Shows
Bob Thurman Podcast:A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Ganden ThurmanIn this episode Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Ganden Thurman, his son, for a conversation on the work and mission of Tibet House US. Ganden Thurman is the Executive […]2025-04-111h 03Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Ganden ThurmanIn this episode Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Ganden Thurman, his son, for a conversation on the work and mission of Tibet House US.
Ganden Thurman is the Executive Director of Tibet House US and its upstate retreat and conference center, Menla. He has served in this capacity since 2014 after working as THUS’ Director of Special Projects from 1996-2013.2025-04-111h 03
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Chanting and Practicing the Heart SutraThe 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 c...2022-09-0447 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Mindfulness & The Mahasatipatthana SuttaIn 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...2022-07-2054 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Taking Refuge Under the Wish Granting Jewel Tree of TibetUsing 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 devel...2022-06-2240 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!The Jeweled Treasure of Tibet: An Introduction & Overview of BuddhismIn 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...2022-05-2951 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Inconceivable Liberation and The Womb of CompassionIn 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 Rosar...2022-05-2157 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!In The Garden of Amrapali: Buddhism and the MultiverseOpening 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 Vajra...2021-09-1249 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Mandalas: Tools for TransformationIn 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...2021-07-3059 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Congratulatory Rejoicing: Tibetan Book of the DeadIn 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 study...2020-10-2457 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Team of Rivals: Buddhism & Vajra PoliticsExploring 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.2020-03-1000 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Past & Future Lives : Buddhism 101 Podcast BonusIn 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...2020-03-0700 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Bright Futures: Buddhism & Cultural CreativesIn 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 t...2020-02-2800 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Buddha's Noble Daughters : Buddhist Tantra for AllIn 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...2020-02-1400 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Hiking with the Medicine BuddhaIn 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...2020-02-0600 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Buddhism's Fifth Peak : Buddhist History 101Using 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...2020-01-0200 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Emptiness & Mandalas : Questioning BuddhismIn 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...2019-12-1900 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Preserving Tibetan Culture with Robert Thurman Podcast BonusIn 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...2019-12-1000 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Tibetan Path of Enlightenment : Podcast BonusIn 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’ Seri...2019-10-1700 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Department of Peace : Dream Team 2020 - Podcast BonueA 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...2019-10-0200 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Hatha & Vajrayana Yoga : Developing Traditions - Ep. 212Unwinding 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 scie...2019-08-1000 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Climate Change : Mother Earth in Crisis – Podcast BonusIn 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 incl...2019-07-1200 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!American Independence Day : Dream Team 2020 – Podcast BonusA 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...2019-07-0500 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Buddha & The Yogis : 2017 – Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesThe 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...2019-06-2900 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Celebrating Shakyamuni : Saka Dawa 2019 – Podcast BonusIn 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...2019-06-1700 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Yoga, Bliss & Mind : Buddhist Inner SciencesOpening 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...2019-06-0900 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!The Year of Tsongkhapa : Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesIn 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...2019-05-2800 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!My Early Years : Menla as a Force For GoodProfessor 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...2019-05-1200 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Sects, Orders & Consorts : Celebrating TsongkhapaIn 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...2019-03-3000 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Tibetan Secrets of Longevity : Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesIn 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...2019-03-2600 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Tibetan Medicine : Yuthok the Elder & Sowa Rigpa – Ep. 199Professor 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 Ro...2019-03-1000 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Buddha Soul – Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesIn 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 c...2019-02-2100 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Kalachakra Study 2017 – Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesProfessor 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...2019-02-1800 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Lucid Waking & Mindfulness PracticesIn 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 view...2019-02-1300 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!How to Make a BuddhaUsing 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 e...2019-02-0600 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya – Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesIn 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 jo...2019-01-3100 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Swimming & Sitting Under The Bodhi Tree – Ep. 196Teaching 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 tr...2019-01-2700 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Buddha & The Yogis : 2016 – Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesIn 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 t...2019-01-1300 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Tara, Yoga & Female Buddhas – Ep. 195In 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 hist...2019-01-0700 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Buddha Bliss & Kālachakra Yoga – Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesAn 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 traditio...2018-12-3000 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Infinite Lifestyle : Yoga & End of Year Celebrations – Ep. 194Opening 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...2018-12-2600 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Dharma and Yoga : Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesIn 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 ret...2018-12-1400 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Menla & Buddha’s Eight Fold Path – Ep. 193Robert 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 B...2018-12-1000 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Abuse in Buddhism : Gurus, Disciples & The Middle Way – Ep. 192Addressing 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 give...2018-12-0200 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Death & Deathlessness : Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesArchive 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, hel...2018-11-0300 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Compassionate Bliss of the Artist – Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesIn 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 i...2018-10-1000 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Land of the Thunder Dragon – Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesArchive 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...2018-10-0300 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Pilgrimage : Encountering the Buddha’s Bliss – Ep. 185Robert 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 betw...2018-09-3000 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Vimalakīrti’s Verses on Cool Heroes + Cool Heroism – Ep. 184Using 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...2018-09-2300 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Force For Good : Ati Yoga - Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesIn 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 pi...2018-09-1900 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!How To Build A Buddhaverse : Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesArchive 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 Vimalaki...2018-09-1100 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Vimalakīrti’s Verses On Buddhaverses + Bodhisatvas – Ep. 182Beginning 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 teach...2018-09-0800 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Shamans + Siddhas : Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesRecorded 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...2018-09-0500 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Tsongkhapa’s Kindness + Four Keys of Selflessness – Ep. 181In 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 S...2018-08-3100 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Buddha’s Inner + Healing Sciences – Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesIn 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...2018-08-2800 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Science & Poetry of Sleep, Dreaming and Death – Ep. 179In 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 Chen...2018-08-1300 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Mindfulness + Developing the Mind of the Bodhisattva Meditations – Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesThis 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 “Th...2018-08-0900 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Tsongkhapa’s Profound and Miraculous Wisdom – Ep. 177Studying 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...2018-08-0500 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Buddha + The Yogis (2011) Podcast Bonus RAFT ArchivesUsing 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 t...2018-07-3000 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Stunning the Mind with Yoga – Ep. 178Opening 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 incl...2018-07-2900 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Bias, Racism + BuddhismReincarnation 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...2018-07-1800 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Body as Holy Grail : Yoga, Breath + Imagination – Ep. 175In 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 Yo...2018-07-1100 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Principles of the Path : On + Off The Yoga Mat – Ep. 174In 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 introducti...2018-06-3000 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Managing Misery : A.A. and The Heart SutraDr. 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...2018-06-2500 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Remembering Those Who Struggle – Ep. 172In 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 an...2018-06-1600 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Pilgrimage : Deepening Wisdom and Compassion – Ep. 162Teaching 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...2018-04-0800 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Buddhism 101: Creative + Humorous Rudeness – Ep. 160Joined 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...2018-03-2400 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Super Knowledge For Busy People : Buddhism 101 – Ep. 159In 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...2018-03-1700 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Dakini & The Spa of Initiation – Ep. 154The 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 medi...2018-02-1100 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Cool Heroism in the Age of Americus Trumpus – Ep. 153The Call for Cool Heroism. It’s vanguard of grandmothers, wives, mothers, sisters & daughters are a modern day embodiment of the Buddha’s revolutionary, non-violent teachings of radical personal and social activism. In this two part podcast Robert A.F. Thurman gives an explanation of his concept of Inner Cool Revolutions, it’s relationship to Buddhist Education, Meditation, and politics, their connections to the modern grassroots #MeToo & #RiseUp movements, and a traditional Dharma teaching on how to use wisdom + fierce (as well as mild) compassion to best amplify our emergency efforts to create a more positive, suitable and equitable future...2018-02-0400 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Wheel of Dharma & Buddhism as Philosophy : Buddhist History 101 – Ep. 138In this podcast Professor Thurman discusses the concept of the Wheel of Dharma and the historical Buddha's role as the founder of a world philosophy within the complex religious landscape of India at the time of his teaching.
Opening with a humorous story on the Buddha's view on Theism including his meeting with Brahma & other Gods at the time of his Enlightenment, podcast provides an early history of the establishment of the Buddhist Monastic community & the reluctant acceptance of women within the Sangha.
Concludes with an overview of the Buddha's core discovery of the nature...2017-10-1300 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Shantideva: Justice & Generosity Transcendences – Ep. 136In this podcast Professor Thurman discusses the modern relevance of the Buddha’s Enlightenment, the key place of wisdom in choosing meditation practices and the centrality of understanding emptiness as the logical gateway to selflessness, compassion & generosity.
Using The Padmakara Group’s Translation of Shantideva’s ‘Way of the Bodhisattva‘ Fourth & Fifth Chapters on Generosity and Justice Transcendences Robert AF Thurman leads an examination of the basic concepts underlying the Buddhist understanding of justice, patience & generosity.
“According to legend, when Shantideva was a student at Nalanda, he was not well liked. The officials and students thought he w...2017-09-3000 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Buddhism 101 : The Four Noble Truths – Ep. 124In this podcast Professor Thurman provides the context of the Buddha’s Enlightenment before launching into a succinct explanation of The Four Noble Truths.
Opening this week’s episode with a discussion of the historical and spiritual setting in which the Buddha attained enlightenment, Robert A.F. Thurman gives an introduction to his discoveries and how they are applicable to modern society.
“A human being is a part of the whole, called by us, the ‘universe,’ – a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest, a kind...2017-06-3000 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Buddhism 101: Tibet’s Dalai Lama – Ep. 110Tibet’s Dalai Lama is one of the world’s most respected, influential & beloved yet little understood refugees. In this podcast Professor Thurman gives an overview of the life of the Buddha, The Four Noble Truths & their connection to the modern reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.
This podcast is a part of the Buddhism 101 Series using classic teachings from the Robert Thurman Archives to elucidate basic concepts + key figures from the tradition.
Excerpted from the talk “The Dalai Lama’s Millennial Ethic of Intelligent Nonviolence: Sources in Tibetan Buddhism and Prospects for Our Troubled World.”
Reco...2017-03-1800 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Nagas & The Qualities of Buddhahood – Ep 104This podcast begins with an introduction to the Buddhist wisdom nagas by Professor Thurman through recounting a story from HH Dalai Lama‘s visit to Menla Mountain & concludes with a reading from the AIBS Publication ‘Universal Vehicle Discourse Literature’.
Includes dialog with co-presenter Mark Epstein Ph.D & retreat participants.
To listen to more recordings from this & other past programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.
This podcast was recorded at the 2008 Tibet House US weekend Retreat with Mark Epstein at Menla Retreat in Phoenicia, NY.
This week’s episode’s of the B...2017-02-0500 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Pilgrimage : The Four Transcendences – Ep. 83In this podcast Professor Thurman discusses a famous Buddhist concept of the “four transcendences,” or the “four thoughts that change the mind”: 1. The preciousness of the human life of liberty and opportunity; 2. Realization of immediacy of death, empowering one to live one’s best in the moment; 3. The inexorability of the effects of one’s actions; and 4. The suffering of the “wheel of samsara” or “the ignorance-dominated life form.”
This episode was recorded in Bhutan as part of the Geographic Expedition called “Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon” led by Professor Thurman in April, 2014.
“Pilgrimage : The Four Transcendences –...2016-09-1000 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Pilgrimage : Ten Skillful Actions – Ep. 82In this podcast Professor Thurman explains how we can apply the tenfold path of positive/skillful evolutionary actions to shape our lives in a positive direction and improve our evolutionary conditions. This tenfold path is comprised of three physical skills, four verbal skills and three mental skills. In Dalai Lama’s book Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World they are referred to as secular ethics of body, speech and mind.
This episode was recorded in Bhutan as part of the Geographic Expedition called “Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon” led by Professor Thurman in April, 2014.
“Pilgr...2016-09-0300 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Vimalakīrti’s Verses : Illusion-like Samadhi – Ep. 71In this podcast Professor Thurman explores different stages of Buddhist meditation. When the ‘space-like equipoise samadhi’ disappears, what is there [left]? – Professor Thurman asks the audience and proceeds to answer: everything that was there before is there. But the meditator now sees appearances with the realization that they are like a reflection of the moon in water, like a magician’s trick, like magic, like illusion. This experience is called ‘the illusion-like aftermath samadhi’.
The episode was recorded on March 17, 2016 at the “Vimalakirti, Prajnaparamita & Avatamsaka Sutras” workshop at Tibet House India.
Photo by Yogesh Kumar on Unsplash
...2016-06-1700 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Pilgrimage : Tolerant Patience – What is it? – Ep. 70In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman talks about anger, patience and compassion. Explaining that the fuel for anger and intolerance is frustration and mental discomfort, Professor Thurman advises us not to let this build up, and instead learn how to use this energy skillfully.
Podcast includes an introduction to the history of Atisha, Shantideva & to Professor Thurman’s teaching on Creative + Humorous Rudeness.
This podcast was recorded during the Tibet House US + GeoEx Trip Indonesia trip “Spiritual Journey to Bali & Borobudur with Dr. Robert Thurman & The Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi” on March 27, 2016.
“Pilgr...2016-06-1100 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Vimalakīrti’s Verses : Buddhalands – Ep. 64In this podcast Professor Thurman explains what are Buddhalands and talks about different Buddhalands, based on the Vimalakirti Sutra, which he translated and has been teaching for nearly forty years.
“Vimalakīrti’s Verses : Buddhalands – Ep. 64” was recorded on March 17, 2016 at the “Vimalakirti, Prajnaparamita & Avatamsaka Sutras” workshop at Tibet House India.
Photo by Benjamin Balázs 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 and Tibet House Del...2016-04-2900 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Anger Management for Women – Ep. 59In Professor Thurman's view, men in our society are socialized to express their anger more readily than women and are expected to be generally more dominating. Women are socialized to be more patient and accepting. Some say, they should find their way to equality through expressing more anger. However, Professor Thurman continues, we would be wrong to think that aggressiveness is a strength; rather it is a weakness.
This episode was recorded on March 12, 2016 at the “Embracing the Sacred Feminine” Retreat at Menla Mountain Retreat, taught by Isa Gucciardi and Robert Thurman.
Anger Management for Women...2016-03-2600 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Sacred Feminine & Masculine : Buddhism 101 – Ep. 58In this episode Professor Thurman shares some secrets of a long marriage, talks about the relationship between sacred feminine and sacred masculine, and about the balance of the feminine and masculine energies in the world and inside of oneself.
Sacred Feminine and Sacred Masculine : Buddhism 101 - Ep. 58 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Digital Image by Adam Martinakis, All Rights Reserved.
This episode a part of the Buddhism 101 series using classic teachings from the archives of Robert A.F. Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition.
This episode was recorded on March 11, 2016 at...2016-03-1900 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Is the Goal of Buddhism to Become Nobody? – Ep. 57The reason why we sometimes think that the goal of Buddhism is just to become nobody is because we don't understand the concept of selflessness. Selflessness does not mean that we are nobody, it does not mean that we cease to exist. There is no way you can ever not exist, just as you cannot become nothing. In this podcast Professor Thurman continues to discuss the concept of selflessness.
Podcast includes a short introduction to the Buddhist perspective of emptiness and it's relationship with physics, a discussion of Nirvana and an explanation of the Buddha's non-dual relationship...2016-03-1200 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Why Be Mindful : Buddhism 101 – Ep. 54In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the meditation practices of the mindful revolution from a Buddhist perspective. He discusses its influence on the mind and some different ways it can be practiced: you can count your breath or you can say your mantra. When your mind wanders, you bring it back to the main focus and you disassociate yourself from distracting thoughts. In this way, you gain more control over your reactions and learn to develop a higher concentration.
“Why Be Mindful” Episode 54 of the Bob Thurman podcast is an excerpt from the lecture “Igniting the Bl...2016-02-1900 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Emptiness of Emptiness – Ep. 50In this episode Professor Thurman explains the concept of emptiness. Sometimes people think if they have an experience where things seem to melt into empty space, that it is a realization of emptiness. It is a valuable experience — as long as it’s not misinterpreted — however, it’s not a realization of emptiness. It can be called a threshold of realization of emptiness: the things that seem to be solid and differentiated melt into this sort of vast space. But then, the space itself is not there obstructing relative things that we perceive. The space itself is a space wherein...2016-01-1500 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Becoming Conscious of the Unconscious – Ep. 49In this episode Professor Thurman discusses how to deepen our mental realism about what we are, what our inner world & processes are by applying the famous Buddhist Eightfold Path.
There is a great difference between Buddhist psychology and Western psychology (not a religious difference, but a scientific one). Buddhist psychology does not accept that you have to be unconscious, and that you are going to be driven forever by unconsciousness drives and energies. Although the ordinary, habitual, instinctual driven person is driven by a huge unconscious, and Freud made a great discovery about it, yet we can...2016-01-0800 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Saints and Miracles : Tilopa, Marpa & Milarepa – Ep. 48In this podcast Professor Thurman shares the stories of great sinners transforming into great saints, of work-ability of the human mind and preciousness of human life. The miracle stories will go well with your celebratory New Year dinner!
Opening this podcast with an introduction to the Buddhist perspective human nature and on the individual's ability to transform themselves ethically through understanding and selfless compassion.
Podcast includes an exploration of the Tibetan saints (Bodhisattvas) Tilopa, Marpa & Milarepa lineage, the Six Yoga of Naropa, the use of channel grounds as meditative tools and a short history of...2015-12-3100 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!The Fast Path : Buddha & The Yogis – Ep. 34Tantric Buddhism is known as the fast path, meaning that it is possible to become enlightened in one or a few lives, instead of millions. In this podcast, Professor Thurman discusses how we can use our dreams to compress the virtue of many lives into one dream. He also speaks about the role of compassion, ethics and wisdom on the path.
This episode was recorded on June 8, 2011 at the "Buddha and Yogis: The Vajra Body" gathering at Menla Retreat, taught by David Swenson, John Campbell & Robert Thurman.
The Fast Path : Buddha & The Yogis - Episode 34...2015-09-1800 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Heart Sutra Part 2 : Buddhism 101 – Ep. 32This episode is a continuation of last week's episode on The Heart Sutra. In this episode, Professor Thurman discusses the questions: How does free will work? What does it mean that we are all effected by causes and conditions? He also discusses how shunyata, or voidness, is a scientific discovery, not just a mystic philosophy.
This episode was recorded on July 27, 2015 at the "Buddha and the Yogis" retreat at Menla Mountain Retreat, taught by David Swenson, John Campbell & Robert Thurman.
Heart Sutra : Part 2 – Episode 32 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image by Miles Neale.
Th...2015-09-0400 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Heart Sutra Part 1 : Buddhism 101 – Ep. 31The Heart Sutra is one of the most profound and widely studied texts in the Buddhist canon. In this episode, Professor Thurman reads the Heart Sutra, and explains the meaning as he goes along. This is the first of a two-part episode on the Heart Sutra.
This episode was recorded on July 27, 2015 at the "Buddha and the Yogis" retreat at Menla Mountain Retreat, taught by David Swenson, John Campbell & Robert Thurman.
Heart Sutra : Part 1 - Episode 31 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image by Miles Neale.
This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thur...2015-08-2800 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Vimalakīrti’s Verses : Deconstructing the Self – Ep. 30In this episode, Professor Thurman explains how to use analysis to realize non-duality. Deconstructing our habitual understanding of body, mind- everything you think of as solid and real dissolves under this analysis, and brings you into a state of samadhi. This is a powerful practice for deeply understanding the nature of things as they are.
“Vimalakīrti’s Verses : Deconstructing the Self” – Ep. 30 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded on July 24, 2015 at the “Hiking in the Catskills with Vimalakirti & Friends” retreat held at Menla Retreat.
Podcast Photo by dorota dylka on Unsplash
This week’s episode...2015-08-2100 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Meeting Vimalakīrti : Buddhism 101 – Ep. 29In this episode, Professor Thurman reads the first chapter of Vimalakirti, which he translated and has been teaching for nearly forty years. Thurman illuminates the meaning of the text, the historical context, and the various possible translations of important words and concepts that elucidate the Mahayana teaching.
Meeting Vimalakīrti- Episode Twenty Nine of the Bob Thurman Podcast via Wikimedia.
This episode was recorded on July 23, 2015 at the "Hiking in the Catskills with Vimalakirti & Friends" retreat held at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.
This week’s episode’s of the B...2015-08-1400 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!The Ethics of Enlightened Self-Interest – Ep. 24In this episode, Professor Thurman discusses Buddhist ethics, which he translates as the ten-fold path of skillful and unskillful action. Instead of right and wrong, Professor Thurman urges us to consider ethical behavior as any action that helps us evolve on the path toward enlightenment.
Helping others is the heart of skillful action, but it’s also in our best interest. When we realize we are all stuck in this universe together, lifetime after lifetime, it is in our enlightened self-interest to help all beings be happy and free from suffering. It is also the path to ou...2015-07-1000 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Pilgrimage : Buddhist Soul – Ep. 21In this episode, Professor Robert A.F. Thurman responds to the question: “Does Buddhism believe in a soul?” Buddhism teaches that we have no inherent self, so how can there be life after death and reincarnation? In a concise and humorous way, Professor Thurman explains the Buddhist understanding of existence, non-existence, and what is reborn.
This episode was recorded in Bhutan as part of the Geographic Expedition called “Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon” led by Professor Thurman on April 23, 2014.
“Pilgrimage : Buddhist Soul - Ep. 21 of the Bob Thurman Podcast” is apart of the “Buddhist Pilgrimage Ser...2015-06-1900 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Uncreated Mind : Buddhist Inner Sciences – Ep. 20In this lecture, Professor Thurman explains the concept of non-duality, and that emptiness doesn’t mean we don’t have a mind. Emptiness means we have an uncreated mind—it has always been there and it can never be destroyed. What this means is that we’re already in nirvana, we’ve always been in nirvana, and we can’t leave nirvana. But we can fail to enjoy it for a really long time!
This episode is an extract from a lecture given at Sacred Stream in Berkeley, California, on June 5, 2015.
The Uncreated Mind Episode 20 the Bob Thur...2015-06-1200 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!The Danger of “Just Meditate!” – Ep. 19Professor Thurman discusses the potential dangers of cultivating an empty mind without also developing proper understanding of what emptiness is. Just meditating with our default understanding of reality can temporarily dampen our worries, but it won’t completely overcome them. The danger is that we’ll think we’re already enlightened, and lose the motivation to completely transform our whole experience into a Buddhaverse.
“A true bodhisattva does not develop strong meditative prowess at the wrong time. The abilities you attain with deep contemplation—the abilities to isolate oneself from relationships, to deaden the emotions, to withdraw when encou...2015-06-0500 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Buddha and Yoga : Buddhist Yoga – Ep. 17In this episode Professor Thurman, Richard Freeman, and John Campbell compare and contrast the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Brilliant Illumination of the Lamp of the Five Stages. Bob and Richard discuss the opening verses of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
Podcast includes a discussion of atman, raja yoga, mahasiddhas, bliss, and the channels/nadis of the body.
Buddha and Yoga : Buddhist Yoga is an excerpt from “Buddha & the Yogis: The Vajra Body” given by Robert Thurman, Richard Freeman and John Campbell recordings from the Annual Tibet House US retreat “Buddha & the Yogis” recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Co...2015-05-2238 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Meditation & Mistaken Guru Yoga with Gelek Rimpoche – Ep. 13Introducing the Vimalakīrti Nirdeśha Sūtra, Gelek Rimpoche and Professor Thurman discuss mistaken relationships with Buddhist gurus and books, particularly in the West. They offer guidance for identifying a good guru and for maintaining a healthy relationship with the guru.
In monastic Buddhism, the abbot is not a big boss and obedience is not a big virtue for the Buddhist monk or mendicant. In the Mahayana tradition, the spiritual friend is a teacher emphasizing how you have to get out there and do your own bodhisattva deeds and become a Buddha.
“In the Tantr...2015-04-2432 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Buddhism 101: Reciting the Heart Sutra – Ep. 12Buddhism’s Heart Sutra is recited at the start of teachings, events & as a blessing. In this podcast Robert AF Thurman leads a recitation of The Heart Sutra and gives an introduction to it’s history.
Podcast concludes with Professor Thurman explaining how the practice of reciting The Heart Sutra is the key to understanding it’s teaching as a tool for mind transformation.
“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...2015-04-1733 min
Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!Buddhism 101: Buddhist Belief in Past & Future LifeIn this podcast Professor Thurman examines the modern scientific perspective on reincarnation (the Buddhist Belief in Past & Future Life), the work of Hermann von Helmholtz on the vital principle and their context within Western religious doctrine.
Analyzing the idea of non-existence after death and prior to conception, Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the requirement to re-calibrate one’s understanding of life in order for the mind training practices of the Buddha to become useful.Buddhism 101: Buddhist Belief in Past & Future Life Photo by Filip Wolak via Flickr.
Recorded in Ladakh during Robert Thurman’s 2014 Kalachakra Trip...2015-02-0627 min