Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!

Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. holds advanced degrees in cultural and linguistic anthropology, comparative religion, and transpersonal psychology. She has trained extensively in spiritual, therapeutic, and meditative techniques from diverse traditions and was an early pioneer in integrating shamanic and Buddhist perspectives into clinical practice. As the Founding Director of the Sacred Stream, she developed the transformative therapeutic model Depth Hypnosis and the innovative conflict resolution process Coming to Peace. Isa’s interdisciplinary approach bridges academic inquiry and experiential practice, and has helped thousands of people cultivate greater clarity, balance, and well-being. She is the author of three books, speaks six languages, and teaches and lectures both nationally and internationally. To learn more please visit: www.sacredstream.org.

Robert Thurman sits down with Annie Bien co-author of The Magical Adventures of the Sixth Dalai Lama: His Life and Loves for an in-depth discussion of the book and life of the Sixth Dalai Lama.

Annie Bien has published two poetry collections, Plateau Migration, and Under Shadows of Stars, won a LISP flash fiction prize, an A3 Press Pamphlet prize for Messages from Under a Pillow which includes her illustrations. She is an English translator from Tibetan into English at 84000, teaches meditation and Qigong at Tibet House US. She is co-author with Robert Thurman on The Magical Adventures of the Sixth Dalai Lama: His Life and Loves. Tibet House US. www.anniebien.com/

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman sits down with Carolyn Sharp to discuss relationships, mindfulness and meditation.

Carolyn Sharp always knew she wanted a career in helping people. She earned a master of social work from Portland State University and has extensive training in atachment, neuroscience, trauma, and mindfulness. Today, she is an experienced couples therapist with twenty-fve years of training and practce in helping people build vital, vibrant, and secure functoning relatonships through one-on-one and group couples coaching, workshops, retreats, and intensives. She combines her passion for helping people with her widespread experience to create the healthiest and happiest relatonships possible. 

To learn more about Carolyn Sharp please follow her online: www.secureconnectionsretreats.com

In 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.

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Tamala Floyd for a far ranging conversation on psychotherapy, meditation, ancestors and Tamala’s book Listening When Parts Speak.

Tamala Floyd, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, IFS lead trainer, consultant, author, and speaker with over 25 years of experience.

She received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California and an undergraduate degree in psychology from California State University–Long Beach. She has taught at the University of Phoenix and the University of Southern California in human services and social work.

Her work focuses on women’s trauma, mothering, and relationship issues, helping women identify and heal emotional wounds that impede their success and coaching them in achieving fulfilling life goals.  

Tamala leads workshops in the US and around the world.  She enjoys living as a Nomad – going with the flow.   For further information, go to:  tamalafloyd.com

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Osprey Orielle Lake for a far ranging conversation on mindfulness, meditation, shamanism and Osprey’s book The Story is in the Bones.

Founder and executive director of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), Osprey Orielle Lake works internationally with grassroots, BIPOC and Indigenous leaders, policymakers, and diverse coalitions to build climate justice, resilient communities, and a just transition.

She sits on the executive committee for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature and on the steering committee for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Osprey’s writing about climate justice, relationships with nature, women in leadership, cultural transformation and other topics has been featured in The Guardian, Earth Island Journal, The Ecologist, Ms. Magazine and many other publications. She is the author of the award winning book, The Story is in Our Bones: How Worldviews and Climate Justice Can Remake a World in Crisis.

In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman continues his extended conversation with Chandra Easton author of the new book “Embodying Tara: Twenty-One Manifestations to Awaken Your Innate Wisdom”.

Matteo Pistono is a writer, meditation teacher, and conscious breathing guide. His Breathe How You Want to Feel: Your Breathing Tool Kit for Better Health, Restorative Sleep, and Deeper Connection is a how-to book for upgrading your nervous system to live your optimal life physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Matteo has authored numerous books including, Meditation: Coming To Know Your Mind, Fearless in Tibet and In The Shadow of the Buddha. He teaches conscious breathing and meditation to individuals and groups in-person as well as online. 

Matteo began his spiritual journey over 30 years ago while living in Nepal and Tibet. Informed by his study of Buddhism, Vedanta, and Hatha Yoga, extensive periods of solitary meditation, and pilgrimages across sacred Himalayan landscapes, Matteo offers an engaged approach to ancient wisdom traditions. Matteo maintains a daily yoga asana, pranayama, and meditation practice.  

Matteo earned a Masters in Indian Philosophy from the University of London, and his writings have appeared in The Washington Post, BBC, Buddhadharma, Tricycle, Men’s Journal, Kyoto Journal, and HIMAL South Asia.

Matteo and his wife surf and ride mountaiin bikes from their home in Southern California. 

Henry Shukman is a teacher in the Sanbo Zen lineage and has trained in various other meditation schools and practices. After a spontaneous spiritual awakening at the age of 19, he embarked on a long journey of healing and deeper awakening, guided by Roshis John Gaynor, Joan Rieck, Ruben Habito, and Yamada Roshi, international abbot of Sanbo Zen, who ultimately appointed him a teacher in 2010. Since then he has been leading a growing number of practitioners on the path of awakening, in Europe and the US. He has also been authorized to teach Mindfulness by Shinzen Young, and is a certified dreamwork therapist. He is the Spiritual Director Emeritus of Mountain Cloud Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. To learn more please visit: www.henryshukman.com.

Impromptu talk given at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa on Easter Weekend 2024 to a gathering of Yogi/nis.

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the importance of democracy and democratic processes to help fight the current challenges being faced globally from climate change to wars in Ukraine and Israel. 

In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman sits down to have an extended conversation with Chandra Easton author of the new book “Embodying Tara: Twenty-One Manifestations to Awaken Your Innate Wisdom”.

In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman discusses Shambhala, Politics & Climate Change and shares a Thanksgiving 2023 message of hope & gratitude with his listeners.

David H. Rosmarin PhD is the author of Thriving with Anxiety: 9 Tools to Make Your Anxiety Work for You (Harper Collins). He is an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, a program director at McLean Hospital, and founder of Center for Anxiety, which provides services to over 1,000 patients/year in multiple states. Dr. Rosmarin is an international expert on spirituality and mental health, whose work has been featured in Scientific American, the Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. He can be reached via his website www.dhrosmarin.com

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the 14th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States as a way for dealing with the political chaos now being created in the House of Representatives and uses it as a launching point to address the wars in Ukraine & Israel. 

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses the first turning of the wheel of Dharma on Cho-khor Duchen, the day of the Tibetan calendar celebrating the historical Buddha’s first teachings after gaining enlightenment. This episode includes a discussion of his latest book, “Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life” and the Four Noble Truths.

A special personal  invitation to the upcoming online & in-person initiation and retreat, “Vajrayoga Yamantaka Intensive with His Eminence the 11th Lelung Rinpoche“, from Robert A.F. Thurman. This podcast includes a brief biography of Lelung Rinpoche and explanation of the Yamantaka practices being taught at the hybrid event held at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa, Summer 2023.

Opening with a recommendation of the upcoming online event with Jai Dev Singh, “Treasure Teachings from the Naga Dragons: Mahayana Tantra and Kundalini Yoga“, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of non-violence in light of the recent conflict in Ukraine.

In this episode Robert Thurman celebrates summer solstice by sharing updates about his latest book, “Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life”, Tibet’s Fourteenth Dalai Lama, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi recent visit to the United States, and about the on-going conflict in Ukraine.

Image via Shutterstock.com

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses the recent viral video of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet with a young boy addressing the context and background behind the edited attack campaign.

To learn more and to watch the full video, please visit: https://youtu.be/bT0qey5Ts78.

Photo of His Holiness the Dalai Lama via www.shutterstock.com.

In this celebratory episode, Robert Thurman discusses the Christian holiday Easter, giving a teaching on Jesus the Rabbi and Christianity’s role in modern-day politics and everyday life in the West.

Opening with a short history of early Christianity, this episode includes discussions of: the value of interfaith dialogue, the New Testament, the role of non-violence in conflict resolution, the Russian occupation and invasion of Ukraine, and how those of all backgrounds can find insight and inspiration in the story and lessons of Jesus Christ.

In this episode Robert Thurman is joined by Geshe Dangsong Namgyal, author, teacher, and founder of the Kunsang Gar Wisdom program in Santa Cruz, California.  

“Geshe’s primary intention is to bring the ancient teachings of Bön and Buddhism to light, helping students reduce suffering and attain realization. His Kunsang Gar Wisdom program incorporates foundational philosophy and psychology, mental development, and the quintessential Dzogchen view. Developing an understanding of ancient scripts, Geshe is uniquely able to decipher and translate rare spiritual texts. It is his intention to preserve as many texts as possible. Geshe has published numerous books in Tibetan and has now begun making his teachings available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.”

-From Geshe Dangsong Namgyal’s website

Opening with an introduction to Geshe Dangsong Namgyal’s teaching activities, this episode includes an in-depth dialogue on Bön, Dzogchen, and Rime.

To learn more about the work and teachings of Geshe Dangsong Namgyal, please visit: www.dangsongnamgyallama.org.

Opening this episode with a line reading of the first chapter of “The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti Sutra,” Robert Thurman gives a teaching on nirvana, non-duality and the nature of enlightenment, and the bodhiasattva’s building of a buddhaland or buddhaverse.

This episode includes overviews of chapters two through five of “The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti Sutra” introducing the central figures, themes and setting of the sutra.

“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.

Manjushri Podcast thumbnail photo via www.shutterstock.com.

Opening with a discussion of transcendence in Buddhist science and philosophy, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on selflessness, transcendent wisdom, and the key of how to develop freedom from absolutism in order to cultivate altruism and interconnection with all beings and reality.

This podcast includes a discussion on how understanding selflessness leads beyond space-like equipoise samadhi to natural focus on universal love and compassion, intensifying the desire to be of benefit to oneself and all others.

The episode concludes with a line reading of the first chapter of “The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti Sutra,” with a discussion of the infinite multiverse and Buddha Lands (or Buddhaverses) as taught by the historical Buddha in his Mahayana Sutras, disclosing his Universal Vehicle 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 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 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.