buddhism in the intellectual setting of ancient India and Tibet, how it relates to modern philosophical thought and to the mindfulness revolution in popular culture.

Focusing on the Dialecticist Centrism found in the writings of Aryadeva, Dharmakīrti, Dignāga, Tsongkhapa, Vasubandhu & in the teachings of the 14th Dalai Lama Robert Thurman provides an academic perspective on the Buddha’s teachings on Karma, The Subtle Body system, Reincarnation and the Yogācāra school’s “Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma” framework as the ground work for a frank exploration of the esoteric concept of super knowledge.

Professor Thurman begins this podcast by detailing the cultural understanding + social context of the seemingly fantastical descriptions of psychic or super normal events found in Buddhist teachings + commentaries and a teaching on the indestructible drop or the “spiritual gene” residing in the heart chakra in the esoteric tantric system.

Second half of podcast includes a comparison of the different Buddhist logicians and their perspectives on the five aggregates or Skandhas, a suggestion of Bruce Lamb’s “Wizard of the Upper Amazon: The Story of Manuel Manuel Córdova-Rios” and a guided thought experiment for busy people of any era.

“Buddhist Inner Sciences: Super Knowledge For Busy People – Episode 159 of the Bob Thruman Podcast” photo, Created with love by Ryan McGuire via www.gratisography.com.

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.

“Buddhist Inner Sciences: Super Knowledge For Busy People” podcast is an excerpt from a course taught by Robert A.F. Thurman at Columbia University, focusing mainly on his book “The Central Philosophy of Tibet” – a study and translation of Jey Tsong Khapa’s “Essence of True Eloquence” (tib: drang nges legs bshad snying po)’, but also addressing material in Jey Tsong Khapa’s “Ocean of Reasoning” translated by Geshe Ngawang Samten & J Garfield, and in Aryadeva’s “Four Hundred Stanzas” translated by

Recounting stories from his last day teaching at Columbia University Robert AF Thurman opens this two part podcast with a discussion of Tsongkhapa’s “Essence of True Eloquence“, popularly known to Tibetans and those studying the Centralist Mind Training texts as “Tsongkhapa’s Iron Bow” due to it’s complexity as the ground for an in depth examination of the nature of Buddhahood + the subtle body system.

Providing a brief history of the Lam Rim: Stages of The Path teachings Professor in this podcast uses Vesna Wallace’s translation of “The Kālacakra Tantra: The Chapter on Sadhana” as a guide laying out the background and context of initiations + sadhana practices encountered when studying Tantric Buddhism.

Podcast includes a discussion of the Twenty Emptiness, The Dalai Lama’s First Incarnation, The Kings of Shambhala and a beginner’s lesson on Buddhist Non-Dualism.

Second half of the podcast is a traditional Dharma teaching on the Three Bodies of the Buddha (Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya & Nirmanakaya) and how the science fiction genre, through it’s incarnations on screens, in the pages of books and in popular imagination is a modern form of societal sadhana allowing collective visualization of possible futures and as a way to unlock the human potential hinted at in Buddhist Tantra.

Contrasting our modern materialistic terminal lifestyle which denies the interconnection of sensitive beings + the possibility of past + future lives with that of the Infinite Lifestyle as taught by the Buddha Professor Thurman re-frames the traditional translations of key terms found in Shantideva and in describing nirvana as bliss.

Opening this two part podcast with an overview of the Buddhist perspective on emptiness Robert AF Thurman leads a discussion on “Shantideva’s Bodhisatva’s Way to Life” & his book “Infinite Life” highlighting the lessons from each on patience, generosity, creativity + justice. Includes a discussion of the decimal system and the zero’s origins in ancient India, it’s linguistic + conceptual connections to Shunyata and the place of non-dualism in the Buddha’s Teachings.

“Bliss is more or less illegal in most cultures.”

Robert AF Thurman

In the second half Professor Thurman gives an overview of the Six Transendences ( Traditionally Known as the Six Perfections) beginning with a detailed examination of selfless compassion, the blissful nature of nirvana & Shantideva’s famous presentation of the yoga of patience as the antidote to anger/hate, with its three varieties of tolerant patience, insightful patience, and forgiving patience.

Podcast concludes with a short “exchanging self for other” guided meditation on Disney’s Living Dessert documentary.

“Bliss Suspicion & The Three Types of Justice” is an excerpt from the March 22, 2017 HH Dalai Lama’s A Force for Good: Buddhist Science Sources for Practices Beyond Religion Talk ‘Patience and Creativity Transcendences ’ by Robert AF Thurman recorded at Tibet House US in New York City.

To watch the full recordings from this + other past events 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.

‘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 Studies and 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” (

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.