Mind & Life

Bob Thurman - Wisdom is Bliss

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In this episode, Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar and author Robert (Bob) Thurman. Bob is one of the foremost scholars in the world on Tibetan Buddhism, and played a major role in bringing Buddhism to America. This conversation covers many topics, including:

  • his entry into Buddhism, and befriending the Dalai Lama;
  • links between Buddhism and science (and why Buddhism is 1/6 religion);
  • problems with scientific materialism;
  • enlightenment and emptiness;
  • stories of the Buddha leaving home;
  • four friendly fun facts (noble truths);
  • realistic vs. right approaches on the path;
  • jumping into bliss prematurely;
  • Buddhist ethics;
  • practices to push against essentialism;
  • the key role of compassion in enlightenment;
  • how he thinks about reincarnation and continuation of consciousness;
  • the role of science on the contemplative path;
  • and Bob's parting fun fact.

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