Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!

By Robert A.F. Thurman

Society & Culture Philosophy Religion & Spirituality Spirituality Buddhism

What's Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun! about?

Professor Robert A.F. Thurman’s official podcast covers diverse topics including Tibetan Buddhism, Buddhist Studies, spirituality, Tibetan Culture, Asian history, philosophy, Eastern Ideas, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

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Tibet House US | Menla Conv...

03.15.2023

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, ...

Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun! episodes:

03.15.2023 Tibet House US \| Menla Conversation with Geshe Dangsong Namgyal – Ep. 323 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, ...
02.11.2023 Meeting Vimalakirti – Ep. 322 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. ...
02.02.2023 Understanding Transcendence & Freedom From Absolutism – Ep. 321 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 ...
01.26.2023 The Three Jewels of Buddhism in India, China & Tibet – Ep. 320 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 ...
01.18.2023 Tara & Women in the Buddhist Sangha – Ep. 319 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 ...
01.11.2023 Sangha & The Wheel of Dharma: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 318 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 ...
01.04.2023 Bliss, Tantra & Selflessness: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 317 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, ...
12.28.2022 Understanding Tantra, Zen & Vajrayana: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 316 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 ...
12.21.2022 Vipassana & Samatha Meditation Under The Jewel Tree of Tibet – Ep. 315 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) ...
12.15.2022 Tibet House US \| Menla Conversation with Lorna Byrne – Ep. 314 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: ...
12.07.2022 Understanding Karma & Causality in Vajrayana: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 313 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 ...
11.24.2022 Thanksgiving and the Power of Compassion for All Beings – Ep. 312 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 ...
11.16.2022 Transcendent Wisdom, The Root of Liberation: Jewel Tree of Tibet – Ep. 311 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 ...
11.06.2022 Life, Love and Enlightenment – Ep. 310 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 ...
10.31.2022 Understanding Selflessness & Clearlight: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 309 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 ...
10.19.2022 Mind Reform: Becoming the Engine of Happiness for All – Ep. 308 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 ...
10.06.2022 The Buddha’s Enlightenment: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 307 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 ...
09.28.2022 Developing Bodhichitta – The Spirit of Enlightenment: Tibet’s Wish Granting Jewel Tree – Ep. 306 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 ...
09.15.2022 Motivation of the Bodhisattva: The Jeweled Treasure of Tibet – Ep. 305 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 ...
09.04.2022 Chanting and Practicing the Heart Sutra – Ep. 304 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 ...
08.25.2022 A Tibet House US \| Menla Conversation with Machiel Klerk – Ep. 303 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 ...
08.18.2022 The Truth of Karma & Being Here Now Under The Wish Fulfilling Jewel Tree of Tibet – Ep. 302 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 ...
08.10.2022 My Early Years: Dreams, Psychedelics & The Teachings of Tsongkhapa – Ep. 301 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 ...
07.28.2022 Atlas, Buddha & Letting The World Go: The Jeweled Treasure of Tibet – Ep. 300 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 ...
07.20.2022 Mindfulness & The Mahasatipatthana Sutta – Ep. 299 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. ...
07.09.2022 Song of Immortality: Celebrating the Dalai Lama – Ep. 298 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 ...
06.29.2022 Understanding the Buddha’s Dharma: Creating Action from Anger – Ep. 297 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 ...
06.22.2022 Taking Refuge Under the Wish Granting Jewel Tree of Tibet – Ep. 296 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 ...
06.14.2022 Celebrating The Buddha’s Enlightenment & Kindness on Saka Dawa – Ep. 295 In this message celebrating the full moon day of celebration of the birth, enlightenment and passing of the historical Buddha, Professor Thurman gives an extended teaching on how Saka Dawa is celebrated by Tibetans across the world. Saka Dawa, named ...
05.31.2022 Gun Violence in America: A Buddhist Perspective – Ep. 294 In this episode Robert Thurman gives an impassioned and direct call to action for Americans to immediately address the decades of school shootings and senseless gun violence happening across the country, highlighting the forces behind the political deadlock preventing sensible ...
05.29.2022 The Jeweled Treasure of Tibet: An Introduction & Overview of Buddhism – Ep. 293 In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman gives a historical introduction to Buddhism, it's creation, development and refinement in Tibet using the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment teachings and the text "Guru Puja," or "The Devotion to the Mentor" by ...
05.21.2022 Inconceivable Liberation and The Womb of Compassion – Ep. 292 In this episode Robert Thurman leads a close line reading of the sixth chapter of “The Holy Teachings of Vimalakirti”, giving an all-levels teaching on the inconceivable nature of the Buddha’s enlightenment, Buddhist emptiness and the nature of love as ...
04.30.2022 Climate Protests & Body Immolation: Remembering Wynn Bruce – Ep. 291 In this episode Robert Thurman opens with a recitation from Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth” to set the stage for an impassioned discussion of the global climate crisis, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the recent horrendous direct action protest by Wynn Bruce ...
04.24.2022 Earth Day Every Day & Understanding The World’s Third Pole – Ep. 290 In this episode Tibet House US \| Menla President & Co-Founder Robert A.F. Thurman sits down for a heart-centered talk about Buddhist perspectives on the environment, Earth Day and the importance of rallying the modern environmental movement’s understanding of the ...
04.20.2022 The Art of Dying and Living: Exploring Life, Death & the Afterlife – Ep. 289 In this extended episode, recorded at Menla during the online conference “The Art of Dying and Living: An Exploration of Life, Death, and the Afterlife”, Robert Thurman shares insights and lessons from his study of Buddhism and translation of the ...
03.31.2022 Never Forget Tibet: The Untold Story of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama – Ep. 288 In this episode Robert Thurman discusses the world premiere of the film “Never Forget Tibet: The Dalai Lama’s Untold Story”, happening worldwide March 31st, as well as the historical connections to the current Russian invasion of Ukraine. The feature-length documentary ...
03.16.2022 Bodhisattvas & The Buddha On Defensive Wars: Remembering Tibet & The Ukraine – Ep. 287 In this extended podcast Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the significance of March 10th in Tibetan history, it's connections to the Ukraine and gives a teaching on the historical Buddha's perspective on conflict and engaging in defensive wars. Opening with a ...
03.03.2022 Ukraine, Russia & The Buddha’s Wisdom – Ep. 286 In this special episode, Robert Thurman pays tribute to the heroic citizens of Ukraine and their president Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the invasion and attempted occupation by Russia. Celebrating President Zelenskyy’s former career as a comedian, Robert Thurman makes a call ...
02.20.2022 My Early Years: Exploring The Mahāsatipatthāna Sutta – Ep. 285 Recounting his early days studying with Geshe Ngawang Wangyal, Robert Thurman in this episode gives a teaching on practicing meditation and the Buddhist perspective on mindfulness through a close line reading of the The Mahāsatipatthāna Sutta. The four focuses of ...
02.10.2022 Dzogchen: The Great Connection and The Five Aggregates – Ep. 284 Opening with a question by Traditional Tibetan medicine pioneer, author and fellow popularizer of the Buddhist inner and outer sciences, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Professor Thurman explores the delicate translation of mind science terminology and details the Five Aggregates as taught ...
01.29.2022 Thank you Thay: Celebrating the Art, Wisdom and Kindness of Thich Nhat Hanh – Ep. 283 In this episode Robert Thurman shares personal stories and a historical perspective on the life, work and writings of Thich Nhat Hanh. Opening with the Buddhist perspective on death and the bardo states outlined in the "The Tibetan Book of ...
01.25.2022 Facing Death to Come Fully Alive – Ep. 282 In this episode Robert Thurman gives a teaching on impermanence and the power of contemplating one’s mortality to inspire action, nurture gratitude, transform relationships, and prioritize what truly matters. Opening with a refutation of Buddhism as a life-rejecting philosophy, this ...
01.14.2022 A Tibet House US \| Menla Conversation with Dr. David Kittay & Robert Thurman- Ep. 281 In this episode Robert Thurman is joined by fellow Tibetan language translator, author, and inner-science adventurer, Dr. David Kittay for a conversation on bliss, everyday ethics, contemporary Buddhism, the Eightfold Path, and the Four Noble Truths. Opening with an introduction ...
01.08.2022 Bridging Body, Mind & Breath with Yoga Wisdom – Ep. 280 Sharing insights from his study of “The Flower Ornament Sutra” and his exploration of the Bhakti devotion tradition with Krishna Das, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the value of generous, selfless intention when developing spiritual understanding and compassionate abilities ...
12.29.2021 Hey Noble Ones: Jesus, Avalokiteshvara and All Buddhas – Ep. 279 Beginning this episode with a reading from “The Tibetan Book of the Dead: The Great Book of Natural Liberation Through Understanding in the Between” Professor Thurman uses his translation as a guide to the rich spiritual and emotional tools found ...
12.16.2021 Wisdom, Empathy, and Compassion: Shantideva’s Gifts to the World – Ep. 278 Using the sixth and eighth chapters of Shantideva's "A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life" as a guide Professor Thurman in this episode gives a teaching on the development of compassion and explores the interrelated history of Buddhism, Hinduism ...
12.07.2021 Expressing Gratitude, Compassion and Generosity – Ep. 277 In this episode Robert Thurman shares an inspirational message of gratitude, compassion and hope for listeners of all faiths, backgrounds, and situations. Opening with an introduction to the Bodhisattva's Path, Professor Thurman gives an extended teaching on generosity using his ...
11.25.2021 Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Philip Goldberg and Robert Thurman – Ep. 276 Opening with a recommendation of "Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times" by Philip Goldberg, Robert Thurman in this episode sits down with its author for a far ranging discussion on Western Spirituality, Meditation, climate change, Paramahansa Yogananda, and Tibet's Fourteenth Dalai ...
10.31.2021 Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Laura Galloway & Robert Thurman – Ep. 274 In this heart centered conversation spanning from the remote Arctic communities of Norway to the compassionate wisdom contained in everyone, Robert Thurman is joined by author and explorer of inner and outer landscapes, Laura Galloway, to discuss the creative inspiration ...
10.25.2021 Chicken and the Egg: Bardos, Buddhas and Buddhist Cosmology – Ep. 273 Opening the imaginative gateways using the miss-titled "Tibetan Book of the Dead" as his guide, Robert Thurman in this episode gives a teaching on the Buddhist perspective on the origins of the universe, emptiness, and selflessness. Using stories from his ...

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